Perfect for the DIY Dinner Party.
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Looking for an easy dinner that the whole family can participate in? All you have to do is bake the potatoes, prep the toppings, and voilà! You’ve got a simple, savory rainbow to choose from at your table. This is one of the greatest ways to get creative with everyone and experiment with flavor combos; it makes for a fun party activity or Friday night meal with the fam.
This is both an easy and affordable meal, and you can make it even more so by asking your guests to bring their favorite topping and make it a potluck. My friends and I often do this with salad bars, too and it’s the same kind of idea… that way, everyone’s tastes and dietary preferences are accounted for.
Is a Baked Potato Bar Healthy?
While potatoes are sometimes judged harshly for being a “lesser vegetable,” they’re actually rich in potassium and fiber which support cellular health and digestion. Thus they make the perfect base, and the fact that they’re baked instead of fried is also a win. The best part of this recipe is that you get to pick your toppings, so you have full control of just how healthy it will be and what kind of diet you want to appease. Whether you want to go more meaty or more garden-fresh, the best options are organic and local if possible.
Sweeten the “DIY” Deal…
Sometimes, I like to swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for an extra boost of nutrition and sweetness. This also changes the kind of toppings to choose from… You could go the classic bacon bits route for a salty-sweet combo, or for the same effect sprinkle the sweet potato with roasted walnuts or pecans. Yogurt or coconut cream as alternatives to sour cream is also a fun idea, or whipped cream and mini chocolate chips if you want to completely change it from a dinner to a dessert. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it! This recipe is ripe with possibilities and new experiments.
INGREDIENTS
- Potatoes (russet, sweet, or white)
- Cooking oil
- Salt & pepper
- Salted butter, sliced
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Feta cheese
- Chopped fresh chives
- Sautéed sliced mushrooms
- Crumbled crispy bacon
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Avocado, sliced
- Chili
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Preheat the oven and get your potatoes ready for baking.
Pierce
Make holes in the potatoes to let steam escape.
Season
Coat the potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake
Cook the potatoes until they’re soft and tender.
Prepare Toppings
Ready all your delicious toppings while the potatoes bake.
Fluff
Let the baked potatoes cool, then open and fluff them up.
Assemble
Set up the toppings bar for guests to enjoy.
Serve
Let everyone build their perfect potato and then dig in!
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
This recipe is very easy to make ahead and store; all you need to do is bake the potatoes ahead of time and place in a well-sealed container in the fridge. Store each topping separately so as to maintain their integrity and prevent mushiness. I recommend serving within a day or two of storing, to ensure maximum freshness.
Already made and assembled leftovers can be stored in fridge-safe containers for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
If you’re baking the potatoes earlier in the day and want to keep them warm for when your guests arrive, wrap them in foil and keep them in the oven at 200 degrees F. You could also brush them with butter or olive oil to maintain moisture and abundant flavor.
For a crispier potato skin, consider coating the buttered or oiled potato in a mixture of salt and cornstarch. You could also pre-crisp the potatoes by frying them in oil before baking (especially if they’re on the smaller side).
On the other hand, wrapping the potatoes in foil will make the potatoes soft rather than crispy, so this is a good route to follow if you’re looking for an extra moist and tender gold nugget.
Whichever you choose, remember to poke a few delicate holes into the potato skins to ensure even cooking throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from topping suggestions (which are practically endless), there are some pretty sweet sides that go great with your bountiful baked potato…
For a gluten-free twist on a classic, try Zucchini Noodle Mac and Cheese and enjoy some fresh greens with your hearty tater.
Evoking the perfect picnic vibe, Macaroni Salad is another great option that kids especially love. (You can even replace regular noodles with gluten-free if you need.)
Baked Potato Bar
Ingredients
- Potatoes russet, sweet, or white
- Cooking oil
- Salt & pepper
- Salted butter sliced
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Feta cheese
- Chopped fresh chives
- Sautéed sliced mushrooms
- Crumbled crispy bacon
- Cherry tomatoes halved
- Avocado sliced
- Chili
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
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Pierce the potatoes with a fork several times. This allows steam to escape during baking.
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Rub the potatoes with cooking oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
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Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
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While the potatoes are baking, prepare your toppings: slice butter, grate cheese, chop chives, sauté mushrooms, cook and crumble bacon, halve tomatoes, slice avocado, and heat chili.
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Once the potatoes are done, let them cool for a few minutes, then slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
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Set up your toppings bar: arrange the toppings in separate bowls and invite your guests to customize their potatoes.
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DEVOUR!
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