Nikole Stewart
It’s never a bad time to have a baked potato for dinner. And sometimes, that’s all you need to enjoy something hearty and comforting. These are a few of the best baked potato topping ideas that turn it into dinner in no time. Potatoes are already fluffy and filling, but with some added protein and flavors, you can quickly turn them into a delicious meal. Check out our best topping recommendations.
7. Spinach Artichoke Baked Potatoes
Combine the beloved artichoke dip appetizer with a fluffy baked potato to transform it into a delicious main course. To create the filling, all you need is to melt the butter and cook the garlic until fragrant.
Add spinach and cook until wilted. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then stir in the spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, with red pepper flakes and other seasonings. Scoop it into your baked potato and serve.
6. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes
Buffalo chicken is an amazing dinner, but pairing it with a salty, fluffy baked potato makes it so much better. One of the best baked potato topping ideas if you want a hearty dinner is buffalo shredded chicken. The pillowy starch soaks up the sauce for a mouthwatering bite every time. And if you want to add some fiber, some crispy baked broccoli is the perfect side.
5. Vegetarian Sweet Potatoes
Want a vegetarian option that still packs a protein punch? Then you’ll love these sweet potatoes. Bake your sweet potatoes while you put together your toppings. Chop up your onion, rinse your black beans, chop up your favorite chile like adobo, dice avocado, chop cilantro, and grab some Greek yogurt. The blend of spice and sweet makes it an amazing dinner that will keep you full and satisfied for longer.
4. Chili Baked Potatoes
Another simple combination that is incredibly easy is chili-smothered potatoes. It can be as simple as cooking a baked potato and then grabbing a premade can of chili. Or you can whip up some homemade chili for more flavor and nutrients and let it simmer in the slow cooker all day. Top with sour cream and cheddar cheese, plus some chives if you want, and you have one of the best baked potato topping ideas.
3. Taco Baked Potatoes
Combining taco night with a baked potato might sound weird, but it’s one of the best baked potato topping ideas if you want to have a great dinner experience. Plus, it’s a great way for the kids to enjoy making their own. For this taco bar, start with a baked potato, and let everyone pick their toppings, including taco meat, salsa, cheese, sour cream, onions, peppers, chives, cilantro, and even a cheese dip or queso.
2. Steak Smothered Baked Potatoes
Steak and potatoes are truly the perfect pairing. The only reason this isn’t in the number one slot is that it takes a bit of work. While your potatoes are baking, get your steak bites going, but steaking steak in Cajun seasoning and then cubing it up. A little before the steak is cooked, scoot the steak to the side and add butter and garlic to the pan.
Toss the steak in the garlic butter, then remove it from the pan. Start your sauce by adding butter and whisking heavy cream until it’s simmering. Reduce, then add red pepper chili flakes, parmesan cheese, and other seasonings. Turn the heat off and add the juice of a lemon. Place the steak bites over your baked potato and then cover in that creamy, luxurious sauce.
1. BBQ Pork Baked Potatoes
One of the best baked potato topping ideas that is also super easy to make is BBQ pork. Whether you slow cook it in a crockpot, smoke it, or grab those premade packages from the store, BBQ pork on top of a baked potato is the ultimate comfort food. Just add some sliced peppers and onions on top, along with a sprinkle of cilantro, and serve. A delicious, fresh coleslaw on the side is a great way to balance those sweet, spicy flavors.