Print

Baked Potato Bar: Easy Game Day Party Recipe for Football Fans

baked potato bar - featured image
Print Recipe

This baked potato bar is the ultimate game day crowd-pleaser, featuring crispy-skinned russet potatoes and a variety of classic and creative toppings. Perfect for football parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion, it’s interactive, comforting, and easy to customize for all tastes and diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large russet potatoes (about 2 lb)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions or chives
  • 8 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 cup buffalo chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce)
  • 2 cups homemade chili
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 cup fresh salsa
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
  • 1 cup pulled pork
  • Optional: Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes, dairy-free cheese and sour cream, smoked turkey bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub potatoes under cold water and dry thoroughly. Prick each potato 4-5 times with a fork.
  2. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Ensure skins are coated.
  3. Arrange potatoes on a wire rack over a baking sheet (or directly on the sheet). Bake for 50-60 minutes, turning once halfway through, until skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.
  4. While potatoes bake, prepare toppings: fry or microwave bacon until crispy and crumble; shred cheddar cheese; chop scallions; steam broccoli; prepare other desired toppings and set out in small bowls.
  5. For buffalo chicken: mix shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and warm gently.
  6. Heat chili in a saucepan until simmering.
  7. When potatoes are done, let cool for 5 minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff insides with forks.
  8. Arrange potatoes on a platter or cutting board. Set out all toppings with serving spoons and let guests build their own.
  9. To keep potatoes warm, wrap in foil and place in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 30 minutes.

Notes

Prep toppings ahead and chill in airtight containers for easy serving. For extra crispy skins, bake potatoes directly on the oven rack. Use similar-sized potatoes for even cooking. All listed toppings are naturally gluten-free; check labels for chili and ranch. For vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based cheese, sour cream, and butter. Potatoes and toppings can be reheated for leftovers. Customize toppings for seasonal or dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato bar, game day recipe, football party, comfort food, customizable, gluten-free, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner, party food, tailgate

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/baked-potato-bar-easy-game-day-party-recipe-for-football-fans/