More than a billion people eat potatoes, and farmers grow over 300 million tons of them every year. That makes the humble spud one of the best blank canvases in the kitchen, and nothing proves it like a baked potato.
I spent weeks piling everything I could think of onto fluffy, crispy-skinned potatoes to find out what actually works. Below are the 16 best baked potato toppings, counted down from good to great, with my absolute favorite saved for the very end.
16. Lettuce
Lettuce might sound like a strange baked potato topping, but hear me out. A handful of shredded iceberg or romaine adds a cool, crisp crunch that plays nicely against a soft, steaming potato. It also lightens up a heavy side dish without much effort.
Lettuce doesn’t bring a ton of flavor on its own, which is why it kicks off this list. Pair it with hot sauce, sour cream, or taco meat for the best results.
15. Olives
Olives are easily the most divisive pick on this list. Their sharp, briny flavor isn’t for everyone, but if you love a good dirty martini, you’ll probably love them on a potato too.
Just slice some black or green olives and scatter them over the top. The saltiness completely changes the potato’s flavor, giving it a taste that reminds me of an Italian deli sandwich. Add a little feta to take it even further.
14. Tomatoes
Tomatoes show up in cuisines all over the world, and they’re a natural fit on a baked potato. Both plants trace their roots back to South America, so pairing them just makes sense.
Diced tomatoes add a bright, acidic bite and a touch of sweetness that cuts through a rich, starchy spud. Cherry tomatoes and ripe Romas work especially well. Toss them with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil before spooning them on.
13. Veggies
If all the cheese and bacon on this list has you feeling a little heavy, a pile of vegetables is a great way to balance things out. Well-cooked veggies turn a baked potato into a complete meal.
For earthy, savory flavor, try sautéed collard greens or spinach with onions. For crunch, go with shredded carrots or diced bell peppers. Roasted mushrooms and zucchini are great too. Finish with a little cheese or butter to tie everything together.
12. Guacamole
Guacamole is easy to make and even easier to customize. All you really need are ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, onion, and cilantro, though plenty of people like to mix in jalapeños or pico de gallo.
On a baked potato, guac adds a rich, creamy texture along with bright pops of lime and herbs. It pairs especially well with taco meat, salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese for a full Tex-Mex spud.
11. Salsa
Salsa is guacamole’s bright red cousin, and it gives a baked potato a fresh, zesty kick. The mix of juicy tomatoes, onions, and peppers cuts right through the richness of the potato.
For a classic version, I combine Roma tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño. When I want something a little different, I stir in diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist. Either way, salsa is a light, low-effort topping.
10. Jalapeños
Jalapeños have already popped up a few times on this list, so they deserve a spot of their own. These peppers bring a solid kick without the intense burn of hotter chiles like habaneros. Past the heat, they have a light, grassy flavor similar to bell pepper.
I like to dice fresh jalapeños and tuck them right into the potato. Pickled jalapeños are another great option, adding tangy heat that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.
9. Ranch Dressing
Like sour cream, ranch dressing is a creamy, cooling topping that loves a baked potato. Most people think of it as a salad dressing, but its blend of buttermilk, garlic, and herbs adds a ton of flavor to a plain spud.
Drizzle it on while the potato is still hot so it soaks into the fluffy center. For an easy upgrade, add bacon bits and shredded cheddar for a loaded, ranch-style potato.
8. Taco Meat
Taco meat and baked potatoes are a match made for game day. The seasoned, savory beef brings cumin, chili powder, and a little heat, while the potato soaks up all those tasty juices. It gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun.
Top it with cheese, salsa, and sour cream for a full taco-style potato. For a lighter version, ground turkey works just as well and tastes nearly the same.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli might seem like an odd pick, but it’s one of the most popular potato pairings around, especially smothered in cheese sauce. Potatoes are loaded with carbs, and broccoli balances things out with fiber, vitamins, and very few calories.
The trick is roasting it. Toss the florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast until the edges get crispy. The result is nutty, earthy, and a perfect match for a fluffy spud.
6. Chili
Who says chili needs a bowl? It’s usually served with rice, crackers, or cornbread, but I think a baked potato beats them all. The hearty potato holds up to a big scoop of chili and turns it into a filling meal.
I like a spicy beef or turkey chili packed with beans, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Finish it with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream, and dinner is done.
5. Chives
Raw onions can be a little too strong for a baked potato, which is where chives come in. Chives are related to green onions, scallions, and shallots, and they bring a mild onion flavor with a hint of sweetness.
They also add a pop of bright green color. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them over the top. Chives are good on their own, but they really shine next to sour cream and butter.
4. Bacon
Bacon is the king of toppings for the carnivores and meat lovers out there, and it earns its spot near the top of this list. Crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
I like pairing it with a soft, fluffy potato to get the most texture contrast. You can also switch things up with thick-cut, peppered, or maple bacon to add more sweetness or smoke.
3. Cheese
Cheese is a baked potato legend, and for good reason. Melted cheese adds a creamy, gooey richness that soaks into every bite. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but pepper jack adds some heat, and a slice of American melts beautifully.
Cheese is one of the best toppings for just about anything. It’s a hot dog topping, the main pizza topping, and a perfect potato partner.
2. Sour Cream
Sour cream is about as classic as baked potato toppings get. Its cool, tangy flavor and creamy texture balance out a hot, fluffy potato perfectly. A big dollop also softens salty toppings like bacon and cheese, which is why it shows up on so many loaded potatoes.
Stir in a little salt, pepper, and chopped chives for an easy upgrade. For a lighter swap, plain Greek yogurt works too. It only misses the top spot by a hair.
1. Butter
Nothing beats butter on a baked potato. It’s simple, but it’s the one topping I can’t live without. When a pat of butter hits a hot, freshly split potato, it melts into every nook and cranny, adding rich, salty flavor to each bite.
Every other topping on this list tastes better with butter underneath it. Use salted butter, add a pinch of flaky salt and black pepper, and you’ve got the perfect potato.
Well, there you have it! Those are my 16 favorite baked potato toppings, from surprising picks to the classics that never let you down. Mix and match a few to build your perfect spud.
If you’re looking for a little more topping inspiration, check out our list of the best burger accouterments!
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