Deviled Eggs with Apple Cider Vinegar

Deviled eggs are an absolute staple in our house – my guys absolutely devour them every single time! There really is no better easy appetizer, and every time I make them I find myself wondering why I don’t whip them up more often. They disappear fast so consider yourself warned!

Why this Recipe Works:

• Simple and classic – just a handful of pantry staples come together to create the most perfectly creamy, crowd-pleasing filling
• The perfect balance of flavor – yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar give these deviled eggs just the right amount of tang and sweetness
• Smoked paprika on top – that finishing touch adds a beautiful pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor that takes them over the top
• Always a crowd-pleaser – there is never a deviled egg left on the plate, guaranteed!

How to make Classic Deviled Eggs:

Classic Deviled Eggs are unbelievably simple to make. Keep on reading the easy steps below!

Step 1
Cook eggs. Cook your eggs (using either the stove top method or the instant pot – directions below) and cool off in an ice bath. When cool, remove eggs to a clean towel.

How to make perfectly boiled eggs:

I use one of two methods to make my eggs for this recipe.

1. Stove-top Method. Place eggs in a small pan, cover with water and a big shake of salt or baking soda. Secure lid, and bring to a boil. Turn burner off, and keep your pan on burner with the lid on. Set timer to 11 minutes, and when timer is at zero, remove the eggs to an ice bath. When cooled, peel eggs.
2. Instant Pot Method. Place eggs in the egg wire rack in instant pot. Pour in two cups of water, secure lid, and set to pressure cook for three minutes, with a five minute natural release. When finished, open lid and remove eggs to an ice bath. When cooled, carefully peel eggs.

Recipe FAQs:

More Delicious Appetizers:

Looking for other delicious appetizers? Try one of these next!

• Baked Artichoke Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
• Brie and Jam in Puff Pastry
• Cowboy Caviar with Avocado

Warm Goat Cheese Dip

Once again, I’ve recreated a dish we had at a restaurant. This time it was at a really fun brewery we went to after a long bike ride on our Anniversary Trip to Banff! We were exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and in the mood for something different.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – You’ll need just five simple ingredients for this delicious appetizer. Easy peasy and absolutely no fuss.
• SWEET AND SAVORY – The goat cheese base is savory and well balanced when you swirl in that sweet fig jam. Feel free to use any jam – it’s good with other flavors too.
• IMPRESSIVE FOR GUESTS – This baked goat cheese dip is not only delicious, it’s pretty to look at with those swirls of fig jam and chopped nuts. Great for a Friday happy hour, game day, or a party during the holiday season.
• ADD IT TO A CHEESE PLATTER – Feel free to add this creamy dip to a cheese platter. A perfect holiday appetizer!

Ingredients Used for Baked Goat Cheese Dip Recipe:

• Plain Goat Cheese – I recommend using a log of goat cheese for this dip. The log is softer and creamier, so it melts smoothly into a spreadable texture when baked, while crumbles tend to stay drier and don’t blend together as well. 
• Cream Cheese – Use a block of cream cheese for best results. While we used a light version, full-fat is also a great choice.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The olive oil adds a silky richness to the dip and helps everything melt more smoothly instead of drying out.
• Fig Jam – Fig jam is generally easy to find, especially in well-stocked grocery stores.
• Nuts – Use any combo of nuts for a crunchy topping. You can also toast them for additional flavor.

How to make Creamy Goat Cheese Dip:

Step 1
Prep bread. Slice baguette into thin pieces and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 6-7 minutes or to your liking. Remove and rub with garlic (optional).

Recipe FAQs:

Other Dip Recipes:

Choose your favorite recipe (or two)!

• Greek Feta Dip
• Pretzel Cheese Dip
• Wasabi Aioli and Asparagus
• Whipped Feta Dip with Honey
• Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms

Drinks to Pair:

• A glass of wine is always nice with a wonderful appetizer.
• Cocktails – Try some Pineapple Coconut Margaritas, Blueberry Mojitos, or Grapefruit Palomas.
• Mocktails – How about some Raspberry Mocktails, Strawberry Mojito Mocktails, or Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktails?

