17 Best Baked Potato Toppings, from Basic to Bonkers

When it comes to baked potato toppings, the options are limited only by your sense of adventure. Seriously, I used to bring a potato to my office, microwave it, and top it with whatever leftovers or condiments I could find. I called it my “sad potato lunch,” but it was delightful. My favorite combo was a mix of Greek yogurt, canned sardines, and chili crisp. I can’t say my officemates enjoyed it quite as much as me, though. 

Whether you want some outside-the-box baked potato topping ideas or if you’re just looking for the best versions of classic baked potato bar toppings, we have recommendations. We’ve taste tested all of these products and fully stand behind them. Here are the best baked potato toppings to stock up on for your next at-home baked potato bar, arranged from classic to out there. 

Best Butter

Every great baked potato starts with the best butter. You simply can’t leave it off your baked potato toppings list. Because not any butter will do—you need really, really good butter to serve as the base for the others. 

Best Sour Cream

Sour cream is probably best known as a baked potato topping. There is just something special going on between potatoes and sour cream. 

Best Vegan Sour Cream

Don’t worry, dairy-free divas, we have the best vegan sour cream for you, too. 

Best Greek Yogurt

Though not as indulgently creamy as sour cream, Greek yogurt is a very good substitute. And, personally, I love the extra tang it contributes. Our number two pick, Straus, is particularly flavorful and complex. 

Best Shredded Mexican Blend

Go ahead and make your life easier by buying shredded cheese. In general, it’s one of the best toppings for baked potatoes. Go the extra step and opt for an extra-flavorful Mexican blend.

Best Shredded Mozzarella

Not into spices in your cheese? Stick to straight up, melty-as-heck shredded mozzarella. 

Best Vegan Shredded Cheese

Not into dairy? Try one of our top vegan shredded cheese picks, like Violife’s Cheddar Shreds or their Mexican-Style Shreds.

Best Bacon

Skip the bacon bits and make your own bacon crumbles with the best bacon you can buy. We fried up a bunch to find the best strips. 

Best Vegan Bacon 

Even if you’re vegan you can enjoy the pleasures of crumbled “bacon” as a baked potato topping. Try the MorningStar brand—they’re the crispiest. 

Best Canned Chili

Canned chili is one of the easiest and best baked potato toppings. It instantly turns a basic baked potato into a full meal. Go for one of our top picks, add some sour cream and shredded cheese, and finish with a sprinkling of crumbled tortilla chips. 

Best Guacamole

While fresh, diced avocado is a great idea for a chili potato, pre-made, store-bought guac works even better—you can get a little bit in every bite and you don’t have to risk an avocado injury. 

Best Canned Corn

Yes, some canned corn is better than the others. Scatter some kernels onto a baked potato along with chili and sour cream and cheese for a Southwestern-inspired meal. 

Best Spinach Artichoke Dip

The best spinach artichoke dip is way more versatile than you might think. Along with being an absolute slam dunk at a party, it also happens to be one of the best baked potato toppings. Seriously, try it. 

Best French Onion Dip

Spoon a big glop of the best French onion dip onto a baked potato, mush it all up with a fork, and then top it with some of that grated cheese we talked about earlier. 

Best Chili Crisp

Chili crisp makes pretty much everything better—baked potatoes are no exception. 

Best Canned Fish

Salty, sometimes smoky canned seafood is an easy, protein-packed baked potato topping idea. We ranked everything from the best smoked oysters to the best canned tuna. 

Best Kimchi

Want some really unexpected baked potato toppings? Try this: the best store-bought kimchi, Greek yogurt, chili crisp, and some really good olive oil packed tuna. Maybe a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top. Yum.