The beauty of the baked potato lies in its simplicity, crispy skin, fluffy interior, and loads of possibilities for toppings. But when you turn it into a sharing board, it becomes more than just dinner. It becomes an experience! No fancy techniques. No stress. Just hearty, satisfying bites and lots of happy faces.
Aluminum foil (optional for keeping fillings warm)
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Base: Baked Potatoes
8large baking potatoesRusset or Maris Piper
2–3 tbsp olive oil
1tbspcoarse sea salt
4tbspbutteror vegan butter, to serve
🍲 Filling Bowls (Pick 5–6 for Variety)
Classic Chili Con Carne
1tbspolive oil
1onionchopped
2garlic clovesminced
500gground beef
1can chopped tomatoes
1can kidney beansdrained
2tspcumin1 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper
BBQ Pulled Chicken
2chicken breastscooked and shredded
½cupBBQ saucesmoky & sweet
Celery sticks for garnish
Tuna Sweetcorn Mayo
1can tuna in spring waterdrained
¼cupmayo
⅓cupsweetcorn
Squeeze of lemonsalt & pepper
Vegan Chickpea Curry
1tbspcoconut oil
1oniondiced
2garlic cloves
1tbspcurry powder
1can chickpeasdrained
1can coconut milk
Saltchili flakes, fresh coriander
Zesty Corn & Herb Salad
1½cupssweetcorncanned or fresh
1small red onionminced
Handful chopped parsley and coriander
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & pepper
Crunchy Slaw (Vegan or Regular)
1cupshredded red cabbage
1cupshredded white cabbage
¼cupvegan mayoor regular
1tspDijon mustard
1tbspvinegar
Cheesy Beans (British Classic)
1can baked beans
½cupshredded cheddar cheeseor vegan alternative
Instructions
Method: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Scrub the potatoes clean and dry thoroughly.
Prick each potato a few times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Place directly on the oven rack or a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until crispy on the outside and soft inside. You should be able to easily pierce them with a knife.
Step 2: Prep the Fillings
While potatoes bake, prepare your selection of fillings.
Use small saucepans or bowls for mixing. Warm any hot options over the stove and keep them hot until ready to serve.
Step 3: Butter & Split
Once the potatoes are out of the oven, let them sit for 5 minutes, then slice them open lengthwise (not all the way through) and add a generous knob of butter to each. Let the butter melt into the fluffy flesh.
Step 4: Arrange Your Board
Place all the filled potatoes on a large wooden board or tray.
Nestle the ramekins of toppings among them—arrange by color or type for maximum visual impact.
Garnish with fresh herbs, chopped spring onions, or extra spices (like chili flakes or smoked paprika).
Notes
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bake the potatoes earlier in the day and reheat in a hot oven for 15–20 minutes. Fillings can be made 1–2 days in advance.
What’s the best way to keep everything warm? Use oven-safe bowls and cover them with foil. A low oven (100°C/200°F) can keep things warm while you set up.
Do I need fancy equipment? Not at all. Any mix of ramekins, small bowls, or even teacups will do. The rustic look adds to the charm
Serving SuggestionsSet the board in the center of the table and hand everyone a plate. Let them load up their baked potato with any combo of fillings they like, just like a potato bar! Offer sides like:
A big leafy salad
Garlic bread
Pickled onions or gherkins
Hot sauces & flavored butters
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Leftover fillings keep for 3–4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Chili, pulled chicken, and chickpea curry freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave or gently reheat on the stove. Baked potatoes can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.