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Easy Party-Favorite Baked Potato Bar Setup & Ideas

Easy Party-Favorite Baked Potato Bar

Crisp oven-baked russet potatoes are paired with a colorful spread of classic, hearty, fresh, spicy, and vegetarian toppings. This flexible buffet serves about 10 guests and is ideal for casual parties, family dinners, and game-day gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 10 potatoes Large russet baking potatoes, about 8–10 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
Classic Toppings
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened or cut into pieces
  • 2 cups Sour cream
  • 3 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Fresh and Vegetable Toppings
  • 1 large bunch Green onions or chives, sliced
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets, steamed
Hearty Toppings
  • 5–6 cups Prepared chili
Optional Toppings
  • 2 cups Shredded or chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 cup Sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers
  • 1 cup Salsa
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly, dry them well, and pierce each one several times with a fork.
  2. Rub the potato skins with the oil and sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack, with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
  3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, depending on potato size, until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the centers. While they bake, cook the bacon, steam the broccoli, warm the chili, shred the cheese, and prepare the remaining toppings.
  4. Cut a cross into the top of each hot potato. Gently squeeze the ends to open the potato, then fluff the interior with a fork.
  5. Arrange the potatoes on a serving platter or in a lined basket. Set the toppings in order, beginning with butter, followed by cheese, sour cream, bacon, vegetables, chili, and the optional toppings.

Notes

Do not wrap the potatoes in foil if you want crisp skins. Choose potatoes of similar size, keep chili hot in a slow cooker or chafing dish, keep broccoli warm in a covered dish, label spicy toppings, and offer vegetarian choices.