Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables available. While there are many ways to prepare and serve potatoes, baking them seems to be the most popular. Because potatoes are quite economical, they make a great main dish when feeding a crowd. The potato bar gives you the twice baked potato without the hassle.
The potato is also quite nutritious. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and maganese. They are also low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. The average baking potato has about 275 calories.
Preparing the Potatoes in Advance
- Select large, firm baking potatoes.
- Scrub the potatoes and wrap them in foil.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 and 1/2 hours.
- Place potatoes (still wrapped) in coolers.
The potatoes will continue to cook and be ready to serve in about 3 hours. They stay warm for several hours in the coolers.
Topping Ideas for a Baked Potato Bar
- Cheddar cheese
- Chili
- Broccoli
- Diced onions (Here are some great onion choppers for you!)
- Sour cream
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Bacon bits
- Diced ham
- Minced chives
- Ranch dressing
- Minced garlic (Here are some great garlic presses for you!)
- Parmesan cheese
- Melted cheese sauce
- Creamed peas (recipe follows)
- Mushrooms in sauce (recipe follows)
- Hamburger gravy (recipe follows)
- Creamed chicken (recipe follows)
Creamed Peas
- 1 16 ounce package of frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of half and half
- sugar and salt
- Cook peas according to package direction, drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter.
- Add flour to make a paste.
- Slowly add half and half and cook at a low boil until thickened.
- Add peas to sauce.
- Season with sugar and salt to taste.
Take some with you the next day in your meal prep container and meal prep bag!
Mushrooms in Sauce
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 pound of fresh mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 cup of sour cream
- salt and pepper
- Melt butter.
- Add mushrooms and lemon juice.
- Saute til tender.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Hamburger Gravy
- 1 pound of hamburger
- One 10.5 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
- Cook and drain hamburger.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup.
Creamed Chicken
- 1 pound of chicken, cooked and shredded
- One 10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- salt and pepper
- Stir together cream of chicken soup, sour cream and milk.
- Heat until smooth.
- Add chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
These selected toppings can be self-served from servings bowls or crock-pots as appropriate. This is really an easy dish to include as a main meal or an accompaniment to a meal. A baked potato bar is an easy and affordable addition to any family meal, large or small. It is also a good addition to church meals, family reunions, team meals, company dinners, neighborhood gatherings or parties. Holding a baked potato bar can also be a unique fundraising event for school groups. Holding a meal before a sporting event will bring in a captive crowd. With a little planning a preparation, this versatile menu idea is sure to please any size of crowd.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our kitchen product reviews!