A serve-yourself baked potato bar is easy to assemble, affordable — and a spud-tacular way to host friends and family.

When you’re shopping for potatoes, look for those that are firm and without wrinkles, cracks or green spots. Follow the no-fail recipe on the opposite page to bake your taters. After they have finished cooking and are cool enough to touch, slice into each one lengthwise with a knife and then wrap it individually in foil. Finish by setting out an array of toppings in bowls, such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced ham, sliced jalapeños, salsa, sour cream and chives, along with some tongs and spoons for serving. The potato possibilities are endless!

Check out this recipe for Perfectly Baked Potatoes to get your spud bar started.