A mashed potato bar (plus a festive mashtini) is an ideal, hearty option for feeding a crowd. Creamy mashed potatoes served with a variety of toppings are easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and simple to customize for holidays, parties, potlucks, or special events. The mashtini—mashed potatoes served in a martini glass—adds a playful, elegant touch for celebrations.
What makes them so special
Ultra creamy texture: Using a well-seasoned mashed potato base makes all the difference. Smooth, creamy potatoes are comforting and familiar—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, graduations, birthdays, and casual get-togethers.
Two treats in one: A mashed potato bar pairs nicely with creative beverages. A potato-forward mocktail, such as a non-alcoholic dirty martini that uses potato water, can be a fun companion to the potatoes and keeps the theme cohesive.
Prep ahead: One of the best benefits is that much of the work can be done in advance. Chop and prepare toppings ahead of time. You can make mashed potatoes the day before and reheat them—add extra milk and butter and warm in a 350°F oven to restore a fresh, creamy texture. The microwave also works in a pinch.
Let’s talk toppings!
Almost anything delicious can become a topping, but here are tried-and-true favorites that work well at a mashed potato bar.
Homemade chili
Warm, hearty chili spooned over mashed potatoes makes for a comforting, filling option that many guests will love.
Crumbled bacon
Crispy bacon brings saltiness and crunch. Use your favorite style—traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon, or a bacon alternative all work well.
Chopped chives
Chopped chives add a mild onion note that brightens the potatoes. Green onions are a fine substitute.
Shredded cheese
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but feel free to offer pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend so guests can pick their favorite.
Olives
Green or black olives provide a briny contrast—green olives offer a slightly sharper flavor, while black olives are milder.
Gluten-free crispy onions
Caramelized or crispy onions add texture and savory sweetness. They work great as a topping or as part of a green bean casserole-style option.
Sour cream
Sour cream is a classic accompaniment that cools and balances richer toppings while enhancing creaminess.
Corn
Sweet corn offers a pleasant pop of texture and sweetness against smooth potatoes.
Peas
Frozen peas are an easy, colorful addition that adds a vegetable component and a fresh contrast in texture.
Miscellaneous toppings
Other tasty, less-common options include brown sugar, red onions, crushed potato chips, BBQ sauce, plain Greek yogurt, unsalted butter, and dried Italian seasoning. These provide variety and let guests tailor their plates.
How to prepare a mashed potato bar
There’s no single right way to set up a mashed potato bar, but these practical steps keep things organized and easy for guests.
Step 1: Arrange toppings in separate dishes along a buffet line so guests can move down the bar and choose what they want.
Step 2: Provide serving spoons, tongs, and small forks so toppings are easy to portion without cross-contamination.
Step 3: For a playful presentation, serve mashed potatoes in martini glasses to create mashtinis—an eye-catching option for special occasions.
Mashed Potato Toppings and Bar (+ Mashtini)
15 mins
15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 batch gluten-free mashed potatoes
- Homemade chili
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped chives
- Shredded cheese
- Olives
- Gluten-free crispy onions
- Sour cream
- Corn
- Peas
Instructions
- Assemble toppings in appropriate dishes and set them out in a buffet line.
- Provide serving spoons and forks for each topping.
- Serve mashed potatoes in bowls or martini glasses for a mashtini presentation.
- Allow guests to help themselves down the bar and customize their portions.
Notes
Pro tip: Place seasonings and staples—salt, black pepper, cream cheese, and garlic powder—at the start of the bar so guests can add extra to taste.
Keep mashed potatoes warm by setting their pan over a boiler with a lid on; that prevents burning while maintaining heat. Avoid holding them directly over a flame, which can dry them out.
The best way to reheat mashed potatoes is in the oven at 350°F with additional milk and butter stirred in; this restores a fresh, creamy texture. The microwave also works for shorter reheating times.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in July 2016 and has been updated with new photos and refreshed tips in subsequent years. Below is the original photo from an early dinner party that inspired this idea.
