Alex and I often do this when we’re feeding a crowd, and everyone always loves it! There are endless ideas for customizing the meal, and it lets every eater get creative by choosing what they like. Here’s how to make a loaded baked potato bar, and some of our favorite topping ideas!
Classic: Sour cream, high quality cheddar, chives, bacon or coconut bacon Mexican: Pico de gallo, corn, black beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, cilantro Lox: Smoked salmon, chives, cream cheese Chili: Chili, cheddar cheese, green onion, sour cream Broccoli Cheddar: Sauteed broccoli, sour cream, cheese sauce or vegan queso Nacho: Taco meat or vegan taco meat, refried beans, cheddar cheese, nacho cheese or vegan nacho cheese, salsa, sliced green onions, chopped lettuce, pickled jalapenos, crushed tortilla chips Ranch: Sauteed vegetables, ranch dressing (or vegan ranch), chickpeas or shredded chicken, chopped chives Fajita: Fajita veggies, refried beans or pinto beans, sour cream, shredded cheese
Sweet potatoes are also a great choice! They have slightly more fiber and different vitamins, as well as a beautifully sweet flavor. Interestingly, they’re similar in nutrition to the russet potato (see Sweet Potatoes vs White Potatoes).
Classic: For a whole baked potato, rub the skin with olive oil and prick with a fork. Place on the oven grates and bake at 425°F 20 minutes, then flip and bake 25 minutes more until fork tender (or more, depending on the size). Quick baked method: For a quick baked potato, cut the potatoes in half, rub with olive oil prick with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 25 to 35 minutes, until tender. Mash the tops with a fork before serving. Grilled: Go to Grilled Baked Potato for instructions.
Make a baked potato bar. Set out the baked potato toppings in small bowls and let each eater top the potatoes as they choose. Accessorize with a green salad. Pair the starchy potato with a fresh green salad. Some ideas for pairing are this arugula salad, chopped salad, kale salad, tossed salad, or Mexican salad.
5 from 1 review Sheet pan dinners are another great option, like this veggie-filled sheet pan dinner, salmon and asparagus, or sweet potato tacos. Lastly, we love a good quick pasta, like tortelloni or a tortellini skillet.
