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+ servings
The ultimate baked potato bar is set up with toppings and 6 loaded potatoes on a wooden board.
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5 from 8 votes

Baked Potato Bar

Discover the ultimate Baked Potato Bar guide with 25+ tasty toppings, 6 unique recipes including sweet potato desserts, and party tips for a crowd.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizers/ Snacks, Mains
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 1 potato per person
Calories: 203kcal
Author: HWC Magazine

Ingredients

Basic Baked Potato

  • 1 whole potato per person or 2 if a hungry crew. Medium to large russet and/or sweet potatoes - see notes below.
  • olive oil
  • salt as desired - coarse kosher is best for that little crunch.

Classic Baked Potato Toppings

  • butter salted
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • chives or green onions
  • crispy bacon crumbles
  • shredded cheese

Chili Cheese Potato Toppings (optional)

Tex Mex Sweet Potato Toppings - Vegan (Optional)

  • black beans canned, rinsed well
  • corn cooked - can use canned, fresh or frozen)
  • tomatoes fresh chopped
  • guacamole or sliced avocado
  • jalapeno
  • tortilla chips

Broccoli and Cheese Potato Toppings (Optional)

  • butter
  • steamed broccoli
  • cheese
  • bacon
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • chives or green onion

Garbanzo Bean and Tahini Potato - Vegan (Optional)

Chicken Fajita Potato (Optional)

  • grilled chicken tossed in taco seasoning
  • grilled or stir fried peppers and onions tossed in taco seasoning
  • shredded cheese
  • chives or green onions
  • salsa or taco sauce, hot sauce as desired

Apple Pie Sweet Potato Dessert (Optional)

Additional Topping Ideas (Optional)

  • crushed red pepper flakes
  • Italian seasoning
  • fresh cilantro
  • fried shallots

Instructions

  • Preheat oven or air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  • Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly and allow to dry.
  • Pierce potato with a fork several times to allow the steam to escape.
  • Line your baking pan with aluminum foil to reduce clean up time.
  • Drizzle potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and rub potato to get oil and salt on entire potato. Do NOT wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil as this makes them soggy!
  • OVEN METHOD - Place potatoes on lined baking tray and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on potato size.
    AIR FRYER METHOD - Put the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway until they're fork-tender.
  • Potatoes are cooked to perfection when they are tender when pierced with a fork and/or the internal temperature reaches 210 F.  
  • Either the day before or while your potatoes are cooking; chop, prep and place your toppings of choice in serving containers.

Set Up Baked Potato Bar Buffet

  • To keep potatoes warm, keep them in the oven or air fryer (with it turned off as it will stay hot) after they have finished cooking. (No longer than 45 minutes to prevent drying.)
  • Arrange the buffet table with plates, utensils, and napkin sat the beginning.
  • Organize toppings, group them logically, and consider labeling with cards.
  • Warm toppings as needed (microwave, slow cooker, stovetop).
  • Utilize a slow cooker for chili or chicken, and warming trays for potatoes on the serving table.
  • Add the cooked potatoes and hot toppings to the buffet.
  • Invite guests to create their loaded baked potatoes.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts 
The nutrition facts are calculated using one plain medium sized russet potato with 1 teaspoon of olive oil WITHOUT any toppings.
Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts are calculated WITHOUT any toppings are Calories- 103, Total Fat - 0.2 grams, Sodium 41 mg, Total carbohydrate - 24 grams, Dietary Fiber- 3.8 grams, Sugar 7.4 grams, Protein - 2.3 grams. 
Recipe Tips
  • Plan on 1 potato per guest and for those hungry guests at least 2. If you are planning on serving sweet potatoes with dessert toppings, plan on 1 for each person as well.
  • For large gatherings, prep all of your toppings up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. You can even set up your buffet table, serving utensil and make your labels in advance. 
  • Do not let the baked potatoes set out at room temperature for longer than 4 hours. 
Storage
Cooked baked potatoes can be stored up to 3 days covered properly in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer. 
Reheating Baked Potatoes
You can reheat a baked potato in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. To reheat a baked potato in the air fryer, pre-heat to 350°F(176°C) for 3 to 5 minutes or until hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 0.02g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 0.02IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.03mg