5 Gluten-Free Ways to Enjoy a Baked Potato

(DYK: August 19 is National Baked Potato Day!)

Potatoes are a popular food. In fact, according to the International Potato Center, potatoes are the third most consumed food crop in the world, right after rice and wheat. If you are eating gluten-free, potatoes can be a great option since you have cut out wheat.

You might think potatoes offer little nutritional value but think again. Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, along with fiber, potassium, and even a significant amount of vitamin C. In fact, potatoes can provide a third of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, according to the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements ( See the chart on NIH’s website for the recommended daily value of vitamin C according to your age group.)

Why do potatoes sometimes get a bad rap? Because many of us tend to prepare potatoes in a less-than-healthy way – like French fries, baked potatoes slathered with butter and sour cream, and other high fat versions.

Baked potatoes can be a delicious, nutritious, gluten-free staple for any meal – and they are budget-friendly and shelf-stable, too!

Here are some easy – and healthy – ways to pep up your baked potato:

The Mexican-Inspired Potato

Top with pinto or black beans (use canned beans or cook your own.) Add salsa, avocado or guacamole, chopped green onion, and a little grated cotija or cheddar cheese.

The Mediterranean-Inspired Potato

Top with hummus, chopped olives, and chopped tomatoes. For extra zest, try Kalamata olives! If you’re not a fan of hummus, sprinkle with feta cheese instead. Drizzle a little olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar for flair.

The Protein Lovers Potato

Top with your favorite beef, turkey, or tofu chili, with or without beans. Add some grated cheese and chopped green onion. Instead of sour cream, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

The Lean and Green Potato

Top with cottage cheese, cooked chopped broccoli, and chopped chives or green onion.

The DIY Baked Potato

Hard to please the whole family? Let them choose their favorite toppings by setting up a baked potato bar. Some options: chopped cooked broccoli, chopped cooked carrot, chopped tomato, a variety of shredded or crumbled cheeses, chives, beans, sour cream or Greek yogurt, real bacon bits, and a variety of olives. Use your imagination for other add-ons.

Almost anything goes well with a plain baked potato. Their mild flavor lets you take them in many different flavor directions, depending on your mood and taste preferences. Now go grab a baked potato and get creative!

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare team when considering this information.