Who else loves a good baked potato bar?

Potatoes are typically pretty cheap year-round, making them a good choice for frugal meals. They’re incredibly filling and go well with a lot of different foods.

They also have a good amount of vitamins like Vitamin C, particularly in the potato skin. That’s why a baked potato is one of my favorite ways to eat these spuds!

Depending on what else you have with these, baked potatoes can be a cheap dinner option. A main dish instead of a classic side dish. And super easy to make!

Keep reading to learn an easy way to bake potatoes, along with other tips and tricks!

Best potato to use

Do you ever get overwhelmed at the grocery store looking at all the different types of potatoes? Which ones are the best for baking?

For me, the best choice is the Russet potato. It holds up well, even in mashed potatoes and potato soup, and sometimes the bigger ones are even packaged together and labeled as “baking potatoes”.

Sweet potatoes are also a great option, and they’re full of vitamins too.

I use red potatoes and Yukon gold for things like potato salad, because these seem to be softer in texture.

There are a few differences between mashed potatoes and baked potatoes, too.

How much does this recipe cost?

The total cost depends on what kind of toppings you use.

Here’s what I used and the cost (Your prices may vary):

• Baking potatoes: $4.00 for 5 pounds
• Sour cream: $1.95
• Shredded cheddar cheese: $3.79
• Bacon bits: $1.59
• Total: $11.33

Keep in mind that you may not use up all of these ingredients for this one meal. That means you’ll have leftovers to use for other things!

Do I have to cut the potatoes in half?

Honestly, I’m a little impatient and like things to cook faster. Cutting my potatoes in half is an easy method to reduce the cooking time; and we cut our potatoes into pieces before eating anyway, so I’m not interested in a perfect whole potato. So for us, this way is the best way!

You don’t have to slice the potatoes before cooking! Just poke plenty of holes in them and add cooking time. You may need to cook these for up to an hour depending on the size of your potatoes.

Ingredients

Baking Russet potatoes

Olive oil

Salt and black pepper

Your favorite baked potato toppings

How to make

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes.

Slice each one in half and place on a large baking sheet.

Rub olive oil on the tops of the potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Divide onto plates and serve with your favorite toppings.

How to store

Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Use up within 3-5 days.

If you’re taking this into work the next day, I recommend filling a small container with your toppings! That way you don’t have to mess with all of it in the morning right before you leave for work.

Topping ideas

What I love about baking potatoes is the endless options of foods to put on it! The more you add to it, the more filling meal it becomes. Here are some of my favorite potato bar toppings:

• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Steamed broccoli
• Green onions
• Bacon bits
• Butter
• Cottage cheese
• Ground beef with taco seasoning (Great for a taco-themed potato!)
• Chili (Either a meat chili or bean chili!)

What to serve with this

Baked potatoes can be a full meal in itself, depending on what you put on it! I would usually serve this with a side salad, and maybe some fresh bread if we have any.

Other cheap meals

Are you on a tight budget and need more dinner ideas? Check out my master post on meals to make when you have little money!

Print the recipe card now for this baked potato recipe: