A new party food trend that is worth exploring is the baked potato bar. Everyone knows how delicious they can be, but this new approach takes that to a whole new level. The key is to serve baked potatoes on a platter and surround them with different toppings so that there’s a tasty option for everyone.
Setting Up
The most important part about a baked potato bar is having a good variety of toppings. This allows guests to find the toppings they like in a fun buffet-style way. So, wondering how to make a good baked potato bar? The answer is simple.
For the best type of potato, we recommend using russet potatoes because they’ve got a hearty taste and they can support the weight of lots of toppings. Using sweet potatoes is another great idea. These are slightly sweeter, and guests can balance this flavor by getting creative with the toppings.
Choosing the Toppings
When it comes to the toppings, there are so many options that will allow you to use your creative side. Light or heavy, meat or veggie; the more toppings you have, the more inviting your baked potato bar will be. Make sure to include the basics, like sour cream and crumbled bacon, but definitely try to add something unique.
Good protein toppings you can use for your baked potato bar include options like ground beef or turkey, cooked chicken, pulled pork, smoked salmon, bacon bits, BBQ brisket, sliced steak, or cubed hard-boiled eggs.
Vegetables and Sauces
Vegetable and dairy toppings include chopped celery, mushrooms, raw or cooked onions, roasted broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, cooked corn kernels, sour cream, shredded carrots, shredded or crumbled cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and plain Greek yogurt, among others.
You can also let guests choose from different seasonings like pepper, fresh herbs, chili flakes, and onion or garlic powder. Other toppings and sauces you can use include marinara sauce, baked beans, salsa, creamy salad dressing, cheese sauce, avocado, coleslaw, pepperoni, lime wedges, capers, and more.
A Simple Potato Recipe
To make great baked potatoes, you can follow this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- Large russet or sweet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and start preparing the potatoes. Poke them with a fork to make holes and rub a layer of oil onto them. Now arrange them on a sheet pan with a baking sheet and place them on the middle oven rack. Let the potatoes bake for an hour or more, until you can easily insert a knife into them. Finally, arrange your baked potato bar with the baked potatoes and all the toppings, seasonings, and sauces.