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Food Processor
• Silicone Spoon Spatula

Best Dinner Rolls

Bread is our love language, and these dinner rolls do NOT disappoint. There is nothing better than a soft roll lathered with melty butter (yes, more butter please). Speaking from experience, these make a perfect sandwich too!

Why This Recipe Works:

• GARLIC INFUSED FLAVOR – Incorporating roasted garlic and butter directly into the dough ensures that every bite is flavorful, not just on the surface.
• SOFT, TENDER TEXTURE – The fat from the butter and the gentle kneading create a light, fluffy crumb.
• GOLDEN CRUST – Baking at the right temperature produces a beautiful, lightly crisp, golden exterior.
• GREAT SIDE DISH – These rolls pair well with almost any meal – from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

What You’ll Need:

• Garlic
• Butter
• Dry Active Yeast
• Granulated Sugar
• Whole Milk
• Egg
• Bread Flour
• Kosher Salt

How to make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:

Step 1
Make garlic butter. Slice the top off the heads of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast in a preheated 400-degree oven until the cloves are soft and caramelized — usually around 40-45 minutes, but start checking at 30. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the softened cloves.

Place softened butter on a cutting board. Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic cloves into the butter and then set aside.

Step 5
Continue adding flour. Add more flour until you get just the right consistency (about 1.5 additional cups). The dough will pull away from the sides of the mixer when it is close to being ready. You want the dough to be soft but not too sticky.

Once you have enough flour added, let the mixer run for another five minutes. The dough may settle around the edges a bit again, but use the “sticky test” to make sure it’s ready.

Storing and Freezing:

• Store garlic butter dinner rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bags for 2-3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Bosch Universal Mixer
• USA 9×13 Cake Pan

Black-Eyed Peas

We’ve been Texans for almost 30 years now, and we’ve slowly adapted to many southern traditions. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a pretty easy one because we like pretty much everything in the lentil family. Dip and chips? Yup, that’s a no brainer.

Why We Love This Dip:

• FULL OF FLAVOR – The flavor of this dip is out of this world delicious! It’s creamy, spicy, hearty, and cheesy. A perfect combo for celebrating the new year.
• CUSTOMIZABLE – Feel free to make this dip your own. You can use different seasonings, add corn, use a variety of cheese, etc.
• PERFECT PARTY DIP – This creamy dip makes a great party dip (for any time of year). Serve it with a variety of other appetizers and drinks and you’ll be loved by all.
• GOOD LUCK! – Yes, this black eyed pea dip is guaranteed (well, that’s a rumor LOL!) to bring you luck in the New Year. Don’t miss out!

Ingredients Used:

• Olive Oil – Used to sauté the fresh veggies.
• Fresh Veggies – You’ll need onion and garlic for this dip recipe.
• Ground Beef – I normally use a lean ground beef but any will work.
• Seasonings – Ground cumin, onion powder, and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste).
• Black Eyed Peas – The KEY ingredient for LUCK!
• Jarred Jalapeños – We really enjoy jalapeños and the jarred version works well here.
• Rotel – We prefer using the HOT version for kick.
• Cream Cheese – Use full-fat or light cream cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese – You’ll want to freshly shred the cheddar cheese.
• Cilantro – Chopped cilantro is added when serving.
• To serve – We prefer serving black eyed pea dip with Tostito chips.

How to make Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip:

Step 1
Sauté veggies and brown beef. In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, ground beef, and seasonings and cook until beef is cooked through. Add garlic and stir for another minute, or until fragrant.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing:

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat dip in your microwave until warm.
• You can freeze the leftover dip after it cools off. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

More Black Eyed Pea Recipes:

Try some of these recipes from my food blogger friends!

What to serve with Hot Black Eyed Pea Dip:

Let’s make a cocktail or two to serve with this delicious good luck dip.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Dips/Appetizers:

You’re going to want a variety of dips/appetizers to serve at your New Year’s party! Here are some great choices.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

Cast Iron Skillet

Puff Pastry Appetizer

Store-bought puff pastry is pure magic. I’m all about homemade breads and rolls, but when it comes to puff pastry, let’s get the miracle in a box. Make sure you store it in your freezer until you’re ready to use it.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – I’m all in for a 4-ingredient appetizer, especially when it involves puff pastry! The prep time is a mere 10-15 minutes too.
• DELICIOUS FLAVOR – We love the crispy exterior and the melty, gooey, cheesy interior of this simple appetizer! You will not be disappointed.
• IMPRESSIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZER – This is the perfect party app because it’s 1) simple, 2) delicious, and 3) impressive! Make this for all your gatherings, please.

