Loaded Baked Potato Toppings Bar

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If you think there’s something better than a loaded baked potato, you haven’t tried a baked potato toppings bar. If you really want to blow your guests minds, serve this potato bar as a delicious, loaded appetizer! There are so many ways to serve it: Whether you go for sweet or russet potatoes, you can mash ’em’, bake ‘em, fry ‘em, bake ‘em twice…you name it! There’s really no wrong way to serve a potato–especially with all these toppings.

For more comfort food ideas, try my Rotel Cheese Dip, Loaded French Fries Board, Build Your Own Grilled Cheese Bar, BBQ Chicken Charcuterie Board, or Cheesecake Toppings Board.

What to Serve with Baked Potatoes

I went pretty traditional with my toppings! Feel free to sub in your potato favorites (see my suggestions below!).

• Potatoes (russet, sweet, or white)

• Salt and pepper

• Salted butter (or your favorite vegan option!), sliced

• Sour cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Feta Cheese

• Chopped fresh chives

• Sautéed sliced mushrooms

• Crumbled crispy bacon

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Avocado, sliced

• Chilli

How to Bake a Potato 

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Rub them with oil, salt and pepper, then pierce all over with a fork. 
• Wrap each potato in foil and place the potatoes directly on the racks, or place them on a baking sheet with foil, then bake for 50 to 60 minutes, turning every 20 minutes.

Pro tip: don’t cut the potatoes until people are ready to eat, otherwise they’ll get cold!

How To Arrange a Baked Potato Bar

• Add the butter pats, sour cream, cheese, chives, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, and chilli into separate small bowls or plates. Place them on the board first to anchor it.

• Cut the potatoes in half and place around the board.

• Serve with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings on the side.

Baked Potato Bar Video Tutorial

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Other Ways to “Bake” Potatoes

Sometimes the oven just takes too long or you’re cooking for a smaller crowd… try these!

Microwave

First, rub with salt and oil and pierce all over with a fork. Cook 1 or 2 at a time on high for 5 minutes, then flip them over (careful, they will be super hot!!) and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender… if not, continue cooking 1 minute at a time.

Instant Pot

In a 6-quart pressure cooker, you can cook 2 to 3 pounds of potatoes. Place a steaming rack in the bottom of the pot, then add 1 cup of cold water. Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork, then add to the pot and pressure cook on high for 16 minutes. Natural release until the steam stops venting. They should be fork tender!  

Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Rub the potatoes with salt and oil, but no need to pierce! Cook for an hour, or until fork tender.

The Best Baked Potato Topping Combos

When you think of a baked potato, the first thing that comes to mind is probably butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, and crumbled bacon. If you want to try out some new flavor combos, try some of these! No matter how you spin it, butter (or your favorite vegan option) is the best base! 

• Avocado and bacon

• Corn salsa and refried beans

• Roasted tomatoes and pesto

• Bolognese and parmesan

• Spinach and feta

• French onions and mushrooms

Show Me Your Boards

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious appetizers. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.