Need a fun idea for your next pot luck or party?! How about a baked potato bar?!Â
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| And the photos were a last minute idea (hello ... Keri? This could be a great post!) and they were taken on my phone, so there are only two and they are via Instagram, ha ha! |
I think I've mentioned this, but I'm on the Event Planning Committee for my office and we normally have about 40 folks, give or take.  We have had a blast planning Cinco de Mayo fiestas, holiday sweet swaps - hey, that sounds familiar! - tailgate pot lucks ... give us a reason and we will celebrate!
We are always looking for fun ideas that feed a crowd but stay within our budget ... so this year for St. Patrick's Day, we decided to host a baked potato bar and potluck!
Here are a few tips and pointers so you can {taste this}!
1. We baked our potatoes at home wrapped in foil and kept them warm in crock pots set to low. I've even found that you can "bake" your potatoes in your crock pot! The potatoes stayed piping hot and they were easy to transport. Great for taking home leftovers, too!
2. If you are the "host", provide the traditional toppings - butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits and chives - and ask your guests to bring in their favorite specialty toppings. We had a salsa/queso topping and a spicy beef horseradish topping (recipe below!) but homemade chili, a fresh salsa or broccoli cheese soup would be great, too!
3. We found that folks wanted to try several toppings and combinations so the smaller baking potatoes were perfect and as a bonus, they took less time to cook.
4. Sturdy plates and silverware (if you are using disposable) are a must! These loaded potatoes get heavy so don't skimp on the paper plates. And if you leave the skins on your spuds (washed, of course), quality plastic silverware is the only way to go!
And as promised, here is the baked potato topping that gets its kick from horseradish and Beau Monde spice!  We all just had to have the recipe!
Chipped Beef & Horseradish Baked Potato Topping or Dip
This is a family recipe shared by my awesome co-worker, Rob 🙂
2 jars dried beef
2 cups sour cream
¾ cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip. But I'm mayo all the way!)
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 teaspoons Beau Monde spice
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Rinse the dried beef in warm water and pat with paper towels to remove excess water. Chop into small pieces and set aside. Mix the remaining six ingredients and then stir in dried beef. Add additional horseradish or Beau Monde spice to taste - get spicy if you want!! Allow to chill several hours prior to serving.
This makes a great dip with crackers or toast points, but we dolloped it on warm baked potatoes and it was SO good! Cool sour cream, slightly salty beef and a little kick from the spice ... for me, it was unexpectedly awesome!
Hope you were inspired to try this for your next potluck, party or get together!
This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!
micki @ ADD housewife says
i love a baked potato bar! And that topping sounds fab! yum yum
Melissa Bo says
I love baked potatoes! this recipe looks great!
Shiloh says
I love this idea! You're right, it's a fantastic potluck type idea. Definitely will revisit it.:)
Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says
Perfect! What a great way to have a potato bar! thanks for sharing! xoxo- Rachel
The Answer Is Chocolate says
What a fun idea for a party!
Little Becky Homecky says
Thank you so much for linking up this week to Fantabulous Friday @ Little Becky Homecky! Did you enter the giveaway yet?
http://littlebeckyhomecky.blogspot.com/2012/04/fantabulous-friday8-fashion-to-figure.html
Katie @ Little Becky Homecky
Suzan says
What a great idea! I am hosting my quilting group next month and this sounds like a perfect solution. I only have to provide the main dish so if someone else brings a salad and dessert I am all set!
hannahw says
We love having baked potato bar--might have to try the slow cooker method! http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/bell-bottom-baby.html
Elise says
We did a baked potato/salad bar for our wedding reception. A little odd maybe, but very easy and the guests loved it!
Jillian says
That sounds great! I pinned it! 🙂
Six Sisters says
This looks so good! We're so glad that you linked up to our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We hope you'll be back soon. -The Sisters
Mamie says
This is a great idea! I think I will do this for my family one night for dinner.
Little Susie Home Maker says
Wow, I just love your idea! This is a fun way to feed people. I will definitly, be trying this idea. Thank you so much!
Blessings,
Susie
http://littlesusiehomemaker-lilsusiehomaker.blogspot.com
Ladybird Ln says
I love a good potato! What a fun idea for an office party! I found you at A Creative Princess!
Carlee
www.ladybirdln.com
Jill @Two Yellow Birds Decor says
WOW! That sounds yummy! I will be trying this next time I do baked potatoes! Thanks for sharing this as well at Thursday's Temptation.
Jill
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
That looks SO good and the potato bar is just so much fun! You always have the best ideas!
Take care,
Trish
Shabby chic Sandy says
What a great idea--sounds fun and wouldn't cost too much to serve a lot of people!
Anonymous says
nice idea.. thanks for posting..