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Baked Potato Bar

Baked potato bar with fluffy russet potatoes and a spread of classic toppings makes an easy, customizable meal. Bake the potatoes until a knife slides easily into the center, then serve them hot with butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

For the potatoes
  • 6 russet potatoes large (10- to 12-ounce), scrubbed and dried
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
For the toppings
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, crumbled
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

Bake the potatoes
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and set a rack in the center.
  2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
  3. Rub the potatoes with the vegetable oil.
  4. Sprinkle the potatoes with the kosher salt.
  5. Arrange the potatoes on an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, until a knife slides easily into the center of each potato.
Prepare the toppings
  1. Put the butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and green onions in separate serving bowls.
Assemble the bar
  1. Split each hot potato lengthwise.
  2. Fluff the inside of each potato with a fork.
  3. Serve the potatoes with the toppings.

Notes

For fluffy centers, serve the potatoes hot as soon as they are baked. Store baked potatoes and toppings separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the potatoes freeze well without toppings. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter, sour cream, and cheddar.