When life gives you potatoes, you make a Loaded Mashed Potato Bar! This idea is perfect for entertaining guests of 10 or more whether a cozy dinner party or a festive gathering, it can be made casual or fancy! See how I did it below!
How fun this is mashed potato bar? If you've been following me here at AGT, I love food bars! My Nacho Bar and my Pasta Bar are my most popular.
For this mashed potato bar, I used three different kinds of mashed potatoes and an array of toppings, because I like when my guests can create their own perfect mashed potato masterpiece.
Here’s some tips to make yours equally fun and easy to execute!
The Mashed Potato Base
For this bar, I offered three types of mashed potatoes:
- Yukon Gold: Creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet. A classic favorite.
- Regular Russet: Fluffy and smooth, perfect for soaking up gravy and toppings.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Rich and savory with the bold flavor of roasted garlic.
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I kept these warm in triple crock pots, which not only helped keep the potatoes at the perfect serving temperature but also made it super easy for guests to scoop out portions.
Toppings Galore!
The fun really begins with the toppings! I had a wide variety to give my guests alllll the options! 🙂
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Because bacon makes everything better, right?
- Sautéed Mushrooms: For a hearty, earthy flavor.
- Crispy Onions: Add some crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Chives: A fresh and mild onion flavor that is a must with potatoes.
- Shredded Pork: Perfect for those looking for a meaty addition.
- Gravy: You can buy storebought or homemade. A must-have for mashed potatoes.
- Cheese Sauce: Because cheesy potatoes are irresistible. Again, you can use storebought or make your own.
- Broccoli: For a lighter, veggie option.
- Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Sour Cream: For that tangy, creamy finish.
I used mini chalkboard signs to label each topping, which gave it a charming, rustic vibe and helped guests easily identify their options. To tie it all together, I created a larger “Mashed Potato Bar” sign to place in the table for that inviting feel.
Serving Tips for Entertaining
- Keep it Warm: Using crock pots or chafing dishes is essential for keeping the mashed potatoes warm throughout your event. Nobody likes cold mashed potatoes!
- Organize the Toppings: Arrange the toppings in a way that flows naturally. Start with heavier items like meat and gravy, then progress to lighter toppings like veggies and garnishes. This helps guests build their plate with balance.
- Use Bowls and Wooden Spoons: I set out bowls and wooden spoons for serving. Bowls are great for holding all those delicious toppings without spilling over, and wooden spoons add a rustic touch that complements the homestyle feel of the mashed potato bar. You can also use mini mason jars if you want.
- Offer Variety: The key to a successful mashed potato bar is variety. Not everyone likes the same thing, so having a range of toppings (from rich and cheesy to fresh and light) allows guests to personalize their plates.
- Create a Self-Serve Station: Make it easy for your guests to serve themselves. Keep the mashed potatoes at one end of the table, followed by the toppings, and place bowls, utensils, and napkins at the other end.
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📖 Recipe
Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potato Bar
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 varieties: Yukon Gold (Russet, Roasted Garlic, Cheesy (enough to fill three crock pots) See note*)
Toppings
- 8 oz crispy bacon (chopped)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1 cup crispy onions
- ¼ cup chives (minced)
- ½ cup bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded pork
- 2 cups gravy
- 2 cups cheese sauce
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare mashed potatoes: I used store-bought to make things to quicker but you can make your own to save money. See note below*
- Prepare toppings:
- Fry bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- Sauté mushrooms until tender.
- Steam broccoli florets and set aside. (Don't make them mushy!)
- Warm cheese sauce and gravy.
- Set up the bar:
- Arrange the mashed potatoes in the crock pots.
- Place all toppings in bowls and label each one with mini chalkboard signs.
- Provide bowls and wooden spoons for guests to serve themselves.
- Serve: Let guests build their own loaded mashed potato creations with their favorite toppings.
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