Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion. It features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich dressing, all coming together to create a delightful twist on traditional potato salad. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue or a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes

• 6 strips of bacon

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool. Once cool, peel the skin (optional) and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

2. Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into small pieces.

3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled, chopped potatoes into the dressing mixture. Gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Add in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until everything is well combined.

5. Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve: Garnish with extra green onions or bacon, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes (for boiling and bacon preparation)

• Chill Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Add Different Cheese: You can swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a little heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or roasted Brussels sprouts for a unique twist.

• Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: For an extra layer of richness, add chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad.

• Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so it doesn’t need reheating. However, if you prefer to serve it warm, gently microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, but the texture may change slightly.

FAQs

How do I prevent the potatoes from being too mushy?

Make sure to boil the potatoes just until fork-tender, not too soft. Also, allow them to cool before chopping to help maintain their texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the Loaded Baked Potato Salad a day before serving. Refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld together and improve.

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this salad because of their fluffy texture when cooked, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier result.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits for convenience, but fresh crispy bacon adds the best flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To make it lighter, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt or a light sour cream alternative.

Can I freeze Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the potatoes and dressing may change once thawed.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, BBQ chicken, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other herbs in the salad?

Yes, you can add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for extra flavor and freshness.

How do I make this salad extra creamy?

For a creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or even a bit of cream cheese to the dressing.

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of mustard, like yellow or whole grain, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful, rich, and savory dish that will elevate any meal. With its creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and flavorful toppings, it’s a crowd favorite that’s sure to impress at your next gathering. Simple to make and easy to customize, this recipe is perfect for any occasion!