This guide to baked potato bar toppings provides all the ideas you need for a party-ready setup! From meat and cheese to veggies and sauces like this cilantro chimichurri, there are plenty of options for everyone!
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When planning a get-together, there's nothing like a good, old-fashioned buffet-style spread of tasty foods to get the party started! Our go-tos during the holiday season are this bountiful fall charcuterie board and a caramel apple bar for dessert. Still, with this list of baked potato bar toppings, you can easily set up a self-serve experience that's even more comforting during those chilly autumn days!
And if you have some extra potatoes on hand, try this yummy dill pickle potato salad!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Idaho work best.
Dairy: Cheddar cheese, queso quesadilla, cotija, blue cheese crumbles, nacho cheese, Boursin, goat cheese, feta cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, sour cream, butter, Greek yogurt.
Meat: Pulled pork, bacon bits, pepperoni, buffalo chicken, taco meat, steak bites, turkey, spicy Korean chicken bulgogi, shrimp, lobster.
Fresh veggies: Diced onions, broccoli, jalapenos, serranos, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, avocado, and corn.
Sauces: Creamy cilantro lime sauce, Tabasco, Tapatio, buffalo sauce, gravy, salsa, chili crisp, creamy dill dressing, guacamole, ranch, blue cheese dressing, BBQ sauce, toum (garlic sauce), marinara sauce, and tzatziki sauce.
Fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro, green onion, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, dill.
Other topping ideas: Caramelized onions, chili, red onion chutney, crushed red pepper, sautéed mushrooms, coleslaw, pickled red cabbage, roasted red peppers, pink pickled onions, kimchi, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), black beans, pico de gallo, Mexican Spanish rice, kalamata olives, smoked mac and cheese.
How To Make A Baked Potato Bar
Step 1: Wash potatoes, then pat dry, coat with oil and salt, and use a fork to poke holes all over. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 400-450°F. Use a fork to "pop" potatoes for easy filling before serving.
Step 2: Add small bowls of cheese, meat, veggies, sauces, and other desired toppings to the baked potato bar.
Pro Tip: Try to include at least two ingredients from each category so there's plenty to mix and match!
Step 3: Load up on toppings and enjoy!
Baked Potato Bar Topping Ideas
Korean BBQ potato: Beef bulgogi, fried chicken, kimchi, bibimbap sauce, green onions, sesame seeds.
Thanksgiving potato: Smoked turkey breast, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce.
Mexican potato: Carne asada, Mexican cheese, Mexican rice, creamy guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo.
Vegan potato: Broccoli, vegan cheddar cheese, vegan butter, vegan bacon, green onions, vegan ranch.
Pizza potato: Marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, oregano, ranch.
Cheesesteak potato: Cheez Whiz, provolone, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, thinly sliced steak.
Buffalo chicken potato: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, green onions, sour cream.
BBQ baked potato: Pulled pork, coleslaw, huckleberry BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese.
Surf & turf potato: Steak, shrimp, Dijon mustard, garlic, asparagus, asiago cheese.
Nacho potato: Nacho cheese, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, sour cream, tortilla strips, black beans.
Serving Suggestions
If you need a great entree to accompany your baked potato bar, I suggest grilled boneless chicken thighs, oven roasted tri-tip, smoked spatchcock turkey, or Traeger smoked carne asada.
I also recommend pairing them with a fresh side dish like arugula pear goat cheese salad, roasted beetroot salad, or this green goddess salad recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Russet or Idaho potatoes are the best for baking, but sweet potatoes are excellent as well if you prefer a sweet twist on the classic baked potato! Just be sure to choose appropriate baked potato bar toppings if you do, such as marshmallows, chocolate, pretzels, etc.
To get the perfect baked potato, all you need to coat them in is some oil (olive oil and canola oil are great options) and salt. You can also use duck fat or lard in lieu of oil.
Depending on the size of the potatoes, I recommend including 1-2 potatoes per person.
Wash potatoes, then pat dry and coat with oil and salt. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 400-450°F.
Pro Tips
- For a sweet twist, try making a sweet potato bar with toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, pretzels, cranberry sauce, whipped cream, etc.
- You can prep the toppings 1-2 hours ahead of time, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge until right before serving.
- Wrapping the baked potatoes in foil will help them stay warm after they're done cooking. You can also keep them warm in the oven, just make sure to lower the temperature to 200°F first.
- If you have leftover toppings, I suggest storing them in individual ziploc bags or airtight containers such as jars or Tupperware. This will prevent cross-contamination and will extend their shelf life.
- Store perishable leftovers in the fridge, and shelf-stable leftovers in the pantry or a cool, dark place.
- Nutritional values have been roughly estimated and will vary depending on the combination of toppings.
More Potato Recipes
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Recipe
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash potatoes, then pat dry, coat with oil and salt, and use a fork to poke holes all over. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 400-450°F. Use a fork to "pop" potatoes for easy filling before serving.
- Add small bowls of cheese, meat, veggies, sauces, and other desired toppings to baked potato bar.
- Load up on toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Try to include at least two ingredients from each category so there's plenty to mix and match!
- For a sweet twist, try making a sweet potato bar with toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, pretzels, cranberry sauce, whipped cream, etc.
- You can prep the toppings 1-2 hours ahead of time, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge until right before serving.
-
- Wrapping the baked potatoes in foil will help them stay warm after they're done cooking. You can also keep them warm in the oven, just make sure to lower the temperature to 200°F first.
-
- If you have leftover toppings, I suggest storing them in individual ziploc bags or airtight containers such as jars or Tupperware. This will prevent cross-contamination and will extend their shelf life.
-
- Store perishable leftovers in the fridge, and shelf-stable leftovers in the pantry or a cool, dark place.
- Nutritional values have been roughly estimated and will vary depending on combination of toppings.
Nena Sterner says
We hope you enjoy this recipe!