How to build a baked potato bar like a pro

Whether hosting a casual dinner party, a game day get-together or a special event, a baked potato bar is always a hit. Learn the steps to build a baked potato bar like a pro.

A baked potato bar can be a great party option because everyone can serve themselves something they like. Guests get to make their meal just how they want it, whether they keep it basic or load up on toppings. Plus, it’s an excellent way for people to mix and chat over which toppings are the best, making for a fun, laid-back meal.

For a fun twist, try serving mashed potatoes instead of baked. You can have all the same toppings!

Potato prep

Russets are the classic choice for baking due to their fluffy texture. Plan on one to two potatoes per person.

Start by washing and drying your potatoes. Then, pierce them with a fork, rub with a bit of oil and sprinkle with salt.

Once prepped, you can store them in a cool, dark place for a short time. However, if you don’t plan to bake them soon, it’s safer to store them in the refrigerator to inhibit bacterial growth. Remember, food safety is paramount, so when in doubt, refrigerate. Cover them or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors from the fridge.

If refrigerated, when you’re ready to bake, take the potatoes out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature before putting them in the oven. This helps them to cook evenly.

Bake

To bake the perfect potatoes, preheat your oven to 375 F. Place your prepared potatoes directly on a baking sheet.

Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 45 to 60 minutes or until they reach the desired level of tenderness and the skin becomes crispy.

“You might be tempted to wrap them in foil, but avoid that if you want crispy skin since it can trap moisture.”

— Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju, Urban Farmie

Prepare the toppings

The beauty of a baked potato bar lies in its variety of toppings. Offer both classic and creative options:

• Traditional: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits.
• Lighter: Greek yogurt, salsa, chopped scallions, and sliced avocado.
• Protein: Chili, pulled pork, grilled chicken, smoked salmon, shredded crab, or vegetarian options like black beans, tofu, and marinated tempeh.
• Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers.
• Condiments: Ketchup, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, balsamic reduction, pesto aioli, sriracha and aioli.
• Cheese varieties: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, smoked gouda, provolone, and vegan cheese shreds.
• Fresh herbs and spices: Chopped cilantro, parsley, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes and jalapeños.
• Pickled and fermented options: Pickled red onions, jalapeños, kimchi and sauerkraut.
• International flavors: Tzatziki, hummus, curry sauce, pico de Gallo, and guacamole.
• Gourmet touches: Truffle oil, sautéed leeks, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers.

“Make sure you have a variety of toppings at your potato bar that fit various diets. Consider items ranging from traditional shredded cheddar to steamed broccoli to chili with both meat and vegetarian options and more.”

— Michelle Price, Honest and Truly

Be sure to prepare your toppings in advance. Chop vegetables, shred cheese, cook bacon and make sauces or chili. Store these toppings in separate containers with lids in the refrigerator.

To prevent waste and ensure there’s enough for everyone, use this rule of thumb: prepare about ⅓ cup of each topping per person. For larger crowds, you can scale this amount down slightly, as not everyone will sample every topping.

Keeping potatoes warm

Maintain the ideal temperature for your baked potatoes all throughout your potato bar party. Here are effective methods to keep them warm:

• Slow cooker: Set your slow cooker to the warm setting to maintain a hot temperature for the potatoes, ensuring they stay warm without continuing to cook.
• Insulated food carriers: These are designed to maintain the temperature of the food. They’re especially useful if the potatoes are finished before guests arrive.
• Chafing dishes: Filled with hot water, these catering staples can keep many potatoes warm for hours.
• Oven method: Keep the baked potatoes in the oven on the lowest setting. This is a particularly effective method for smaller gatherings.

Potato Bar Food safety tips

Once cooked, keep baked potatoes hot — above 140 F — until served or refrigerate them promptly if they’re to be stored. Do not leave baked potatoes at room temperature for more than four hours.

Keep hot toppings like chili or pulled pork in a warming dish and cold toppings like sour cream or cheese in a chilled bowl. Toppings should not sit out for longer than 2 hours to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

While it’s common to bake potatoes wrapped in foil, once they’re cooked, remove the foil if you plan to store them. Keeping the foil on can create an anaerobic environment that fosters bacterial growth.

Serving

Organize your baked potato bar to mimic the order in which guests generally build their potatoes. Start with the potatoes, followed by warm sauces, proteins, vegetables, cheeses and cold items.

Use bowls and platters for toppings and label them for easy identification. Add a touch of style with tablecloths and garnishes.

For practicality, provide spoons and tongs next to the toppings. This will help to ensure a mess-free self-service experience.

What to serve alongside your baked potatoes

If the baked potatoes are serving as a side dish, prepare a main dish with them. Consider options that complement the flavors of the potatoes and toppings:

• Grilled steak: A classic choice that pairs well with a variety of potato toppings.
• Roasted chicken: Versatile and popular, offering a lighter protein option that guests can enjoy.
• Baked salmon: Offers a rich, flavorful option that can be enhanced with lemon and herbs.

Clean-up

To simplify clean-up, use serving dishes that come with lids for easy storage of leftovers. Encourage guests to help themselves to seconds or take leftovers home, providing them with containers if possible. You can even tell them to use their leftovers to make another potato-based meal, like this twice baked potato casserole.

For any remaining toppings, promptly refrigerate them in airtight containers. This will maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Potato Bar Final thoughts

Building a great baked potato bar is easy and is a perfect option for a variety of events. Follow these steps, provide various toppings and your guests will have a great time. Get your ingredients, set up and let everyone enjoy their customized baked potatoes.

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This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.