Baked Potato Bar and Salad

The baked potato bar was delicious last night! I can't remember the last time I had a baked potato or why it has been soo long. I am pretty sure that my kiddos have never had a baked potato before, crazy I know. It was a big hit with everyone.

I love "buffet / bar " style foods for a handful of reasons: 

• easy--if you put all the toppings in containers with lids clean up is a breeze
• easy for the kids to help prep the toppings
• all the toppings prepared can be used for something else later in the week
• variety-- everybody can pick and choose as they please
• sampling--my kiddos are more willing to try random good things if they get to add it to their plate on their own

Source

Here are the toppings that we had last night:

• sauteed spinach (I will be using the leftovers for a quiche)
• sauteed mushrooms (leftovers for the quiche)
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• black olives
• crumbled bacon

Some ideas for future potato bar toppings:

• Mexican - black beans, avocado, salsa, cheese, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips
• Greek - feta cheese, chopped artichoke, kalamata olives, hummus, tomatoes
• Italian - Ricotta cheese, Italian herbs, good marinara, olives, chopped salami and pepperoni
• American- chili, cheese, sour cream, green onions or broccoli and cheese