Save A fun interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable flavorful toppings for everyone to customize their own plate.
I first discovered the baked potato bar idea when hosting a weeknight dinner for friends: everyone raved about how fun and customizable it was plus I loved watching each person create their own favorite combination.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 large russet potatoes scrubbed clean 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt
- Classic Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) 4 green onions thinly sliced 4 tbsp unsalted butter 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Affordable & Inexpensive Toppings: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen corn thawed 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup steamed broccoli florets 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños sliced 1/2 cup salsa 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional Extras: 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 1/2 cup cooked chopped ham hot sauce or sriracha to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Season Potatoes:
- Prick each potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake prepare the toppings: cook and crumble bacon if using chop vegetables and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Slice and Fluff:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Set Up Bar:
- Set up the baked potato bar: serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save My kids love piling on their own toppings and it always turns dinner into a giggly relaxed family event with lots of sharing.
Required Tools
Baking sheet fork small bowls for toppings knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and possible pork gluten-free double-check processed toppings review labels for egg soy or nut allergies
Nutritional Information
Per serving without bacon or optional extras: calories 340 total fat 8 g carbohydrates 58 g protein 10 g
Save Serve immediately for the best texture and let everyone mix and match—this meal never gets boring.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Large russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their fluffy interior and sturdy skin, perfect for holding toppings.
- → Can this be made suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, substitute dairy toppings with vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternatives.
- → How should the potatoes be prepared for baking?
Prick potatoes with a fork, rub with olive oil, sprinkle kosher salt, and bake at 425°F until skins are crisp and insides tender.
- → What are some affordable topping ideas included?
Affordable options include black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, steamed broccoli, and pickled jalapeños.
- → How can I serve this for a group?
Arrange baked potatoes alongside bowls of various toppings buffet-style, allowing guests to customize each plate.
- → Are there any suggested beverage pairings?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager pairs nicely with the flavors of the potato bar.