Loaded Potato Salad Recipe

This incredible Loaded Potato Salad transforms the humble potato into a showstopping side dish that tastes exactly like a loaded baked potato in salad form. With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, this potato salad takes just 30 minutes to prepare and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or as a hearty side for weeknight dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: This isn’t your grandmother’s potato salad! The combination of bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing makes this dish universally loved.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad a day in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules or when entertaining.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Quick Preparation: The active cooking time is minimal, letting you focus on the rest of your meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Yellow Baby Potatoes: These tender-skinned potatoes hold their shape beautifully when cooked and have a naturally buttery flavor that works perfectly in this salad.
• Sour Cream: The base of our creamy dressing that adds tanginess and richness.
• Mayonnaise: Works with the sour cream to create the perfect creamy texture while adding flavor depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory element that melts slightly into the warm potatoes.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add fantastic flavor without the harshness of raw garlic or onions.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Bacon: The star ingredient! Adds smokiness, saltiness, and that irresistible crunch.
• Fresh Chives: Provide a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.

Variations

Want to customize your potato salad? Here are some delicious ideas:

• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat.
• Ranch Style: Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Loaded Morning Potato Salad: Add some scrambled eggs for a breakfast-inspired version.
• Green Onion Swap: Replace chives with chopped green onions for a stronger flavor.
• Cheese Varieties: Try pepper jack for spice, smoked gouda for depth, or blue cheese for a tangy kick.

How to Make Loaded Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Boil diced baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Don’t overcook them – you want them tender but still holding their shape. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Cool the Potatoes

Set the potatoes aside to cool to room temperature. This prevents the dressing from becoming too thin and allows the potatoes to better absorb flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes cool, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently toss the cooled potatoes with the dressing mixture until evenly coated. The potatoes should be completely enveloped in the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Add Mix-ins

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and fresh chives. Do this gently to maintain the shape of the potato pieces.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 7: Chill

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the best flavor development!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Potato Size Matters: Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Salt Your Water: Always boil potatoes in well-salted water – it’s your only chance to season them from within!
• Cook Bacon Until Extra Crispy: This ensures it maintains some crunch even after mixing with the creamy dressing.
• Reserve Some Toppings: Keep a small amount of bacon, cheese, and chives to sprinkle on top just before serving for presentation.
• Temperature Control: Let the potatoes cool before adding the dressing to prevent it from breaking or becoming oily.

How to Serve

This loaded potato salad pairs beautifully with so many main dishes:

Barbecue Pairings:

Serve alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or grilled chicken for the ultimate cookout experience.

Holiday Meals:

Makes a wonderful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes at holiday gatherings.

Weeknight Dinners:

Pair with a simple rotisserie chicken or grilled steak for an easy but satisfying meal.

For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad and some crusty bread to round things out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The flavors often improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep!

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this salad a day in advance – in fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. If making ahead, consider adding half the bacon when you mix everything together and reserving the other half to add just before serving to maintain some crispness.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this potato salad as the creamy dressing will separate and the potatoes will change texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use russet potatoes instead of yellow baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use russet potatoes, but they have a different texture and may break down more during cooking. If using russets, peel them first and be extra gentle when mixing to prevent them from becoming mashed potatoes.

How can I make this potato salad healthier?
For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat variety, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Can I add other vegetables to this potato salad?
Absolutely! Finely diced red onion, celery for crunch, or even green peas would make excellent additions. Just make sure any vegetables you add complement the loaded baked potato theme.

Why did my potato salad get watery after sitting in the refrigerator?
This usually happens when the potatoes weren’t drained and cooled properly before mixing with the dressing. Make sure to drain potatoes thoroughly and allow them to cool completely. Also, salt draws moisture out of potatoes, so if you added extra salt after mixing, this could contribute to excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Salad takes all the magnificent flavors of a loaded baked potato and transforms them into a shareable, portable side dish that’s sure to impress. With its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements, it’s far from ordinary! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try – I guarantee it will become a requested favorite at all your gatherings!

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