Mashed Potato Bar

Put a fresh spin on your next dinner party with a fun, interactive mashed potato bar that’ll have your guests customizing their spuds like pros! Creamy, buttery mashed russet potatoes are the star of the show, surrounded by a buffet of delicious mashed potato bar toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, broccoli and rich gravy.

Keep it all stress-free by serving the mashed potatoes in a slow cooker so they stay warm while your guests pile on their favorites. Want to kick it up a notch? Call it a mashed potato martini bar and serve the spuds in martini glasses for a touch of fabulous fun. Best of all, this crowd-pleaser is an affordable dinner party idea that everyone will love!

Mashed Potato Bar Toppings and Ingredients

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

• Mashed potatoes: The main draw requires a few basics: potatoes, butter, milk or heavy cream, salt and pepper. There are many types of potatoes to choose from, but russet potatoes have the ideal texture.
• Butter: Extra butter takes your mashed potatoes from good to great. As a topping, cut salted butter into small cubes and serve them in a shallow bowl for easy pick up.
• Sour cream: Creamy and tart in just the right balance, sour cream brings a refreshing zing. It balances the richness of the mashed potatoes with a cool, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the heaviness.
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese brings sharp, melty goodness to the mashed potato party. A sharp cheddar’s bold flavor creates a rich and gooey layer as it starts to melt when combined with the warm, creamy potatoes.
• Bacon: Crumbled bacon goes hand in hand with potatoes, from potato skins to potato soup, so including it among your mashed potato bar toppings is essential. The bits of crunch are an ideal contrast to the creamy potatoes, and the smokey, savory flavor sets it apart. The best way to cook bacon is by baking it, but you can buy precooked bacon. Always get or make more than you think you will need.
• Broccoli: A bag of frozen broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces, adds color and nutrition to your topping spread and takes just minutes to prep.
• Gravy: Craving something savory? Heat some gravy! You can make a foolproof gravy, or use store-bought gravy for ease.
• Mushrooms: There are many different types of mushrooms, so choose your favorites. I love cremini mushrooms sauteed with minced garlic and chopped into small pieces for an earthy and savory option.
• Shallots: For a bit of onion-y garnish, serve crispy shallots. Take a knife or mandoline, cut a shallot into tiny circular slices and saute for a few minutes in olive oil. Blot any extra oil and they are ready to enjoy. French-fried onions or fresh chopped green onions and chives are another great option.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a zesty green flavor and pop of color.
• Salt and pepper: Of course, every kitchen table’s essential seasonings are invited to the party, allowing every guest to adjust their meal to their palate.

Directions for Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the water.

Editor’s Tip: Peeled and cubed russet potatoes will cook faster than boiling the whole potato with the skin on. They’re also easier to mash.

Step 2: Mash the potatoes

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the warm milk or heavy cream, salt and pepper, heating through. Pour this mixture over the cooked potatoes, and mash until light and fluffy. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a slow cooker set on warm.

Editor’s Tip: For extra-fluffy mashed potatoes, run the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer before blending them with the liquids. Then, combine the riced potatoes with the milk/cream mixture.

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

How to Assemble a Mashed Potato Bar

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

The centerpiece of your mashed potato bar is the slow cooker filled to the brim with creamy, fluffy potatoes. I like to arrange my bowls and little dishes (called ramekins) of toppings in a line buffet-style so a few guests can fill their plates at a time. If you are out to impress, label each topping and double-check that you have serving spoons or tongs for each topping.

Mashed Potato Bar Variations

• Make baked potatoes: These toppings are also delicious on a baked potato! You can even give your guests a choice between mashed and baked. Using french fries as your base may not be as nutritious, but it is fun.
• Add some protein: From pulled pork to grilled chicken to seared ahi tuna steaks, adding more protein can transform your mashed potato martini bar from a side dish to a full meal.
• Go full vegetarian or vegan: This interactive dish is already vegetarian without the bacon. And with just a few dairy alternatives, like vegan butter and cheese, even the vegans in your life can enjoy the mashed potato bar toppings. (Just don’t forget to swap all the dairy in the potatoes!)

How to Store Mashed Potato Bar Ingredients

Storing your mashed potatoes in an airtight container will guarantee great leftovers. For the toppings, wrap each bowl or ramekin tightly so no air can get in. You’ll be ready to set up another potato bar in a flash.

How long do the mashed potatoes and toppings last?

Mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Toppings like bacon and cheese can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the potatoes in the microwave or the oven before serving.

Can you make the mashed potatoes and toppings ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing everything a day in advance can make the entire setup a snap. Mash your potatoes and store them in the fridge, then reheat them gently in a slow cooker with added milk or butter to keep them creamy. Prep toppings like bacon, mushrooms and cheese ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Mashed Potato Bar Tips

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

How do you keep potatoes warm for a mashed potato bar?

The easiest way to ensure warm mashed potatoes is to serve them from a slow cooker set to warm. Stir them occasionally and add a bit of butter or cream if they begin to dry out.

How should you serve potatoes for a mashed potato bar?

For a more formal occasion, try a mashed potato martini bar by serving each guest their mashed potatoes in a martini glass and see everyone ooh and aah over your creativity. Wine glasses and vintage barware work just as well and will have people jockeying for the best glass in addition to the best toppings.

What can you serve alongside a mashed potato bar?

Make your whole dinner party interactive! Set up a grazing charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, dried fruits, nuts and spreads. Offer a Caesar salad with optional mix-ins, proteins and dressings (and anchovies). Finish off the event with a cupcake decorating contest. No one will leave this party complaining of boredom!