Friday Fish Fry Recipes From Around the World for Lent

If you’re a good Catholic (or just married to one, or, like not a good Catholic even, but do Mass on all the big holidays), chances are Friday fish fry dinners are now officially in full swing as we’re a few weeks into Lent and you’re eating fillets on the regs. No matter how delicious your go-to recipe is, if you’re observing Lent you’re probably getting sick of the same old fish fry fillets every week by the time April rolls around. But there’s no need to pore over cookbooks to find some much needed inspiration to spice up your fish fry dinner. Instead, we combed through other countries’ fish fry traditions and unearthed all sorts of different techniques, food, and flavors to give your red snapper or tilapia a kick. Many of the techniques also work for anything golden and crispy, from onion rings to chicken, so you’ll have plenty of meals to add to your weekly dinner menu once Easter finally comes.

Mediterranean Pescado Frito

Leite’s Culinaria

Pescado frito, which is Spanish for “fried fish,”  is usually made with a white fish like cod, sea bass, or red snapper. It’s dredged in flour, deep fried in olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper. In countries like Spain or Greece it’s common to fry the whole fish, even if it’s homemade, but fillets work too if you’re cooking for more squeamish eaters who can’t handle eyeballs. With just four simple ingredients, pescado frito is especially popular among the Mediterranean coast in places like Spain and Greece, as well as Latin American countries like the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Peru, which each has its own favors, types of fish, and side dishes. The simple flour-and-oil fry is also used for fried anchovies.

Southern Fried Catfish

Chowhound

A quintessential Southern dish, Southern fried fish is beloved for its distinctive cornmeal batter, which gives the fish a light, crisp bite. Southern-style fish usually always involves catfish, an underdog type of fish that actually has a mild flavor and is the perfect springboard for frying. The ratio of cornmeal-to-flour varies depending on who you ask, but most batters also call for an extra kick of paprika and cayenne. And don’t forget the side of hot sauce and lemon when serving.

British Beer Batter

Chowhound

Often said to be inspired by pescado frito, there’s no denying that fish ‘n chips has become a central part of British food culture. Unlike the barely-there flour breading used in pescado frito, beer-battered fish leans into the crispy golden coat (see beer-battered haddock). The most common batter involves flour, baking powder (which gives the coating a light airiness, almost like a funnel cake), and pale lager or ale. Some recipes also call for spices like garlic powder or paprika, and others play around with the type of beer. The best part about beer batter is that it works for all kinds of different foods other than fish. It’s fail-proof for anything from onion rings and vegetables to sweet apple fritters.

New England-Style

Shutterstock

Okay, quick disclaimer—there isn’t really a strict formula to a New England fried fish, but the most commonly used batter is arguably a simple mixture of flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder. Basically, it’s beer batter without the beer. The most commonly used fish are haddock and cod, since they’re local catches, but any type of firm fish works too. Whereas beer batter makes for a kind of shiny, smooth outer layer, this batter is more thick and flaky. The debate over which method is best has raged for some time, so we suggest doing both and hosting an impromptu taste test.

Tatsuta-age

Chowhound

Tempura is probably the most commonly-known Japanese fry method outside of Japan, but a deep frying technique called tatsuta-age is more often used for fish. Fillets are first marinated in soy sauce or mirin before they’re coated. Unlike tempura, which uses an egg and flour batter, tatsuta-age calls for just a light, barely-there dusting of potato starch or cornstarch, resulting in a thinner and chewy crust (we use rice flour). The marinade also brings out the sweetness of the fish, and will definitely shake-off any fried fish-malaise you might be feeling.

Meen Porichathu

Mozi’s Menu

There are a wealth of different fried fish recipes from India, but we’re honing in on one particular dish called “meen porichathu.” The exact components vary depending on who you speak to, but the basic formula is quite simple—just a marinade of bright, flavorful spices and (occasionally) a bit of rice flour. The base is almost always garlic, ginger, and chiles, which is then mixed with spices like turmeric and chilli powder. From there, simply coat the fish and fry. The recipe’s flexibility means that you can easily adjust to fit your heat tolerance and use whatever happens to be in your pantry.

