Taco + Nacho Bar
Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.
30–45 min
Baked Potato Bar
An easy and filling way to treat your team and show appreciation this year.
Alissa Christensen
A baked potato bar staff appreciation activity where you provide the potatoes and staff sign up to bring a topping. Set out a spread of mix-ins and let everyone build their own plate.
Why try it
Treat your team to a warm, filling meal without the cost of catering.. A baked potato bar is simple to put together, and inviting staff to sign up for toppings turns it into something the whole team helped create.. It's also an easy option for a variety of dietary needs since everyone can customize their potato with the toppings they enjoy.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Printed sign-up sheet
Baked potatoes
Bowls and small containers for toppings
Scoops or spoons for toppings
Plates, forks, and napkins
Table for the spread
Instructions
1
Set your date and sign-up deadline
Pick a date for the baked potato bar and a cutoff for topping sign-ups a few days ahead, so everyone knows what's coming before the day arrives.
2
Share the sign-up sheet
Post the included sign-up sheet in the staff lounge or send a digital version. Staff write their name and the topping they're bringing.
3
Check for variety
Review the sheet as sign-ups come in. If several staff sign up for the same topping, reach out and suggest a swap.
4
Bake and set up
Bake the potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm, then set out toppings in labeled bowls with scoops next to the potatoes.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Sweet potato swap
Offer sweet potatoes alongside regular potatoes for staff who want a different option.
Loaded nacho bar
Swap potatoes for tortilla chips and build a nacho bar around the same topping station.
Rotate the base
Try the same topping-bar format with rice bowls or baked apples for a different season.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Provide the potatoes
Take potatoes off the sign-up list so you can guarantee enough for everyone, and let staff focus on toppings.
Leader Tip #2
Label every topping
Set a small card next to each topping so staff can see what's available and spot any allergens.
Leader Tip #3
Include non-classroom staff
Make sure custodial, office, and cafeteria staff see the sign-up sheet too. They're often left off building-wide emails.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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