What You’ll Need:

The following are simple ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores. This is a simple, show-stopper appetizer for any occasion!

• Puff Pastry – You’ll need to buy a box of puff pastry and will use one sheet for this recipe.
• Brie Cheese – We use double cream brie cheese. Keep the rind on the cheese to help hold it’s shape while baking.
• Preserves – Any jam or preserves will work just fine. We rotate between cherry, raspberry, apricot, and fig.
• Egg Wash – Combine one egg and a splash of water.
• Toppings – Add a variety of herbs, spices, nuts, etc. We used shaved almonds.

How to make Brie and Jam in Puff Pastry:

Step 1
Prep for baking. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add a sheet of parchment paper to a sheet pan.

Step 6
Serve. Transfer the baked brie to a serving platter and add some shaved almonds on top (or toppings of your choice). Add a variety of crackers, bread, and fruit to serve.

NOTE: Feel free to add other garnishes as well. Try a sprig of rosemary or thyme, sugared cranberries, or some fresh fruit on the side. The sky is the limit!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Appetizer Recipes:

Making a holiday or special occasion spread? Try a variety of appetizers including the ones below.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• USA Sheet Pan
• Parchment Paper

Hickory Smoked Nuts

My sister and her husband recently visited from Colorado and they brought along some smoked almonds for us to enjoy. They were DELICIOUS! After they left, I texted them to get their recipe and this is it.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SUPER SIMPLE – This 3-ingredient smoked nuts recipe is super simple. You’ll just need a bit of time and patience.
• CRUNCHY AND FLAVORFUL – We love the crunch and the flavor of these nuts. Smoky, a little bit salty, with some nice crunch.
• GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN – Nuts are a great source of protein and make a nice mid-day snack. They are also delicious on salads and creamy dips (for texture).

What You’ll Need:

These require just three simple ingredients that you’ll find in your local grocery store. You might want to order some raw almonds if your store doesn’t carry large quantities.

• Almonds – We use raw almonds for this recipe. Don’t use salted or roasted almonds because we’re adding a delicious, smoky flavor during this process.
• Olive Oil – Extra-Virgin olive oil is added during the last hour of smoking.
• Kosher Salt – Use as much kosher salt as you like. We’re adding some during the last hour of smoking and then a little more at the end.

How to make Smoked Almonds:

Step 1
Prep smoker. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F. Add wood chips of your choice.

NOTE: Our smoker runs hot so we had to reduce the temp to 215 degrees in order to avoid them burning. Use your best judgement.

Storing and Freezing:

• Store the smoked nuts in an airtight container or storage bag. These store well at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
• Freeze smoked almonds for 2-3 weeks. Make sure you place them in a freezer bag for best results.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Nut Recipes:

• Honey Roasted Nuts
• Easy Caramelized Pecans
• Rosemary Roasted Cashews
• Brown Sugar Walnuts Recipe

Italian Slider Recipe

When our boys were in sports, we spent a lot of time at sandwich shops (especially Subway) on game days. Between games, we’d head to Subway and eat with the team while hiding out in the a/c. While we enjoyed their sandwiches, NOTHING is as tasty as making your own at home – especially sliders.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – These sliders are simple to make, especially if you use store-bought rolls. If you decide to make my homemade version, I recommend making them in advance and freezing them for later.
• FULL OF FLAVOR – Who doesn’t love a melty sandwich with the works? These are full of Italian flavors that the whole family will love!
• PERFECT FOR GAME DAY – A simple slider recipe is game day-approved in our home. Make them for opening day (Go Rangers!), for basketball playoffs (Go Mavericks!) or fall football (Go Cowboys!) BTW, I’m a baseball fan for the most part.

