Broke Weeknight Baked Potato Bar at Home

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped chives
• Cooked bacon bits
• Chopped scallions
• Sliced black olives
• Diced tomatoes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2 Scrub potatoes clean, pierce each several times with a fork, and rub lightly with olive oil and salt.
3. 3 Bake directly on oven rack for about 1 hour or until tender.
4. 4 While potatoes bake, prepare all toppings in small bowls for easy serving.
5. 5 Remove potatoes from oven and let cool slightly before slitting open.
6. 6 Set up a 'bar' with all the toppings and let everyone customize their own.
7. 7 Serve hot with desired toppings.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Oven

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Offer vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream for plant-based eaters.

Substitutions

• Use red potatoes for a quicker cook time.
• Swap cheddar for any favorite melting cheese.

Pairings

• Green salad
• Cornbread

Nutrition

Tips

• For crispier skins, parboil potatoes for 10 minutes before baking.
• To save time, use pre-cooked bacon and store-bought toppings.

Storage

Store plain baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven.

Freezing: Potatoes freeze well plain. Wrap individually in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

FAQ