Budget-Friendly Baked Potato Bar

This Easy Budget-Friendly Baked Potato Bar is a fun and filling dinner option that everyone can customize to their liking. At just $1.53 per serving, it’s an affordable, interactive meal perfect for a family dinner night!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes - $2.00

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - $1.50

• 1/2 cup sour cream - $0.50

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled - $1.50

• 2 green onions, chopped - $0.50

• 1 tbsp olive oil - $0.10

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa

• Guacamole

• Broccoli (steamed)

• Black beans

Total Cost: ~$6.10 (serves 4, $1.53 per serving)

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then pierce each one a few times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Set up a baked potato bar with all the toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, and any additional toppings. Let everyone customize their baked potato to their liking.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sodium: 600mg

• Serving Size: 1 potato with toppings (serves 4)

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Fun and interactive, perfect for family dinners

• Customizable with a variety of toppings

• Budget-friendly and filling

• Simple ingredients that are easy to prepare

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Rub the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking for extra crispy skin

• Cook the bacon in advance and crumble for easy assembly

• Don’t over-bake the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy

Substitutions

• Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor

• Substitute bacon with diced ham or turkey for a lighter option

• Add veggies like sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal

• Pair with a simple soup, like tomato or broccoli cheddar, for a cozy dinner

• Offer a variety of sauces like ranch dressing or BBQ sauce to mix up flavors