Fish Milanese

Pixabay

If you love schnitzel, you’ll love fish Milanese. They share the same egg-and-breadcrumb breading, which gives the fish a hearty, golden outside that makes for perfect comfort food for rainy spring days. Though regular white breadcrumbs are most commonly used, some recipes suggest using panko for a lighter and crispier crust. Think of it in schnitzel-terms and seek out larger, thinner fish fillets, like flounder or tilapia. Pair with a tangy squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a side of arugula to balance out the heaviness.

Caribbean-Style Fried Fish

Pixabay

Spice is the name of the game in Caribbean fried fish, which is liberally added to both the batter and the fish. The process begins with a quick rinse with something acidic, like lemon or lime juice (a common practice meant to kill bacteria and get rid of odor). Next comes a generous marinade. As with Indian-style fried fish, the exact components vary depending on palette and region, but it usually involves garlic paste and pepper sauce. The fish is then coated in a flour-based batter, mixed with spices like cumin or curry powder, and fried. The result is a flavor-packed fish, with each layer of acidity and spice playing off the last.

Pla Tod Kamin

Unlike many of the other recipes on this list, Thai-style tumeric fish doesn’t use any flour or batter. The fish, most commonly red snapper, is simply marinated in a mixture of turmeric and garlic, and then fried. Because of this, the taste of the fish really shines through, so make sure you’re seeking out high-quality seafood. This is also the time to use the fresh turmeric root that you impulse bought after you heard about all of its health benefits. The best part about this recipe is that it makes its own garnish. Just fry up the seasonings (some people also add herbs like lemongrass) and pour over the fish.

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Sakara Review: I Tried a Superfood Detox Meal Delivery Service and Didn’t Starve

Spring is right around the corner, and with that I’m forced to forego the comforting cocoon of turtlenecks and leggings I’ve been living in for the past three months in exchange for sundresses and swimsuits. And while the thought of finally packing away my parka for the season brings me joy, I knew my body could use a little superfood-based reset in preparation for a pre-spring break weekend getaway to Miami. Enter Sakara. Sakara is a pre-cooked meal delivery service that is rooted in nine researched-backed Pillars of Nutrition. The program is 100 percent plant-based, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free with no processed sugars, harmful chemicals, preservatives, or additives.

Long story short, Sakara will help detox your body of the bad stuff by filling you up on the good stuff. Celebs like Lily Aldridge, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Hillary Duff are among the brand’s fans so needless to say, I was intrigued.

What I Tried

I chose to try the company’s most popular option, the 3-day Sakara Signature program. This option contained breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days, as well as detox tea, “Beauty Concentrate” and “Detox Concentrate,” and an energy bar. See below for a full rundown of the specific meals I received, and keep scrolling for my in-depth review.

Day 1

Breakfast: Avo-Cacao Probiotic Pudding with Lavender Tea Biscuits

Lunch: Moo Shu Veggie Wraps with Tamarind Sauce

Dinner: Sakara Cobb Salad with Avocado and Coconut “Bacon”

Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water, Detox Tea, Detox Water

Day 2

Breakfast: Maize Muffin with Probiotic Berry Coulis

Lunch: Red Beet Burger with Seed Bread and Daily Greens

Dinner: Wild Rice Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing

Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water, Chocolate Sea Salt Energy Bar

Day 3

Breakfast: Sakara Glow Granola with Pink Silk Mylk

Lunch: Sichuan Noodles with Sesame-Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Dinner: Pink Peppercorn Tomato Bisque with Superfood Swirls

Snacks/Drinks: Beauty Water

Is It Worth It?

If you have the money, then I’d say 100 percent yes. It is pricey—Sakara’s 3-day Signature Program is $239 (which works out to $26.56/meal) and the 5-day Signature Program is $349 (about $23.27/meal). However, the quality of the food and the expensive superfood ingredients merit higher prices. I broke down each meal’s pros and cons below, but overall, was very satisfied. While it might not be realistic to eat this way all of the time, I think this superfood detox would be a great option for someone new to healthier eating, for a busy new mom (or anyone) looking for quick and convenient meal options, or for a bride looking to reset before the big day. If you want to try Sakara for yourself, use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.

Sakara 3-Day Signature Program, $189 with discount (regularly $239) on SAKARA.COM

Use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.

Try It

Kristin Cassidy

Sakara In-Depth Review

Sakara Guidelines

Sakara encourages you to only eat the designated meals throughout your program and to stay away from snacking if possible. However, if you catch yourself feeling hangry, they do allow anything from their “clean boutique” (think energy bars), organic low–glycemic fruits, water (LOL) or tea, organic low-glycemic raw vegetables, or a small handful of raw walnuts.

Beyond the above listed rules and no-nos, there are some other major foods they suggest you stay away from, and you’re not going to like what I’m about to say. You already know meat, dairy, and processed foods are a no-go, but in addition to that Sakara also says you should try to give up caffeine and alcohol during the program. According to Sakara, all of these things can be taxing on your body’s systems (i.e. dull skin, sluggish digestion, mood swings, excess weight, and low energy). If you’ve ever had a hangover, then you can’t totally disagree with the above statement. And we all know how rough caffeine (especially coffee) can be on our digestive system.

Prior to my Sakara detox, I would say I ate 80 percent of the “Sakara Life” way 90 percent of the time, with the exception of daily coffee, nightly chocolate, and weekly wine consumption. I am a big proponent of health and wellness, and truly believe a lot of our health issues are caused by the foods we consume. But on the flipside, I also know that we can heal ourselves by eating the right foods. Since I had this mindset going into the program, the Sakara way of doing things was not a shock to me. However, if you typically consume a lot of meat or processed foods, Sakara would be a big change.

Sunday: Unboxing

I received my shipment on a Sunday night, which was perfect timing as I was very motivated to eat extra clean since I was leaving for Miami at the end of the week. Typical to other meal delivery services I’ve tried, everything arrived in a big insulated box with ice packs at the bottom. Although I wasn’t home when the delivery arrived, all of the food remained cold and I was immediately impressed with how fresh everything looked. I organized everything into each day’s meals and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of food—no hangry pre-panicking yet. I did notice that there was a beet burger for lunch on day two and I’m not a huge beet fan (they taste like dirt…don’t @ me) but other than that, things looked like they were off to a good start.

Kristin Cassidy

Monday: Day 1

I woke up and made a cup of the Beauty Water, which contains silica (maximizes cellular hydration), rose (calms the adrenals and reduces inflammation), and 72 trace minerals. The concentrate comes in a small bottle with a dropper, so all you have to do is add a couple drops to a glass of water and you’re set. Drinking this water made me feel like I was at the spa, which was a nice feeling to have on a busy Monday morning.

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I practice intermittent fasting and don’t usually eat breakfast until between 10:30-11:00 a.m., so I packed my breakfast to take with me, as well as the lunch and dinner since I’d be eating all three meals on the go that day. Sakara provided an insulated tote bag that makes it convenient to tote your meals across town—or in this case from your apartment, to Pilates, to the office, to an event, and back home.

Once I was at my desk I immediately wanted coffee and was feeling very groggy. I know this was mostly due in part to my routine—I crave coffee most on weekdays at work versus weekends—but even after a great Pilates workout my mind still felt blurry and I really wanted coffee.

Kristin Cassidy

I finally cracked into the Avo-Cacao Probiotic Pudding with Lavender Tea Biscuits at 10:30 a.m.. I felt like they must purposefully start you off with the best tasting meal to trick you into thinking this whole thing was going to be easy, but either way this breakfast was amazing. The pudding was smooth and creamy, and it honestly felt like I was eating dessert. I prefer sweet to savory breakfast, so I was in heaven. I also thought the breakfast was very filling, and I struggled to finish the whole thing.

After breakfast I made my first cup of Detox Tea which contained red rooibos, lemongrass, and rose. It was slightly fruity and bright. I enjoyed it.

Kristin Cassidy

At 2:00 p.m. I ate lunch, which was Moo Shu Veggie Wraps with Tamarind Sauce. It was a huge portion of vegetables with some leafy greens, which made sense as Sakara says its meals pack four to six cups of greens per day in order to promote a healthy gut and microbiome. Sakara touts tamarind as a superfood, as it contains fiber to beat bloat and aid in digestion, and it also contains the antioxidant tartaric acid which boosts your body’s absorption of nutrients. The sauce was super flavorful but I wished there was more, as it wasn’t quite enough to cover everything. I was only able to finish 80 percent of the meal and put the rest away to eat as a snack later in the afternoon.

Kristin Cassidy

By 4:45 p.m. I was pretty sure I was DYING due to lack of coffee. I made some Detox Tea instead, and also decided to heat up the leftovers from lunch (although I was more tired than hungry).

I don’t typically eat dinner at 9 p.m., but due to my schedule that’s when I had the Sakara Cobb Salad with Avocado and Coconut “Bacon” for dinner. It was fine, just a pretty run-of-the-mill salad. I would have personally preferred to have a hot dinner and a salad for lunch (switching the two meals) but it got the job done.

I got home at 10 p.m. and made a glass of Detox Water, which contains magnesium (gently aids digestion), chlorophyll (detoxifies/oxygenates the body), and 72 trace minerals. It was tasteless, but I felt like a superhero drinking this mysterious healthy beverage.

Tuesday: Day 2

I woke up feeling very tired—not sure if it was due to the lack of caffeine from the day before or from my crazy Monday schedule. Either way I made a cup of Beauty Water to start the day and then got ready for Pilates.

I ate breakfast at 10:45 a.m. and Sakara knocked it out of the park again. Today’s breakfast was a Maize Muffin with Probiotic Berry Coulis and I was (again) obsessed with it. I warmed the muffin up so it was nice and fluffy, and the berry coulis was extremely flavorful—tart and not too sweet. This meal’s “superfood spotlight” was on cornmeal, as Sakara says the fiber helps to control blood glucose levels and the antioxidants are “beautifying.” Once I ate the last bite I was immediately sad it was gone. I was still a little hungry after this meal.

Kristin Cassidy

At 11:45 a.m. I was still hungry so I decided to try Sakara’s Energy Bar. My bar of choice is typically an RX Bar (specifically the Chocolate Sea Salt) and I didn’t think the Sakara bar was as tasty, although it only contained seven grams of sugar compared to RX Bar’s 13 grams (both bar’s sugars are from all-natural dates). The Sakara bar had organic raw dark cacao (contains theobromine which enhances alertness), organic raw hemp protein (a clean soy-free plant protein), and vitamins B12 and L-Theanine (provides sustained energy). I’d say the bar was sufficient, but wasn’t something I’d look forward to eating with immense anticipation.

Kristin Cassidy

At 2:15 p.m. I ate the dreaded beet burger—the Red Beet Burger with Seed Bread and Daily Greens. And of course this ended up being my favorite lunch of the week. The beet taste was pretty mild, and the seed bread was very filling. Instead of coming with a side of fries (obviously) it came with a big pile of leafy greens, which Sakara says will help you digest everything better. I couldn’t believe how fresh the greens still were and the dressing was tangy and delicious. I’d give this meal a nine out of 10.

Kristin Cassidy

I had another super busy day so unfortunately didn’t get to eat dinner until 10:00 p.m.. This dinner was a Wild Rice Salad with Citrus Miso Dressing. I liked this salad better than the dinner salad from the day before, and was glad there was the addition of rice in this one.

Wednesday: Day 3

On my final day of the Sakara program I made the Beauty Water before I headed out the door to hot yoga. I still really missed coffee, and would say it was the hardest part of this detox.

At 10:45 a.m. I made breakfast and it was the most Instagrammable meal of the nine—Sakara Glow Granola with Pink Silk Mylk, aka a bowl of granola with dried berries and pink “milk” that gets its hue from Albizia, traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenic herb to help support supple skin. This breakfast was extremely sweet (almost too sweet) and was so cute I couldn’t help but feel happy eating it. I felt very full afterwards.

Kristin Cassidy

At 2:00 p.m. I heated up lunch which was Sichuan Noodles with Sesame-Roasted Rainbow Carrots. We all know eating the rainbow is a sign of a healthy plate due to the diversity of nutrients, and just looking at this beautiful plate full of food was an easy sign this was an extremely #superfood lunch. The key ingredient spotlight was on wakame (found in the sauce) which contains iodine, and iodine is needed for a healthy thyroid. This was another lunch I’d rate 9/10.

Kristin Cassidy

At 8:00 p.m. I ate my final meal, a Pink Peppercorn Tomato Bisque with Superfood Swirls. At first I was a bit weirded out by the soup’s gritty texture, but the taste was good so I got over it. The “swirls” were like mini savory rolls and were AMAZING. I could have eaten 10 more of these little glorious herby bites. The herbiness was due to rosemary, which Sakara says detoxifies, beautifies, and supports memory.

Kristin Cassidy

Main Takeaways

My biggest overall takeaway from doing the Sakara detox was that I don’t actually need to snack all day in order to stay full. I am a serial snacker, and while my typical snack of a handful of almonds or an apple isn’t unhealthy, I realized if I filled up on bigger portions of vegetables during lunch that I wouldn’t be hungry for a snack later in the afternoon. This will be something I try to maintain.

Drinking a hot cup of tea in-between meals is a soothing act of self-care, as it reminds us to take a breather (even for just five minutes) in our hectic days. While the tea was great and I will continue drinking tea in-between meals, giving up coffee was…not great. I have no plans of giving up coffee for the long run, regardless of the health benefits of doing so.

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If you want to try the tea, it's available as a one-off purchase on Amazon, along with several other Sakara products.

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Now that I’ve put extra nutrients into my water via the Beauty/Detox Water Concentrate I feel like it’s a missed opportunity to go back to drinking plain old water. Adding extra minerals to your water is an easy, convenient, and relatively cheap way of maximizing your daily nutrition.

I didn’t actually lose any weight while on this meal plan, but it’s pretty hard to lose any weight in only three days (especially when eating this way wasn’t a drastic shock to my system). However, I did notice a lot less bloat, particularly in my stomach. I struggle with stomach issues and eating this cleanly definitely made my stomach flatter. I felt confident and healthy at the beach at the end of the week (even if I did have a spicy margarita in hand).

So, is Sakara worth it? If you have the money, then I’d say 100 percent yes. It is pricey—Sakara’s 3-day Signature Program is $239 (which works out to $26.56/meal) and the 5-day Signature Program is $349 (about $23.27/meal). However, I feel the quality of the food and the expensive superfood ingredients merit higher prices.

While it might not be realistic to eat this way all of the time, I think the Sakara superfood detox would be great for someone new to healthier eating, for a busy new mom (or anyone) looking for quick and convenient meal options, or for a bride looking to reset before the big day.

If you want to try Sakara for yourself, use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.

Sakara 3-Day Signature Program, $189 with discount (regularly $239) on SAKARA.COM

Use our code “CHOWHOUND50” to receive $50 off your first organic meal program.

Try It

Eat Clean, Play Dirty: Recipes for a Body and Life You Love, $19.49 on Amazon

The founders of Sakara Life have also written a cookbook, which is a cheaper way to try their recipes at home—available for pre-order, it releases on April 9.

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All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

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Friday Food Finds: Triscuit Wheatberry Clusters, Lay’s Remix Chips, Sour Easter Candy, and More!

There really isn’t a theme with this week’s Friday Food Finds. In fact, these are probably the snacks you’d find in a college dorm room among textbooks, Solo cups, and the crippling fear of not passing that mandatory philosophy elective. But we tried them all on the Taylor Strecker Show (with special guest Rob Shuter) and have plenty of strong opinions. Scroll down to see what we thought!

Sour Punch Chicks & Bunnies (Lemon Watermelon)

Not bad. Not bad at all! While I prefer my chewy candy to be a bit softer, these have a great tang and balanced sour to sweet ratio. Your children will certainly be happy with Sour Punch Chicks and Bunnies in this year’s Easter basket, but let’s be honest: They’ll probably be happy with any type of candy in this year’s Easter basket.

SeaSnax Chomperz Seaweed Chips (Barbecue)

I honestly didn’t mind these, but Taylor and Rob were not fans. In fact, they called the idea “stupid” and said that standard seaweed snacks are much preferred. I’d have to agree with the latter and can attest that SeaSnax’s line of plain ol’ seaweed is fantastic, with Chipotle and Lime as my personal favorites. Pass on these but try those!

Extra Refreshers Gum (Tropical Mist)

Gum can be tricky: There are hundreds of types, flavors, and brands that aim to please very specific palates. Thus, it was no surprise that Extra’s Refreshers gum was a bit polarizing. While we appreciated the cooling menthol effect, it wasn’t mind-blowing delicious. We also prefer the texture of IceBreaker’s IceCubes gum since it has tiny crunchies of flavor. Try this, though, since gum preferences will always be particular to the person.

Epic Performance Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter)

It’s very clear that Epic is coming after RX in the date/egg white bar game, but we’re not fans. The company is absolutely the authority when it comes to meat bars, but these definitely fell short compared to their softer and stronger-flavored competitors. Good try, but not a win for us.

Poland Spring Sparkling Water (Lemon Vanilla – LINK TO COME)

I LIVE for a seltzer and literally drink it every day, but woah—this lemon vanilla essence was overpowering (the White Peach Ginger is FABULOUS, though, and can be purchased here). I’ll stick to more subtle varieties, but will always love a standard Poland Spring if we’re talking about basic bottled varieties.

Triscuit Wheatberry Clusters (Pumpkin Seed and Sweet Corn)

These were hands down the best things we sampled all day. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty and make an amazing mid-afternoon snack that is, overall, quite healthy. These would also be great topped with cheese or a homemade preserve, which means you’re officially planning the next happy hour whether you like it or not. Rush to buy these immediately.

Lay’s Remix (Flamin’ Hot/Dill Pickle)

I can’t get enough of these things and implore Lay’s to make them a permanent flavor in their already-extensive lineup. That being said, they pack a huge punch, so the spice averse need not partake. You’ve been warned.

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How To Plan a Baked Potato Bar For Your Next Party

Planning a baked potato bar for your next get-together is an easy way to keep your sanity the day of the event because so much of it can be prepared ahead of time. Toppings can be planned ahead and stored until the big day and the potatoes can be baked until tender the morning of the party, then simply warmed through just before they are ready to hit the buffet table.

Baked potato bars are not only easy on the host, they also appeal to nearly everyone including picky eaters, carnivores and vegetarians, the health-conscious, and those who prefer to indulge—because a wide variety of toppings can be served to win over nearly anyone.

It’s also an easy way to offer a healthful buffet table since countless vegetables can be included and the baked potato itself is a nutritious base from which to begin. Consider planning a baked potato bar for your next get-together. It works just as well for a crowd or a small gathering and is a fun way to bring everyone together as they load up their potatoes. Here’s how to do it.

Chowhound

Decide on Your Toppings

The first step to planning the perfect baked potato bar is deciding what ingredients you will offer as toppings. Be sure to include a variety of options from each category to appeal to the pickiest eaters as well as those who you know will get creative with their flavor combinations. Here are some delicious ideas…

Cheese: crumbled feta; goat cheese; blue cheese; shredded cheddar; Gruyere; Monterey Jack

Proteins: shredded chicken (plain, barbecue, or Buffalo); shredded beef or pork (even shredded jackfruit for a vegan option); fried and crumbled bacon bits; slices of cooked sausage; crumbled smoked salmon; barbecued shrimp; black beans

Veggies: caramelized onions; sauteed mushrooms; grilled or roasted bell peppers, corn, or broccoli; chopped tomatoes

Sauces: BBQ; ranch; honey mustard; Buffalo sauce; salsa; pesto; Sriracha (or Sriracha mayonnaise…)

Extras: thinly sliced scallions and chives; capers; toasted pumpkin seeds; sour cream; black beans; sliced avocado or guacamole; pickled jalapeño slices

Decide what potatoes you would like to serve too. Larger potatoes such as Idaho are always successful, and plan for two potatoes per person if they’re the main event. Mix it up with the addition of a few baked sweet potatoes and/or baby potatoes.

Chowhound

Get Set Up Ahead of Time

Prepare as many of the ingredients the day ahead as possible; cheese can be shredded, proteins and veggies cooked, scallions chopped. Store them all in small to medium bowls with lids and refrigerate or keep at room temperature until party day.

You can also gather your plates, spoons, forks, napkins, serving platters, and sheet trays the day ahead. On the morning of the party, or even the day before, arrange everything decoratively in your potato bar space and ready the sheet trays by lining them with a layer of aluminum foil. You can use these for the potato creations that need to be twice-baked.

Write on a chalkboard or pretty piece of paper a list of ingredients and if you’re extra motivated, include a list of flavor combination ideas.

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Prep Your Potatoes

Prepare the potatoes the morning of the party:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove all debris. Pat dry with a paper towel, then poke a few holes in the potatoes using a fork to release air while they bake and avoid cracking or bursting.

2. Coat each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap each potato separately in a double layer of aluminum foil and bake until fork tender, approximately 50-60 minutes, depending upon size.

3. Keep the potatoes wrapped in the foil to stay warm until guests arrive. Reheat them if necessary by baking for five minutes to warm through.

Build Your Baked Potato Bar

A half hour before guests arrive, unwrap the potatoes and using a sharp paring knife, slice an “X” lengthwise on the surface of each potato so they’ll easily open for guests to stuff.

Arrange the potatoes on a serving platter along with the toppings and garnishes in a line alongside them. Begin with a plate of softened butter along with salt and pepper. Next, place the proteins, the vegetables, the condiments and sauces, and finally the garnishes.

If guests would like to bake their potato once it’s loaded, let them know to transfer it to the prepared sheet tray once it’s ready. Be sure that each topping bowl or plate includes a fork or spoon and that at the end of the line, there’s a stack of napkins. Baked potatoes can be messy, but that’s the fun of it!

Baked Potato Recipes

Here are some specific baked potato recipes to use as inspiration when it comes to topping ideas.

Fully Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Chowhound

You can’t go wrong with the combination of cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon, especially when the combination is loaded onto a baked potato and baked until bubbly and irresistible like it is in this recipe. Get our Fully Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes recipe.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Jalapeños, and Monterey Jack

Chowhound

Sweet potatoes take well to all the same toppings as regular russets; this combo of bacon, jalapeños, and cheese would also be great with some black beans and/or sour cream. Get our Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Jalapeños, and Monterey Jack recipe.

Barbecue Chicken Chicken and Coleslaw Baked Potato

Chowhound

If your family is into saucy, spicy food then this is the perfect recipe for them. Even if you go with a milder barbecue sauce, it’s still fantastic. Tthe chicken makes it feel substantial, and the coleslaw makes it addictively crunchy and creamy. This is one you’ll turn to again and again as a quick weeknight recipe. (And while it’s technically a potato skin recipe, it works just as well with baked potatoes.) Get our Barbecue Chicken Chicken and Coleslaw Baked Potato recipe.

Mini Baked Potatoes with Aioli and Pimientos

Chowhound

If you’re looking for an exquisite recipe addition for your next brunch or tea party, look no further than this lovely baked baby potato recipe stuffed with aioli and diced pepper. Add smoked salmon or even caviar if you’re feeling generous! Get our Mini Baked Potatoes with Aioli and Pimientos recipe.

Twice-Cooked Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary, Hazelnuts, and Crème Fraîche

Leela Cyd

Don’t neglect more uncommon toppings for your baked potato bar like toasted nuts and fresh herbs; crème fraîche is a nice alternative to sour cream or cream cheese. Get the Twice-Cooked Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary, Hazelnuts, and Crème Fraîche recipe.

Broccoli Cheddar Baked Potatoes

This is an inexpensive recipe using a few easy to source ingredients that tastes much more substantial and satisfying than its price would suggest. It’s also a nice way to sneak broccoli into a recipe that your kids will actually devour. Get the Broccoli Cheddar Baked Potatoes recipe.

Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Chicken Sausage and Grilled Vegetables

This recipe is the perfect way to serve grilled sausage and vegetables tucked into the tidy and fun delivery system of a baked potato. The pop of color from the grilled vegetables also makes it aesthetically appealing and the grilled flavor drives this one home for the win. Get the Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Chicken Sausage and Grilled Vegetables recipe.

Mini Glass Bowls for Kitchen Prep (Set of 12), $19.99 on Amazon

Having enough prep bowls makes everything better—and you can also use these for your array of toppings on the buffet table.

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Chowhound Recommends: Our Favorite Green Cleaning Products

Welcome to Chowhound Recommends, Chowhound’s weekly series where our staff shares our favorite food and kitchen items around a central theme. We love to make a mess in the kitchen, and wish we had a magic fairy godmother to do our dishes…but we don’t. So this week we’re going through our favorite all-natural cleaning products—from soap to laundry detergent (spill red sauce on your white jeans? No worries, we got you).

As food writers, editors, producers, and social media managers, we’re constantly scouring the market for the latest and greatest products. And when we find a product we love, we want to shout it from the rooftops! We’re packaging up our weekly finds and sharing them with you, because we think you’ll love them too. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @Chowhound to catch us talking about our favorite products every week.

Owen Stretch: Manager, Content Production

Product: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castille Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s/Amazon

I’d say that Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap has a thousand uses but that might be an underestimation. I use it on dishes. I use it to mop the floor. It even works as body wash in a pinch. It’s 100 percent natural, includes no synthetic preservatives, uses only certified fair trade ingredients, and comes in a 100 percent post-consumer recycled bottle. This soap is something you can feel good about in nearly every sense.

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Peppermint Value Pack, 2 for $29.99 on Amazon

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Kristin Cassidy: Director, Special Projects

Product: Rebel Green Laundry Detergent

Rebel Green/Amazon

I am obsessive about our laundry. When my boyfriend and I first moved in together I totally revamped (read: improved) his laundry routine. Instead of the nasty chemically-filled products, we are an organic and all-natural laundry family now. Rebel Green makes an awesome line of natural cleaning products, but I especially love its lavender and grapefruit laundry detergent. It smells so good, but it’s subtle (like your perfume should be). It’s also concentrated so one bottle lasts 64 loads, which is a lifetime for a family of two.

Rebel Green USDA Organic HE Liquid Fresh Laundry Detergent, Lavender and Grapefruit, $21.30 on Amazon

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Lauren Zaser: Social Media Manager

Product: Puracy Cleaners

Puracy/Amazon

I really like using the Puracy line of natural cleaners around my house. They smell great and have stain removers for laundry, body wash, and multi-surface cleaners for every corner in your home. Don’t worry about the price tag because the larger bottle sizes last forever. Added bonus? For every sale made they donate natural and organic products to families in need. So you can feel good about buying it.

Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner, 2 for $13.51 on Amazon

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All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

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