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Easy Microwave Baked Potato Bar: Perfect Thanksgiving Party Idea

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This easy microwave baked potato bar is a fast, customizable, and crowd-pleasing way to serve fluffy baked potatoes with a variety of toppings—perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s a nostalgic comfort food that’s naturally gluten-free and adaptable for any diet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 large russet potatoes (8–10 oz each, scrubbed clean)
  • Olive oil (optional, for crispy skins)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salted butter (softened)
  • Sour cream (full-fat or light)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions or chives
  • Crumbled cooked bacon or turkey bacon
  • Steamed broccoli florets
  • Chili (homemade or canned)
  • Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Ranch dressing
  • Greek yogurt (as a sour cream swap)
  • Low-fat shredded cheese or vegan cheese
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
  • Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Vegan butter or margarine
  • Gluten-free chili or toppings
  • Low-sodium cheese and bacon

Instructions

  1. Scrub 4-6 russet potatoes under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Prick each potato 4-5 times with a fork.
  3. Rub potatoes lightly with olive oil if desired, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Place 2-3 potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
  5. Flip potatoes and microwave for another 5-7 minutes. For larger potatoes, add 1-2 minutes. For more than 3 potatoes, increase time by 2 minutes per extra potato.
  6. Test doneness with a fork; microwave in 1-minute increments if needed.
  7. While potatoes cook, prepare toppings in small bowls or ramekins.
  8. Remove hot potatoes with tongs and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Slice potatoes lengthwise and gently squeeze ends to fluff insides.
  10. Arrange potatoes on a serving platter and set out toppings with utensils.
  11. Serve potatoes hot, allowing guests to customize with toppings. Reheat potatoes in microwave for 30 seconds if needed.

Notes

For crispy skins, finish microwaved potatoes in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes. Keep toppings warm in a slow cooker or covered dish. Prep toppings ahead for efficiency. Use uniform-sized potatoes for even cooking. For large crowds, keep finished potatoes warm in a low oven while microwaving batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave baked potato, potato bar, Thanksgiving, party food, gluten-free, customizable, easy recipe, comfort food, vegetarian, vegan option

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