Need an easy way to feed a crowd? This Baked Potato Bar is simple to pull together and is always popular!
Seems like we are hosting a lot lately! Between parties, potlucks and family get-togethers, there is often a crowd to feed.
I love finding ways to feed everyone where I can prep ahead and spend my time eating and visiting instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
This Baked Potato Bar is the perfect solution. Just prep your toppings earlier in the day, store in the fridge, then serve up with some hot potatoes for an easy meal.
It works for a small crowd (like your family) or a big one (like the whole swim team). And it’s easy to scale–so if you have more people show up than you were expecting, just make a few more potatoes!
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Make a Baked Potato Bar
Kids (and adults) love being able to personalize their own potato. This meal is so easy to adapt if you’re feeding those with allergies, gluten-free needs, etc.
This will make a great poolside healthy dinner for us during our summer swim season–I’ll pack one cooler with the cold foods and one with the hot food–and everyone can enjoy it.
How do I serve a Baked Potato Bar?
This easy Baked Potato Bar is party-ready when you use a pretty dish like this Food Network Chip & Dip Set. <– No longer available, unfortunately, but there are plenty of pretty ceramic sets.
We also like to use little ramekins whenever we’re doing a Make-Your-Own bar like tacos, cookie decorating, or salad toppings.
What kind of potatoes should I use for a Baked Potato Bar?
Russets are the best choice because they are starchy and absorb all the yummy toppings. When you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s also very inexpensive to buy a 5- or 10-pound bag of russet potatoes.
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My husband and I were just saying we need a baked potato night, it’s been awhile. We put out all the toppings (potato bar) and let everyone get in there. The kids enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing with us at #MMBH.
For some reason I always seem to forget about baked potato bars when I’m hosting a party, which is crazy, because they are so easy to do, yummy, and definitely cost effective. Thanks for the reminder, I’ll have to jot it down for my next gathering! Thanks for sharing at My Busy Beehive’s #beeparty this week!
PS your dishes are lovely, they display the meal so well!
What a fantastic idea for entertaining! Love your topping ideas. Thank you for sharing your delicious Baked Potato Bar ideas with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.
This is such a cool idea and tasty too! It’s been too long since we’ve had baked potatoes for dinner. Thanks so much for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week’s issue.
I’m making a taco bar for mother’s day this year. I love your idea and think I will add baked potatoes too.. Im new to your blog and just started to follow you on Twitter and FB
Yum! What a great tip about the cooler. Also, I really like the dish you used to set up your potato bar. Looks easy to slide sections into the fridge after prepping.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! We’re quite excited especially our 4.5yo. 🙂
It’s a platter from Bed, Bath & Beyond, and since the sections are microwave safe, I just stored them in the fridge and then reheated the broccoli and meat sections. Worked great!
My husband and I were just saying we need a baked potato night, it’s been awhile. We put out all the toppings (potato bar) and let everyone get in there. The kids enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing with us at #MMBH.
For some reason I always seem to forget about baked potato bars when I’m hosting a party, which is crazy, because they are so easy to do, yummy, and definitely cost effective. Thanks for the reminder, I’ll have to jot it down for my next gathering! Thanks for sharing at My Busy Beehive’s #beeparty this week!
PS your dishes are lovely, they display the meal so well!
Your potato bar looks like a fabulous idea!
Gina, what a lovely way to give everyone at the table exactly what they want! Easier on the cook AND a beautiful presentation!
Love baked potato bars. This is perfect!
What a fantastic idea for entertaining! Love your topping ideas. Thank you for sharing your delicious Baked Potato Bar ideas with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.
I love this idea!
What a brilliant idea! LOVE it.
This is such a cool idea and tasty too! It’s been too long since we’ve had baked potatoes for dinner. Thanks so much for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week’s issue.
I’m making a taco bar for mother’s day this year. I love your idea and think I will add baked potatoes too.. Im new to your blog and just started to follow you on Twitter and FB
Thanks for following, Judee!
Your baked potato bar looks amazing:) AND love your platter. Dinner seems so inviting. found you at mamabuzz linky. Have a great week.
Yum! What a great tip about the cooler. Also, I really like the dish you used to set up your potato bar. Looks easy to slide sections into the fridge after prepping.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! We’re quite excited especially our 4.5yo. 🙂
It’s a platter from Bed, Bath & Beyond, and since the sections are microwave safe, I just stored them in the fridge and then reheated the broccoli and meat sections. Worked great!
This is a fantastic idea! Great photos too
Thanks, Nancy!
Your baked potato bar arrangement looks delicious!
I will be stealing this idea for my next cook out.
I love the potato bar idea! would be great for my potato soup, too!
You’re right–so many topping would work on soup too.