Russet Baked Potato Bar & Toppings: 30+ Ideas
Create the ultimate baked potato bar for a fantastically easy yet delicious weeknight dinner, as a time-saving yet impressive dinner party, or as part of an effortless meal prep session; all with this simple guide! PLUS, I include over 30 unique and flavor-packed topping ideas.
How to Create the Ultimate Baked Potato Bar
Perfect for entertaining, for feeding a crowd, or getting out of the dinner rut, a russet potato baked potato bar is so easy and fun to prepare.
In this simple guide, you’ll find a list of everything you need to create the ultimate loaded baked potato bar in your home.
Plus, I include over 30 unique and flavor-packed topping ideas for you to choose from.
With endless possibilities for toppings, plus the option to prepare everything ahead of time, it’s such a great way to go; and prepping the potatoes in your slow cooker makes for the ultimate dump and go option.
Seriously, there is no prep for this recipe other than scrubbing the potatoes (no peeling required).
Plus, guests can customize their own potato creation, so it works for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
And the sky’s the limit when it comes to deciding what toppings are good, too!
I do recommend choosing at least one protein topping to ensure the potatoes eat like a meal.
Beyond that, it’s really all about personal preference and flavor profile!
For more inspiration, check out topping ideas, below.
What Side Dishes to Serve with a Baked Potato Bar
If you’re feeding a crowd, I recommend preparing a big green salad that includes Romaine or butter lettuce tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette or apple cider vinaigrette as a side.
For a Mexican-inspired option, toss the salad with this delicious chipotle honey dressing.
For dessert, I recommend this easy apple crisp, or almond flour brownies.
Tip: I love switching things up and using slow cooker sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a fun twist!
How Do you Keep Baked Potatoes Warm for a Crowd?
If making slow cooker baked potatoes, simply keep the potatoes on warm until folks are ready to eat – definitely the simplest option!
Same goes for keeping sweet potatoes warm, as preparing sweet potatoes in the slow cooker will ensure they are warm until guests arrive.
If using the traditional oven method, baked potatoes can be held in a low 200F oven until people are ready to eat.
Baked Potato Bar Topping Ideas
Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Bar: Sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, crispy bacon, steamed broccoli.
Mexican Baked Potato Bar: Mexican shredded beef, fresh tomato salsa, easy guacamole, shredded Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, pickled jalapeños.
Enchilada Baked Potato: Enchilada sauce, enchilada chicken, cheese, sour cream, guacamole.
Taco Stuffed Baked Potato: Taco meat, black beans and corn, shredded lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream.
Chili Stuffed Baked Potato: Turkey chili, chopped onion, cheese, sour cream.
Vegetarian Baked Potato: Vegetarian chili, chopped green onion, cheese, avocado.
Southwest Vegetarian Baked Potatoes: Black bean and corn salad, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, guacamole, lime juice, cheddar jack.
Sausage & Peppers Baked Potatoes: Sausage and peppers, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, peperoncino.
Fajita Baked Potatoes: Fajita chicken, easy guacamole, shredded Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, pickled jalapeños.
Bruschetta Baked Potatoes: Tomato basil shredded chicken, chopped tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella.
BBQ Baked Potato Bar: BBQ chicken, BBQ sauce, shredded white cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños.
Carnitas Baked Potatoes: Crispy carnitas, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, hot sauce.
Cilantro Lime Baked Potatoes: Cilantro lime chicken, cilantro lime sauce, white cheddar cheese.
Tip: Plan for about 1/4 cup protein and 1-2 tablespoons of each additional toppings per person.
Russet Baked Potato Bar & Toppings: 30+ Ideas
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes
- 8 russet potatoes
Loaded Baked Potato Toppings
- 2 pounds bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes: Slow Cooker
- Make the russet potatoes in the slow cooker and keep warm until serving.
Prepare the Potatoes: Oven Baked
- Preheat the oven 425F.
- Scrub the potatoes, then pierce several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and the skin is crisp.
- Slice each potato lengthwise and keep warm until serving.
Prepare the Baked Potato Bar
- Add each topping item, separately, to a small bowl.
- Arrange the baked potatoes on a platter and allow each guest to add any toppings they like.
