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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Bar

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A simple, crowd-pleasing baked potato bar featuring fluffy russet potatoes and a variety of classic and optional toppings, perfect for gatherings and customizable for different diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes (about 7 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 cup sour cream (240ml)
  • 1 cup crispy bacon bits
  • ½ cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 4 tbsp softened butter (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)
  • Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese (optional)
  • 1½ cups chili (homemade or canned, optional)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)
  • Pickled onions or jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly.
  3. Prick each potato a few times with a fork or skewer.
  4. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt evenly.
  5. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through, until a fork or skewer slides in easily and the skins feel crisp.
  7. While potatoes bake, prepare your toppings: cook bacon until crispy, shred cheese, chop green onions, and steam broccoli.
  8. Once baked, slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides gently with a fork.
  9. Set out all your toppings in bowls and let everyone customize their potato.

Notes

For quicker cooking, microwave potatoes for 8-10 minutes then finish in the oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp skins. Turn potatoes halfway through baking for even cooking. Bacon can be cooked in the oven on a foil-lined tray for crispiness. Prepare toppings ahead to save time. For dairy-free or vegan options, use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. Leftover potatoes keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days; reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato bar, loaded baked potatoes, crowd-pleasing recipe, easy party food, customizable toppings, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-bar-recipe-easy-crowd-pleasing-ideas/