What You’ll Need:

• Slider Buns – While we use our homemade Italian Herb Bread for these, you can use any store-bought rolls as well. Hawaiian rolls are easy to find in most grocery stores.
• Stone Ground Mustard – Or use yellow mustard instead.
• Meats – We used ham, salami, and mortadella in these sammies.
• Cheese – We used provolone but mozzarella cheese would be delicious too.
• Butter – You’ll mix the melted butter with seasonings and brush it on the tops of the rolls.
• Seasoning – Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Banana Peppers – Add banana peppers for extra flavor.
• Fillings – After baking, you can also add some sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and anything else that you like.

How to make Italian Sliders:

Step 1
Prep the bread. You won’t be sorry if you want to try my Italian Herb Bread. But if you’re not into baking like I am, buy some slider buns at the store. Most carry Hawaiian rolls which would also be delicious.

Use a serrated edge knife to carefully slice the rolls in half and lay them out flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

What to serve with Italian Sliders:

• POTATOES – Try our Potato Salad with Miracle Whip or some Baked Garlic Home Fries.
• SALAD – You’ll love our Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad or Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad.
• SNACKS – For game day, I recommend adding some Dill Pickle Pinwheels, Spicy Chex Mix, and Cowboy Caviar with Avocado!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Sandwiches:

There is nothing better than a yummy sandwich. Try one of these next!

• Italian Grinder Sandwich
• Pressed Cuban Sandwiches
• Pesto Veggie Sandwich
• BLT Sandwich with Pesto Sauce

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Serrated Edge Knife
• USA Quarter Sheet Pan

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Our Baked Artichoke Dip has always been one of our top appetizer recipes. It’s a family favorite and one that we make regularly. Which is why I adapted it to fill the wonton wrappers for these small bites.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – This recipe is very simple to make and uses mostly pantry staples.
• FULL OF FLAVOR – We love the flavor of these artichoke bites. They’re crispy, creamy, and full of artichoke dip with bites of spinach throughout.
• PERFECT PARTY APPETIZER – These bite-sized snacks make the best appetizers. Make them for your next party and enjoy the praise from guests!

What You’ll Need:

• Wonton Wrappers – These can be found in most grocery stores. I use the Nasoya Brand.
• Veggies – A combo of onion, garlic, and baby spinach.
• Artichoke Hearts – We used marinated artichoke hearts for this recipe.
• Mayonnaise – We always use mayo with olive oil, but any will work.
• Sour Cream Light – or use full-fat sour cream
• Cream Cheese Light – or use full-fat cream cheese
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Seasonings – A combo of red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper.

How to make Spinach and Artichoke Bites:

Step 1
Prep. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray. Drain and chop the artichokes into small pieces.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Appetizer Recipes:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
• Cowboy Caviar with Avocado
• Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
• Spicy Chex Mix

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Cast Iron Skillet
• 12-Cup Muffin Pan
• We use the Nasoya Brand of wonton wrappers.

Cream Cheese Dip

Occasionally, I find myself looking through my mother’s church cookbooks to see if there is that one recipe that needs to be shared with y’all. This one isn’t my mom’s but it does belong to a family member on my dad’s side. This particular family of 12 (kids) put together a cookbook and my mom noted it with “V. Good” – a sign that I must make it!

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – This easy dip recipe can be made in no time. It took just 15 minutes for me. You’ll need a few minutes to toast the pine nuts and then everything gets added to a food processor.
• FULL OF FLAVOR – The flavor of the fresh basil and pine nuts reminded me of my homemade pesto sauce and the flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes was perfection. Do not skip the fresh herbs!
• GREAT PARTY APPETIZER – While this was a Friday Night happy hour snack for us that turned into dinner, I highly recommend doubling the recipe for a larger group or game day. We paired some black pepper pretzel crisps and some homemade naan bread and it was “the chef’s kiss”!

What You’ll Need:

These simple ingredients are needed to make the perfect dip.

