01

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Prep the Party Spuds

Andy Lyons

Your potato bar's star is the potato itself, so choose russet potatoes. They bake well and can handle a variety of toppings. Look for firm, well-shaped potatoes without wrinkles or sprouts. Store them in a cool, dry, dark space to keep them fresh.

Wrap each potato in foil to retain warmth during serving. Provide tongs to prevent guests from handling hot potatoes directly.

02

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Decide on Toppings

Andy Lyons

Get creative with your potato toppings! From creamy avocado to savory bacon, the choices are endless when it comes to pairings. Consider adding pinto beans, asparagus, and a delicious homemade cheese sauce to your party lineup. Arrange a variety of chopped vegetables, meats, and dairy items in small bowls and provide spoons for easy serving.

Editor's Tip: Instantly enhance your potato bar with these baked potato toppers: roasted red peppers, blanched broccoli, diced onions, diced ham, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and more. Add some heat with sliced hot peppers or olives, and finish with a crunch, like crushed tortilla chips.

03

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Set Up the Buffet

Andy Lyons

Arrange your potato bar toppings on an elevated tray for an eye-catching and functional display. Organize them logically: start with basics like butter next to the potatoes, followed by sauces, sour cream, and meats. Finish with fresh vegetables and shredded or grated cheese before adding garnishes like salsa, avocado chunks, or bacon bits. Use an appetizer serving set to keep everything neat and make serving easy.

04

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Try Topping Sweet Potatoes

Douglas Merriam

Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious but also versatile! Try topping them with savory ingredients like bacon, cheese, and herbs or sweet flavors such as marshmallows, brown sugar, and nuts. Favorites include goat cheese, pecans, and dried cranberries for a unique twist.

Combine sweet and savory toppings to explore new flavors. You can even create a dessert-themed buffet using homemade marshmallows for topping sweet potatoes, paired with million dollar bacon for a tasty blend.

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes

05

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Ready the Drinks

Andy Lyons

Offer your guests ready-made cocktails perfect for a casual gathering. Try a modern twist on the traditional Bloody Mary by using light beer instead of vodka. Serve a classic lemonade shandy with ginger ale in clear pitchers. Ensure you have enough ice—about one pound per guest—and garnish the Bloody Marys with fresh veggies like celery and pickles.

06

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Add a Few Side Dishes

Andy Lyons

Round out your party menu with easy side dishes like sausage bites and fried chicken tenders. Prepare these tasty recipes in advance to reduce stress on the day of the event. Use a slow cooker to keep some dishes warm throughout the day.

Editor's Tip: Set dipping sauces for the chicken tenders on a separate platter to avoid confusion with potato toppings.

07

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Side Dish: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Jason Donnelly

This refreshing cucumber salad is light, crisp, and a perfect complement to baked potatoes. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions offer a satisfying crunch, while a simple five-ingredient dressing enhances the flavors. Best of all, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare.

08

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Use the Leftovers

Have leftover baked potatoes after the party? Make the most of them by creating delicious dinners throughout the week. Our twice-baked potato recipes are a wonderful way to reinvent these spuds. Try our twice-baked potato dump casserole for a simple and hearty dish you're sure to enjoy.