Top Toppings For Baked Potato Bars

Introduction

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to feed your guests at your next party, a baked potato bar is a great idea. Not only is it affordable, but it's also a crowd-pleaser, as everyone can customize their own potato with their favorite toppings. In this article, we'll go over some of the top toppings for baked potato bars and how to set it up.

Choosing the Potatoes

The first step in setting up a baked potato bar is choosing the type of potatoes you want to use. Russet potatoes are the most common choice, as they have a fluffy texture and hold up well when baked. You'll want to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size, so they cook evenly. Plan on about one potato per person. Wash and dry the potatoes, and then prick them with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the Potatoes

Once you've chosen your potatoes, it's time to bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Rub each potato with a little bit of vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about an hour, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft.

Setting up the Toppings

Now comes the fun part – setting up the toppings! You can choose any toppings you like, but here are some of the most popular:

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have for any baked potato bar. Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all great options. You can also offer a cheese sauce or queso for guests who want to go all out.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is another classic topping for baked potatoes. Make sure to have plenty on hand, as it's always a crowd favorite.

Butter

A pat of butter on top of a hot baked potato is pure comfort food. Make sure to set out softened butter so it's easy to spread.

Bacon

Bacon is a crowd-pleaser, and it's a great topping for baked potatoes. Cook up a batch of crispy bacon and crumble it up for guests to sprinkle on top of their potatoes.

Chives or Green Onions

Chopped chives or green onions add a nice pop of color to a baked potato bar. They also add a fresh, oniony flavor that complements the other toppings.

Broccoli or Other Vegetables

If you want to add some veggies to your baked potato bar, broccoli is a great option. Simply steam some broccoli florets and set them out for guests to add to their potatoes. You can also offer other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions.

Conclusion

A baked potato bar is a fun and easy way to feed your guests at your next party. With these top toppings and some simple preparation, you can create a bar that's sure to please everyone. So fire up the oven, set out the toppings, and let your guests get creative!