• Cream Cheese – I used full-fat cream cheese but a light version would work ok too. 
• Greek Yogurt – We keep plain Greek yogurt stocked in the house for dips and dressings. You could use sour cream instead.
• Pine Nuts – Make sure you toast the pine nuts for best results.
• Garlic – I used just one medium-sized clove of garlic. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you could try adding a pinch of garlic powder instead.
• Fresh Basil – During the summer months, we have a large pot of fresh basil on our deck. But you should be able to find fresh basil in the stores as well.
• Feta Cheese – I used tomato and basil feta crumbles. My favorite!
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. We used the Delallo Brand and it was delicious.

How to make this Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, pine nuts, garlic, and fresh basil. Blend until well combined.

Storing and Freezing:

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze leftover dip in a freezer-safe container placed in a freezer bag for up to three months.

How to serve Sun-Dried Tomato Dip:

• As a delicious appetizer. Serve feta dip with pita chips, pretzel crisps, tortilla chips, and/or fresh veggies for the perfect appetizer.
• How about a toast topper? Spread on baguette slices or garlic bread.
• Let’s make a sandwich spread. Add dip to your favorite sourdough bread for the best grilled cheese. We love it with our Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread or Sourdough Sandwich Bread!

Other Favorite Dip Recipes:

Are you interested in more of our best dips for your next dinner party? Look no further!

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• 11-Cup Cuisinart Food Processor
• Silicone Spoon Spatula

Corn Dip

There are a ton of corn dip options on the interwebs, including our old standby – Hot Jalapeno Corn Dip (that uses mayo to make it creamy). This version is slightly different as it includes sour cream and sour cream to add that creamy texture. I prefer this latest version and I hope you give it a try!

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – This corn dip recipe combines just seven simple ingredients and is ready to bake (or enjoy cold) in just 15 minutes.
• CREAMY CORN DIP – The cream cheese and sour cream make this cheesy dip super creamy. 
• FULL OF FLAVOR – We’re a fan of all things corn, jalapenos, and cheese (obviously!) and they are a match made in heaven.
• GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING – Your guests will be licking the bowl clean when you serve this easy appetizer at gatherings. Trust me – this is a great appetizer for parties, game days, Cinco de Mayo, during any time of year!

What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Corn Dip Recipe:

• Corn – We like using Mexicorn in this dip. But you could use thawed frozen corn or even grill some fresh ears of corn.
• Jalapeños – Since we use jarred jalapenos in several recipes (specifically our Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread and Jalapeno Cheddar Focaccia), we always keep a jar handy. If preferred, use fresh jalapeños instead.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – We prefer the Tillamook brand and normally use sharp cheddar. You could also use Monterey jack cheese or pepper jack cheese (or a combination) for all the cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Make sure you freshly shred your cheese, for best results.
• Cream Cheese – While we use full fat cream cheese in this simple recipe, you could use a lighter version as well.
• Sour Cream – Feel free to try light sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt.
• Seasonings – kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Green Onions
• Optional Additions – Try adding some green chiles or Rotel tomatoes to spice things up even more. Want even more spice? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder.

How to make Cream Corn Dip with Jalapenos:

Step 1
Prep ingredients. Drain the corn, chop jalapeños and green onions, and freshly shred the cheese.

Step 5
Bake. Bake corn dip in a preheated 375-degree oven for 25 minutes.

NOTE: Instead of baking this corn dip, try eating it cold instead!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Appetizers:

Look no further for your next delicious appetizer recipe.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global Knife
• KitchenAid Hand Mixer

Taco Cups

We love a simple recipe that doubles as a snack and appetizer. The first time I made this was for a quick dinner. The second was for game day. I highly recommend these taco cups for Taco Tuesday or your next party!

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – These mini taco cups use simple ingredients and take just over 30 minutes to make. Taco night done right!
• GREAT APPETIZER – We love enjoying these simple appetizers for game day. They’re easy to eat and unfussy! They also make a fun dinner.
• CRUNCHY TACOS – These little tacos are a fun twist on classic tacos and are a great recipe for many different occasions. 
• CUSTOMIZABLE – Add a variety of toppings to customize your wonton tacos. We love changing it up every time we make these easy taco cups!

Possible Variations:

• We occasionally add refried beans or a spoonful of black beans to the cups. Use about half of the meat in this case.
• Change up the taco filling and use a different type of ground meat. 
• Instead of using wonton wrappers, try using a small flour tortilla in the little taco cups instead.

