A baked potato bar is a simple way to feed any sized crowd at a party or special event. This idea serves up a delicious meal where individual tastes and special diets can be accommodated. For instance, this is perfect for a mixed group of children and adults, or for a mix of meat eaters and vegetarians.
How to Make a Potato Bar
Basically, large baking potatoes are pre-cooked and kept warm until serving time, when they will be put near the beginning of the buffet area. A variety of potato toppings are set out in buffet style for self-service. This meal can be as frugal or fancy as you like.
Remember to set out plates, napkins, silver or plastic ware, and other basics like salt and pepper. The layout should go in order of use (for instance, plates before potatoes, then butter, then other toppings).
When it is time to eat, guests will gather to split open their own potato and top as desired. Potatoes can also be split open in advance, but may cool faster unless placed in a warming device.
Basic Ingredients for a Baked Potato Bar Party Meal
A very basic and frugal potato meal could include some or all of the following items.
If there are any special diet considerations, ingredients can be added or substituted for anyone. Dairy free and gluten free products, for instance, are becoming more readily available all the time. Ask your grocer if you are unable to find what you need.
- Large baking potatoes (Provide 1½ to 2 per person)
- Butter or margarine
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits (fresh or bottled)
Delicious Potato Topping Ideas
Any or all of the following may be added to the buffet in various containers.Feel free to be creative and add your own favorite potato toppings to the table.
- Sliced olives (black or a gourmet assortment)
- Chopped green peppers
- Chopped tomato chunks
- Pineapple chunks
- Broccoli
- Salsa
- Jalapeño chilies
- Mild green chilies
- Chopped chicken cubes
- Cooked mixed vegetables
- Parmesan cheese
- Various gourmet cheeses, melted or shredded
- Chili (meat and/or vegetarian)
- Cheese sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Bar-be-cue sauces
- Gravy
Themed Potato Bar Party Meal
A potato bar can be a down-to-earth as a western BBQ or as elegant and gourmet as one likes. Changing the serving dishes, the banquet table décor, and the ingredients available will change the mood greatly.
For a western party, for instance, the potato toppings might focus more on BBQ sauces, cheese, and chili. Steak strips might be added. The table theme could be denim with fun red and white checked fabrics or paper goods.
For a fancier party, shopping the local gourmet deli for fine and luscious ingredients might be just right. Most delis will allow shoppers to taste various items and can make recommendations as to what cheeses and wines go best together, for instance. A gourmet table can be set with lots of elegance and sparkle, with fresh roses, and lovely cloth linens.
A party for children could have a completely different look with fewer, simple ingredients, strong and colorful paper plates and cups, and accents that fit the party theme. This would make a simple lunch for a birthday party.
A Party Potato Bar is Flexible and Easy
Perhaps the most unique aspect about having a baked potato bar as the main party meal is its flexibility. With a little brainstorming and creative grocery shopping, this simple idea can be made to accommodate practically any home or outdoor party.
Whatever kind of party and party food is offered, guests will have a good time when the host and/or hostess(es) have fun. Plan-ahead party ideas like a potato bar makes this much easier.
Related article of possible interest may be Super Easy Fruit Desserts for Holiday Parties, Beginners Topsy-Turvy Cake Decorating & Baking, and Very Best Vegetarian Cookbook Ever.
Also see the websites Birthday Party Themes and Ideas and Teen Birthday Party Ideas and Themes.
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Article updated March 2011
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
