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 served this baked potato bar for a family birthday dinner and everyone loved piling on their favorite toppings. It's a meal that always brings laughter and good conversation around the table.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 large russet potatoes scrubbed clean
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- 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
- Prep Baking Sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare 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.
- Prep Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake prepare the toppings: cook and crumble bacon if using chop vegetables and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Slice Potatoes:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Set Up Potato Bar:
- Serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save This meal brings everyone together as family members help set up and pick out their favorite toppings. It's become a go-to for game nights and simple celebrations.
Required Tools
Baking sheet fork small bowls for toppings knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (cheese butter sour cream yogurt) possible pork (bacon ham). Gluten-free (double-check processed toppings). For egg soy or nut allergies review labels of packaged products.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without bacon or optional extras: Calories: 340 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 58 g Protein: 10 g
Save Set out all your toppings and watch as guests build their own creations. A simple meal made memorable in just a few steps.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large russet potatoes are ideal for baking: their thick skins crisp nicely and interiors turn fluffy.
- → How do I ensure crispy potato skins?
Coat potatoes lightly with olive oil and kosher salt before baking at 425°F for about an hour to achieve crisp skins.
- → Can I prepare toppings ahead of time?
Yes, chopping vegetables and cooking bacon in advance makes serving faster and easier.
- → Are there vegan-friendly topping options?
Plant-based cheeses, non-dairy sour cream or yogurt, and additional vegetables can be used as vegan toppings.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the hearty potatoes and toppings nicely.
- → How to add variety to the toppings?
Include extras like sautéed mushrooms, chili, or pickled jalapeños for more flavor dimensions.