Menu Plan Ideas: Baked Potato Bar

Families around the world have enjoyed potatoes for thousands of years. They have kept people from starvation and protected them from disease throughout history. Enjoy serving your family a meal that is not only healthy but extremely affordable as well. Just one five-pound bag of potatoes, costing around $3.00, will serve the average family of four up to three meals if properly served.

Use up any leftover meat or meat you have in the freezer, to top your potatoes, before buying expensive cuts. If you do have to buy meat, consider cheaper cuts like chuck steak, ground round or chicken wings and thighs.

Do the same with the vegetables. Save your leftover corn, peas, carrots and broccoli in small containers in the freezer until you are ready to have a potato night.

You could also save sauces, dressings and cheeses from other meals. For example, if you shred cheddar cheese for tacos one night and have a few tablespoons leftover, stick in a bag and save it for your potato night.

Here is a few topping ideas:

Meats
Chili
Taco meat
Barbecue chicken
Barbecue beef
Beef stew

Vegetables
Broccoli
Corn
Carrots
Cauliflower
Peas
Onions
Garlic
Celery
Tomatoes
Sweet peppers
Hot peppers

Cheeses
Shredded cheddar
Parmesan cheese
Blue cheese
American cheese
Provolone
Nacho cheese sauce

Dressings
Ranch
French
Creamed onions
Sour cream
Spaghetti sauce
Garlic oil
Garlic butter

Try out any one of these toppings or mix several together to create your own unique potato instead. There is no need to make side dishes or main courses with this meal. The potato is full of vitamins such as Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Fiber. Add a few pieces of meat and vegetables on top of the potato to complete your dietary needs for the meal and enjoy.