Turn a side dish into a whole meal.

You name it and we’ll transform these spuds any which way.

While we have endlesspotato recipes, it’ll always be hard to beat a classic baked potato.

baked potatoes / southern living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

As a relatively effortless and favorite side dish, it’s hard to go wrong with a baked potato.

And with the right toppings, it doesn’t have to be confined to a side.

Everyone loves taco bar and mashed potato bar, so why not have a baked potato bar for dinner?

Southern Living White Sauce in the pan ready to use

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From meats and veggies to cheeses and sauces, we have topping ideas that’ll guarantee a delicious dinner.

Rather than the store-bought version, make your own by crumbling strips of freshly cooked bacon.

Our mess-free microwave trick will have crispy bacon ready in just minutes.

Southern Living Microwave Bacon on a plate to serve

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We recommend sprinkling a little cheese or adding a dollop of sour cream as well.

Loading it up with Mexican-style toppings?

For a loaded pizza-inspired potato, grab mozzarella.

Easy Chili

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you could use a pulled rotisserie chicken or just leftover meat.

Cowboy Butter

If you thought butter was a basic topping, think again.

No-Cook Toppings

Even the basics deserve some attention.

Southern Living Breakfast Quesadillas mixing together the shredded cheeses

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Sour Cream

Up your baked potato’s creaminess without the oiliness of butter by using sour cream.

This ultra Southern touch adds flavor thanks to the pimientos and extra creaminess from the mayonnaise.

Bonus: The kids will get a healthy dose of veggies without the complaints.

shredded chicken

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Queso

For a true Tex-Mex rendition, you’re free to’t skip out on the queso.

Pick up a pound from your favorite local barbecue joint or use up leftovers.

The options are endless: Vinegary or sweet?

Southern Living Cowboy Butter finished on a small board to serve with slices of bread

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It also leaves ample opportunity for additional topping pairings.

For an extra sloppy version pile on sour cream and cheese.

Red Onion

What’s your fancy: Fresh or pickled?

green onions or scallions, sliced and separated

Credit: Diana Rattray

When using red onion, remember a little goes a long way.

See our best tips and tricks for how to avoid tears when chopping.

If you dip your fries in it, why not dress your baked potato with it too?

Bowl of Sour Cream

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It’s especially delicious for dipping the skin in.

We love loaded zucchini boats and stuffed bell peppersso we’re doing the same for baked potatoes.

Top it with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and toss in some pepperoni to your liking.

Classic Pimiento Chese

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Blue Cheese

Everyone lovesanything buffalo-chicken-flavored, so why not make a loaded baked potato version?

Top it with cheddar, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

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Best Canned Beans

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5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

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Southern Living Alabama White Sauce in a jar to serve

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Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce ready to serve with barbecue chicken

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White Plate of Fresh Sauteed Spinach with Garlic on Wood

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cooked ground beef in skillet

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Spinach-Artichoke Dips

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Beef Faijitas

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Southern Living Sloppy Joes after simmering

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chopping onions

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Southern Living - Chicken tenders with pickles and homemade ranch dressing

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fresh summer tomatoes

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Mushroom Gravy

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Creamed Spinach

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Southern Living Easy Freezer Tomato Sauce in the dutch oven to serve

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Southern Living Blue Cheese Dressing in a bowl ready to serve

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