6 Dinners to Help You Break Out of Your Rut

In case you've forgotten, a DIY baked-potato bar is one of the best ways to turn a humdrum staple into an honest-to-goodness, wow-that-was-good meal. While the spuds bake, you prepare the toppings, which are what this recipe is really about. We happen to be fans of repurposed sides from a previous meal such as chopped or crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli florets, a few handfuls of spinach sautéed in olive oil with garlic and caramelized onions. The icing on the cake: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, feta or Parmesan) on top of each potato and slide all of them under the broiler for a minute, or so, just before serving, until the cheese bubbles. Everyone can add their own fixings—and feel wonderfully sated.

Get the recipe: Baked Potato Bar