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Baked Potato Bar

Baked potato bar is an easy way to serve fluffy russet potatoes with a spread of bacon, butter, sour cream, cheddar, and scallions. The potatoes bake until a knife slides easily into the centers, then everyone can add their favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the potatoes
  • 8 russet potatoes medium, about 8 ounces each
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
For the toppings
  • 8 bacon slices
  • 8 tbsp butter softened
  • 1.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed baking sheet
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

Bake the potatoes
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry.
  3. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
  4. Rub the potatoes with the oil and salt.
  5. Arrange the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, until a knife slides easily into the centers.
  6. Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Cut each potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
Prepare the toppings
  1. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes.
  2. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it.
  3. Arrange the bacon, butter, sour cream, cheddar, and scallions in separate serving bowls, and serve with the hot potatoes.

Notes

For crisp skins, pat the potatoes thoroughly dry before rubbing them with oil. Refrigerate leftover potatoes and toppings separately for up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended because the toppings may separate. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon.