How To Create A Mouth-Watering Mashed Potato Bar

Mashed potato bars have become popular at all types of parties in recent years because they allow your guests to build their own delicious and gooey mashed potato. Like with salad bars or even s’mores bars, setting up a mashed potato bar puts people in charge of their potato creations. It’s a simple way to make a fun addition to a party — just supply bowls, utensils, a plethora of different toppings and plenty of creamy mashed potatoes.

Creating Your Mashed Potato Bar

Making The Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the base of your bar, and arguably the most important element. After all, if your mashed potatoes are anything less than delicious, the bar won’t be a success, no matter how many toppings you offer. To make the perfect mashed potatoes, all you need is the appropriate amount of potatoes, thyme, butter, half-and-half, salt and pepper. Make sure your potatoes are free of all lumps when you set them out for your guests to spoon up.

Setting Up Your Mashed Potato Bar

Laying out your mashed potato bar is easy. All you need is a suitable table that can hold all the supplies without looking too cluttered, containers for your toppings and mashed potatoes, serving bowls and utensils. To set up your mashed potato bar, begin by using an ice cream scooper to spoon mashed potatoes into small bowls or cups so your guests can grab a bowl and start adding their desired toppings. Another option is to allow your guests to scoop the mashed potatoes themselves into their bowls so they can gage how much they want.

Choosing The Right Toppings

Toppings are a crucial element of your mashed potato bar. One of the reasons why the snack bar is popular at parties is because of the multiple toppings guests can select for their mashed potatoes. This is why it’s so important to offer your guests a wide variety of toppings. And don’t just stick with gravy or cheese — be creative with your topping options and mix things up with surprising flavors that will surprise your guests.

Here are some common options for toppings:

• Bacon Bits
• Basil pesto
• BBQ pulled pork or chicken, for the meat lovers
• Cheeses
• Chopped ham
• Chives
• Crab meat
• Creamed corn
• Croutons
• Gravy
• Guacamole
• Horseradish
• Jumbo shrimp
• Lobster
• Macaroni and cheese
• Roasted garlic
• Rosemary
• Sautéed herbed mushrooms
• Shredded beef
• Steamed vegetables
• Sour cream
• Wasabi

With the right toppings and creamy base, your mashed potato bar will be a success at any get together.