We all know potatoes are frugal, so why not turn them into a thrifty meal to serve a lot of guests? You can feed a large crowd for pennies when you find them for a bargain. $2.99 or less for a 10# bag is a great stock up price in my area. I usually buy at least two bags and incorporate them into a mission meal or party gathering. Since I worked at the Peddler Steakhouse during my college years, I learned how to make our delicious restaurant potatoes {the kind you like to eat the skin}. Here’s how we prepared them back in my college days with my home tips included

1. Scrub down the kitchen sink and make sure it’s very clean. Dump your potatoes on one side and clean and scrub with a brush very well. Move to the other side.

2. Grab your favorite oil {canola is our economical choice} and lightly drizzle over the potatoes in the sink. Rub the oil all over each potatoes using your hands. Sprinkle a moderate amount of kosher or sea salt on each potato. Move the potatoes around as necessary.

 

3. Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet or stone and bake in a 400 degree oven for more than an hour for this large amount. I usually check the smaller potatoes after an hour and remove them. The potatoes should pierce easily with a fork when done.

 

 

 

I also do the squeeze test with an oven mitt. I’ll squeeze the sides and see if they give a little. Keep warm by placing them in a stainless steel bowl and covering with a towel to absorb moisture. When I take them out for a mission meal. I’ll place in several baskets and place bath towels over top.

4. Set up a delicious variety of potato bar items:

• bulk shredded cheese or cheese sauce {try homemade}
• cooked, crumbled bacon, sausage, shredded chicken or turkey or taco meat or pepperoni slices
• sliced green onions or sauteed onions and peppers
• crock pot marinara sauce, enchilada or light Alfredo sauce
• shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes
• salsa, guacamole or pico de gallo
• favorite chili
• steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets
• garlic salt, chives, pepper, chili powder, pesto
• baked beans
• marinara or try homemade

DIY baked potato bar is THE frugal way to go when feeding a crowd, plus it’s just plain fun to top your potato with all sorts of goodies.

Any way you serve them, they are delicious!

 

 

 

Have you ever made a potato bar? Do you have any creative topping ideas?