Baked Potato Bar
By Monica
These loaded baked potatoes are hearty, comforting, and delicious. They're fun for a family meal or party buffet. Offer lots of toppings or just a few. The sky's the limit!
Ingredients
- Baking potatoes (russets recommended)
- Olive oil
- TOPPING POSSIBILITIES--
- Basics: salt, freshly ground pepper, butter, sour cream (or yogurt)
- Cheese: shredded cheddar or jack, crumbled blue or feta, grated Parmesan
- Fresh herbs and seasonings: chopped fresh basil, cilantro, oregano, or dill; crushed red pepper; seasoned salt; chopped chives
- Meats: chili, taco meat, fajita chicken or beef, pulled pork, crumbled bacon, chopped ham, chopped salami or pepperoni, smoked salmon
- Vegetables: chopped scallions or red onions; steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus; grilled corn; canned black or chili beans; chopped fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes; sauteed spinach; sauteed mushrooms; grilled onions; roasted red peppers; sliced jalapenos; thawed frozen peas; chopped avocados or guacamole
- Sauces & dressings: salsa; barbecue sauce; gravy; alfredo sauce; nacho sauce; blue cheese or ranch salad dressing; marinara sauce - or other red Italian sauce; pesto
Directions
--Scrub potatoes under water and dry them off.
--Spray or rub potatoes with oil.
--Use a metal fork to poke a few holes in each potato.
--Put potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes, until soft.
--If baking potatoes ahead for a party, the hot, baked potatoes can be stored in a cooler for up to 4 hours. Preheat the cooler with hot water before hand; empty and dry it right before adding the hot potatoes.
--When it's time to serve, cut potatoes longways across the top of each potato and squeeze the ends together to open the potato.
--Serve with a variety of toppings.
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