Ingredients Used:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Ground Turkey – You could also use lean ground beef or ground chicken in these.
• Veggies – onions, jalapeños, and garlic
• Taco Seasoning – We love keeping a large jar of our homemade taco seasoning handy at all times. You can also use a packet of taco seasoning instead.
• Wonton Wrappers – We use a double layer of these crispy wontons for each taco cup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Or use cheddar jack, Monterey Jack, or a combo of anything you like.
• A variety of toppings – We like adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of pico de Gallo. You could also use avocado, chopped tomatoes, green onions, etc.

How to make Wonton Taco Cups:

Step 1
Preheat oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Favorite Taco Toppings:

Here are some of our favorite toppings to dress your crunchy taco cups.

• Sour cream and Easy Pico de Gallo (as pictured).
• Tex-Mex Dressings – Try our Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, Chipotle Ranch Dressing, or Jalapeno Ranch Dressing.
• Add sliced avocado or Chunky Guacamole.
• Try some Grilled Salsa, Cowboy Caviar with Avocado, or Avocado Crema.

Other Taco Recipes:

• Taco Crunch Wraps
• Walking Taco Casserole
• Blackened Fish Tacos with Slaw
• Crunchy Shrimp Tostadas

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Cast Iron Skillet
• 12-Cup Muffin Pan

Customizable Baked Potato Bar

When I took a poll with our kids regarding our Christmas Day menu in 2023, Kirsten (Zach’s girlfriend) immediately requested a Baked Potato Bar! Our group happily conceded and we paired the potatoes with filet mignon. It was a 10/10 menu!

Why This Recipe Works:

• CUSTOMIZABLE – We love to change up the toppings, depending on who we’re serving. This is an excellent way to entertain a large group of people for holidays or special occasions.
• EASY TO PREP AHEAD – You can prep ahead a variety of toppings for a potato bar. I always prefer to bake the potatoes right before serving, however. But you can reheat those too for an easy weeknight dinner.
• PERFECT BAKED POTATO – Follow our tips to make a crisp baked potato with different toppings. The perfect family dinner.
• DELICIOUS – What’s not to love about a crispy baked potato with soft insides and loaded with your favorite toppings? This is a great option for picky eaters too.

Ingredients Used:

• Russet Potatoes (plus olive oil, salt, and pepper)
• Standard Toppings – butter, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, etc. 
• Sauteed Mushrooms – follow our guide for how to make perfectly browned mushrooms
• Broccoli Cheese Sauce – based on our delicious Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Mexican Street Corn – this is a good side dish as well

How to make a Baked Potato Bar:

Step 1
Prep standard potato toppings. In small bowls, place a variety of ingredients including chopped jalapenos, butter, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions.

Step 2
Make Street Corn.

• In a large skillet, saute the ears of corn in a little olive oil. Slice the corn kernels off the cobs with a sharp knife and add to a bowl.
• Then add the remaining ingredients – red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
• Refrigerate street corn until ready to serve.

Step 3
Make broccoli cheese sauce.

• Boil broccoli in a pan of water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, add butter over medium heat. When melted, add the diced onions and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Then add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add flour over the top and stir until absorbed. Then add the milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Then add the cheese and stir until melted.
• Add broccoli back to the pan and stir into the cheese sauce.

Step 5
Bake potatoes.

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Rinse potatoes in cold water and wipe clean with a paper towel.
• Use your hands to rub olive oil all over the potato skins. Then add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and rub seasonings into the oiled skins.
• Place a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper in the second rack in the preheated oven.
• Add potatoes directly on the rack above the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Then use tongs to flip the hot potatoes to the other side and continue baking until fork tender. Depending on the size of your potatoes, baking time could be a total of 45 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Toppings for a Loaded Baked Potato Bar:

The sky’s the limit when coming up with topping ideas for baked potato bar night. This easy meal can be customized in many ways. Here are a few more topping options.

Kitchen Tools Used: (Affiliate links)

• USA Sheet Pan
• Dutch Oven
• Global 7-inch Knife
• Box Grater