Potatoes are versatile vegetables that contain many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, fiber and more. By themselves, potatoes can taste starchy and plain, but with the right toppings, they can be a delicious addition to a main course or be the main course itself!
Proteins
Potatoes mix well with a variety of meats and other proteins. Ground beef, mixed with a packet of taco seasoning, is an excellent addition to potatoes, especially if you have other taco toppings, such as avocados, onion, salsa and cheese. Grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips are another option for your potato bar. Chili or canned chili can be heated up and used as a tasty topping. Steak, cut up into strips, is also an excellent choice of potato topping. Consider including crumbled bacon or even bacon bits. The possibilities for protein toppings are endless!
If you have non-meat-eating family members, numerous vegetarian protein options exist. Examples of meat alternatives include the Morningstar Farms Meal Starters, such as Chik’n Strips and Grillers Recipe Crumbles. If you want to have a fiesta-themed potato bar with vegan options, consider mixing a package of Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Grillers Recipe Crumbles with a package of taco seasoning.
Dairy
Sour cream is a must-have for any potato bar. Consider fat free or light sour cream if you trying to eat healthier. Cheese is also essential. Shredded cheese is recommended, since it melts best with potatoes. Cheddar and taco-style cheese are great additions to potatoes, especially for fiesta-style spuds. Nacho cheese is another frequently used choice. Many types of cheese tastes great with potatoes, so your possibilities are limitless!
Vegetables & Other Toppings
Numerous vegetables mix well with potatoes. Standard items for a potato bar include chives, chopped onions and black olives. Other items that taste great with potatoes include tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, broccoli, cilantro and more!
Examples of Potato Bars
- Fiesta-style: Ground beef with taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded taco cheese, salsa, chopped onions, tomatoes, avocados, black olives, and jalapenos.
- Fajita-style: Strips of grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled peppers and onions, grilled mushrooms, sour cream, salsa, shredded taco cheese, jalapenos, cilantro and avocados.
- Ranch-style: Strips of grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, chopped tomatoes, onions, chives and black olives.
- Italian-style: Ground beef, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, green peppers and onions, black olives and fresh basil. Pizza-style: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, green olives, banana peppers and jalapenos.
- Asian Stir-fry-style: Strips of grilled steak or chicken, shrimp or other seafood, or tofu, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, baby corn, peppers, onions, sour cream or cream cheese and your favorite Asian cuisine sauces (i.e. sweet and sour, duck sauce, soy sauce, wasabi, Chinese mustard, peanut sauce, etc).
- Reuben-style: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing and an assortment of vegetables.
