This Perfect Oven Baked Potato recipe and shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerSoStrong #CollectiveBias
Around these parts, summer means we replace the slow cooker with the grill. Within the past year, my husband has finally perfected the art of grilling meat. From steaks to chicken to kabobs, he puts our grill to the test several times a week. I’m in heaven, not only because of the salivating recipes that he creates, but also because it means that, for a few months out of the year, I am only in charge of making the sides.
We often have company over for dinner during the summer. Sometimes these gatherings are planned, but we also have impromptu cook-outs. From college students we haven’t seen in a while to a family member in town for the week, we like to stay prepared to celebrate summer with any guest who pops in “just because.” I enjoy stocking up on backyard barbecue basics, like Dixie Ultra® paper plates and easy veggies, because who wants to stay indoors washing dishes and working on complicated recipes? Not me!
Baked potatoes complement any grilled main course. I like keeping russet potatoes on hand for a few reasons.
- They are an inexpensive side.
- While the potatoes may take an hour or so to bake, they require very little prep and can be thrown in the oven in minutes.
- By including an array of toppings, guests can customize their baked potato to their liking.
Here is how I make my Perfect Baked Potato at home for entertaining:
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes (as many as needed for guests)
- Avocado oil
- Pink Himalayan salt
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel.
Using a sturdy fork, poke 10-12 holes around each potato.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle avocado oil over the potatoes. Toss the potatoes to coat.
Sprinkle pink Himalayan salt over the potatoes, making sure that all potatoes are evenly salted.
On a large cookie sheet, place the potatoes. Insert the sheet into the pre-heated oven.
Bake for approximately 1 hour (this may need to be adjusted if baking a large group of potatoes).
Let the potatoes stand for about 10 minutes. Serve with toppings, as desired.
I enjoy creating a pop-up Baked Potato Bar for guests. With a few food items that I already have in my kitchen, guests can make their favorite baked potato combinations.
Topping ideas for a Baked Potato Bar:
- Sour Cream
- Bacon pieces
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Fresh green onion
- Chili with beans
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
- Coconut oil (I like placing a dab of coconut oil in between the potato and then closing the potato back up so that the oil melts. It is delicious!)
Grab Dixie Ultra® Paper Plates to withstand the heaviest, messiest meals (like these loaded potatoes!).
Paper plates that collapse under a meat and potatoes meal are a bummer for any outdoor gathering. With Dixie Ultra® Paper Plates, I know that I am serving a microwavable, recyclable, cut resistant plate that can handle up to 2 pounds of food (*weight for the 10″ plate only). The plates have a new, innovative rim and are made with FlexProof™ Technology, leaving me confident that they can withstand whatever meal that we dish out.
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I love a loaded baked potato! A potato bar is a great idea for guests!
OMG this is such a cute idea. The paper plates make it so easy to host without having to wash a bazillion dishes.
I love this idea! We often have taco/burrito bars and make your own pizzas, but a baked potato bar never even crossed my mind. My English husband loves “jacket potatoes” so I don’t think I’ll hear any complaints… unless I don’t include baked beans on the bar 🙂
I love a good baked potato! I love the idea of a baked potato bar! It opens up a whole new level of versatility to garnish your spud to your liking. What a great idea!
What a clever idea for a party this summer. We did a Mashed potato bar at a party with similar topping options and it was a hit. I think we will try this way this summer too. My kids love baked potatoes, especially when we grill them.
This is such a great idea for parties. I always like to load my potatoes and we all not like the same toppings but having a bar? it is just perfect because I can choose the things I like, and even put extra if I want to. Next BBQ will put this in place
Mmmm! You can never go wrong with potatoes! Thanks for sharing this great idea. A potato bar would be nice for entertaining guest. As a vegan, this would be easy to vegan-ize.
I have baked potato bar on our menu later this month. Have you ever made them in the slow cooker? Really helps with not heating the house up.
Love the idea of adding coconut oil to the potato once you open it up. Huge fans of coconut oil here. And I’ve never put chili and beans on a baked potato. Score! Totally trying that.
I have never tried the slow cooker. I’ll have to do that the next time!
I love a good foodie bar. I will be honest I never thought to create a potato bar. Its an awesome concept because you can really load it up!
You’re so right about potatoes being a perfect side. Unless I have another recipe I’m wanting to try, I always reach for them first. I love the idea of a potato bar. We often entertain in the summer months and this would such a great idea for a party. We could ask everyone to bring their favorite toppings. Fun post!
Looks sooo yummy. And I love the idea of a baked potato bar! That’s one of my favorite side items — we have baked potatoes like once a month. Dixie plates are definitely a good choice because they’re strong enough to hold up.
Oh my – I would love this – and so would my family.
I can’t eat potatoes due to allergies – but I still love the tasty little bites I get
I know that an oven baked potato is sooooo much better than microwave and all these great ingredients – so much taste bud fun!