Topping It All Off - Mashed Potato Martini Bar

   By ChefErin  Dec 20, 2010
10

The holidays are usually a mix of family and friends. If you find yourself needing a crowd-pleasing party food, I've got just the ticket. A Mashed Potato "Martini" Bar! (Don't worry, I am not referring to potato vodka. This idea is kid-friendly.) I am talking about build-it-yourself party food.

 

Mashed Potato Martini Bars are a big trend right now. They're an inexpensive option but one you can make look elegant. And everybody loves mashed potatoes.

 

So what is a Mashed Potato Martini Bar? It's mashed potatoes served in martini glasses with a salad-bar-style collection of toppings. It's also super fun and interactive for guests. 

 

Here's what you need:

 

Martini Glasses - make it fun and festive. It's not just a mashed potato bar, it's a mashed potato martini bar. If you don't own a set, pick up some mismatched ones at a thrift store.

 

Mashed Potatoes - your favorite recipe. You'll need about 1/2 to 1 cup per person, depending on what else you are serving. You can keep the potatoes warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker.

 

Now you just need to put out a bunch of your favorite potato toppings. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

 

  • Freshly Grated Cheeses (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan - Whatever You Like)
  • Sour Cream or Your Favorite Potato Chip Dip
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Whipped Butter or Flavored-Butter
  • Chives or Green Onions
  • Pesto Sauce
  • Gravy
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Cloves of Roasted Garlic
  • Chili
  • Beef Stew
  • Caviar
  • Minced Ham
  • Crumbled Bacon
  • Garlicky Sautéed Shrimp
  • Corned Beef Hash
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • Sour Kraut
  • Sliced Kielbasa or Polish Sausage
  • Steamed Broccoli
  • Roasted Red Pepper Strips
  • Sautéed Mushrooms
  • French Fried Onions

 

Topping ideas are limitless. Try to offer at least 5 or 6 different choices so you're guest can get creative. I've seen people top their mashed potatoes with cheese, and that's it -- and others go through like it's a sundae bar, putting everything on it.

 

When your guests arrive, give them a brief overview of how to make their mashtini or better yet, be the first to go through the line. It'll show your guests what to do, plus nobody likes to be the first to do something at a party.

 

Plan for people to have seconds. You may even want to enforce a "two drink minimum!"

 

Happy Holidays!

 

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Comments
LovelyCourt by LovelyCourt | BALTIMORE, MD
Feb 04, 2011

I like this idea alot! its an upgrade from the famous chocloate fountain..even though thats still good too!

ChefErin by ChefErin | SEATTLE, WA
Jan 18, 2011

Katt8600 - Let us know what you served for toppings and how the party went. ~ Chef Erin

katt8600 by katt8600 | Fairview, TN
Jan 03, 2011

Yum, I'm hosting a 50th birthday party. I love the mashed potato bar idea. I'm going to use it instead of the normal meat and potatos. Thanks so much for this idea.

ChefErin by ChefErin | SEATTLE, WA
Dec 30, 2010

hypnicjerk - So glad the Mashtinis were a hit at your party! I had a party on Christmas eve, myself, and the reception was the same. People LOVED them! Happy New Year. ~ Chef Erin

hypnicjerk by hypnicjerk | Seattle, WA
Dec 29, 2010

I had my holiday party and this was a HUGE HIT with everyone. What a great idea! It's a new "standard" for me. Thanks, Chef!

annieplum by annieplum | WANTAGH, NY
Dec 28, 2010

I LOVE this idea! Just in time for a teen New Year's Eve party!

ChefErin by ChefErin | SEATTLE, WA
Dec 20, 2010

jlindseyc - I hadn't heard of the concept with mac-n-cheese. That could be fun too! Thanks for mentioning it. ~ Chef Erin

msfriendly by msfriendly | MONROE, WI
Dec 20, 2010

I haven't heard of this before...very different!

hypnicjerk by hypnicjerk | Seattle, WA
Dec 20, 2010

This is a great idea. I'm going to try this at my holiday party. Thanks, Chef!

jlindseyc by jlindseyc | LEXINGTON, KY
Dec 20, 2010

this is always a hit at events. i've also seen and enjoyed the same concept with macaroni and cheese - yum!