The BEST Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or any gathering! Imagine tender red potatoes loaded with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and a creamy dressing. This recipe takes classic potato salad to a whole new level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with Flavor: This potato salad is packed with delicious ingredients like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
• Creamy and Satisfying: The creamy dressing perfectly complements the tender potatoes and savory toppings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This potato salad is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This potato salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Red potatoes: Diced and boiled until tender.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy and chopped into small pieces.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy dressing.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded and adds a melty, cheesy flavor.
• Green onions: Chopped and adds a fresh, pungent flavor.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika: Season the dressing to perfection.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the potato salad.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make The BEST Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and reduce the heat to medium. Boil for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, then drain and dry well.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Chop the bacon into small pieces and place in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.

Step 4: Prepare the Green Onions

Remove the white root part from the green onions. Chop the tender green part and the remaining white part of the onion for the salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Potato Salad

Add the mayonnaise mixture to the potatoes and stir to coat. Add the green onions, bacon, and shredded cheese to the potatoes and stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This potato salad is best served cold.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with reserved green onions, cheese, and bacon, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use red potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well when boiled and have a creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy.
• Cook the bacon until crispy: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch to the potato salad.
• Chill the potato salad: Chilling the potato salad allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
• Adjust the seasonings: Taste the dressing before adding it to the potatoes and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Use finely chopped green onions: Chopping the white part of the green onions smaller makes the texture more pleasant.
• Use Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise and sour cream.

How to Serve

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals:

• Barbecued Meats: Serve with grilled chicken, burgers, ribs, or steak.
• Sandwiches: Serve alongside sandwiches for a complete meal.
• Picnics: Perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
• Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be made ahead of time or stored for later.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the potato salad up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can! Yukon gold or new potatoes are good alternatives to red potatoes.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can be used.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as hard-boiled eggs, celery, or pickles.

4. Can I make this potato salad healthier?
Yes, you can! Use light mayonnaise and sour cream or substitute with plain Greek yogurt.

This BEST Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print