A baked potato bar is an easy dinner idea that's also great for entertaining! Put together your favorite toppings so everyone can find something they like.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.
Buffets are a natural fit for the way I like to cook. It's easy to accommodate different dietary restrictions and everyone can find something they like.
One of my favorite buffets to serve is a baked potato bar. A baked potato bar is as simple as it is genius. It could be a busy weeknight dinner or fancy party food.
Baked potatoes (sometimes referred to as jacket potatoes) can make a great side dish or main dish. When served with toppings, you'll have a simple and inexpensive meal that uses ingredients you might already have on hand.
Baked potato bar toppings
- Butter
- Meatless chili
- Corn
- Black beans
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Cheddar cheese
- Pepper jack cheese
- Chives
- Green onions
- Roasted broccoli
- Imitation bacon bits
- BBQ sauce
- BBQ tempeh
- Jalapeno slices
How to set up a baked potato bar
Have the potatoes as the first thing people pass by so they can fill it with toppings as they go down. Place toppings in individual bowls with serving spoons or forks. It's a good idea to group toppings together that might make a good combination (I'll list a few ideas below), and if you're making this for a party you may want to create some cute signs with topping combination suggestions.
Top tips
The best potatoes to use for baked potatoes
This is perhaps my most controversial opinion - I believe red potatoes make the best baked potatoes. They have a richer flavor and creamier texture than russet potatoes, and russet potatoes always smell like a hospital to me (sorry!).
If you love russets - go for it! They're definitely the biggest potato and not a bad choice at all. It can be difficult to find a lot of large red potatoes if that's your preference, but don't be afraid to make some smaller baked potatoes and just allow people to enjoy more of them.
Having a lot of small baked potatoes is actually really fun for a baked potato bar because it allows you to try a few different topping combos!
How to cook a baked potato
I'm a firm believer in cooking baked potatoes long enough to make sure they're super soft and maybe even a little caramelized. You really just need to cook them long enough that they are tender when pierced with a fork, but I usually test by squeezing gently with a hand covered with an oven mitt. A potato that is ready will feel like you risk squishing it completely.
The cooking method may affect the final taste of your potatoes. For all methods of cooking your potatoes, start by washing the skin and piercing it a few times with a fork to prevent any potato explosions.
Oven
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 450ºF for 1-3 hours depending on the size of your potatoes and how well cooked you like them.
Slow cooker
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in the slow cooker. Cook 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high.
Instant pot
- Arrange the potatoes on the rack inside the instant pot with 1 cup of cold water. Seal the lid and valve and cook on manual high pressure for 16 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally until the valve drops, then remove the potatoes.
Air fryer
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400ºF for 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
Microwave
- Place potatoes on a plate and microwave for 5 minutes. Flip and microwave for 5 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender.
How to cook a baked potato without foil
If you prefer to cook without using aluminum foil, you can easily avoid using it by choosing one of the cooking methods that doesn't use foil, such as the instant pot, air fryer, or microwave. You can also cook them in the oven on a baking sheet without foil. If you choose to do it this way you may want to coat them in oil and sprinkle with salt before cooking.
Shred your own cheese
This isn't 100% necessary, but it does make a big difference. I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block because it has a better taste and texture, and will melt better in your potatoes.
Most packaged shredded cheese is coated in a powder to keep it from sticking together. While I do eat this kind of cheese frequently for convenience, if you have time to shred your own you won't regret it!
Baked potato topping combination ideas
- Mexican
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Pepper jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Chili
- Meatless chili
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Classic
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Chives
- Broccoli cheddar
- Cheddar cheese
- Roasted broccoli
- Imitation bacon bits
- BBQ
- BBQ tempeh
- BBQ sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Corn
- Sliced jalapenos
Tips for customizing a baked potato bar
- Swap the red potatoes for russets, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes
- Use your favorite topping ideas, such as avocado, spinach, or mozzarella cheese
- Arrange bowls with toppings on different cutting boards, kind of like a charcuterie board
- Try more protein options such as baked beans, bbq tofu, seitan, or hemp hearts
- Meat eaters can add whatever meats they prefer, such as sloppy joe filling, taco meat, or sausage
FAQ
If the potatoes are large, I would recommend one baked potato per person with a few extras just in case. If you're cooking for a group of hard workers, athletes, or teenagers, consider doing 2 potatoes per person since they might have a higher appetite.
To keep baked potatoes warm while you wait for guests to grab them, remove any aluminum foil and place them in a slow cooker on the warm or low setting. Aluminum foil can interfere with the temperature regulation of the potatoes, and may allow them to grow harmful bacteria if stored in it for long periods of time.
Most bacon bits you buy in the grocery store are artificial, and do not contain meat. Be sure to check the label if this is important to you. If you prefer, you could cook real bacon and crumble it to add to your bar.
More bar ideas
More potato recipes
- BBQ Tempeh Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Cheesy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes without Milk
- Vegetarian Potato Skin Egg Boats
- Oven Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Oven Baked Potato Wedges
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Baked Potato Bar
Ingredients
- 10 large red potatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 bunch chives, diced
- 2 cups roasted broccoli
- ½ cup imitation bacon bits
- 2 cups vegetarian chili
- 16 tablespoons salted butter, cut into smaller portions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces bbq tempeh
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 1 cup cooked corn
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF.
- Wash potatoes and prick a few times with a fork. Wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil and place directly on the oven rack. Bake 1-2 hours or until soft when squeezed with a hand covered with an oven mitt.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare any toppings and arrange them in serving bowls with utensils for spooning them out.
- If you want to keep the potatoes warm once they're done, remove them from the foil and place them in a slow cooker on the warm or low setting.
- Assemble potatoes using any combination of toppings you prefer.
Leave a Reply