Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Perfect for Any Gathering

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in salad form. This creamy and savory dish is made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich sour cream and mayo dressing. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this salad will be a crowd favorite at your next gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a picnic, or just craving a hearty side dish, Loaded Baked Potato Salad hits all the right notes. It combines classic potato salad flavors with the indulgence of a loaded baked potato.

Easy to Prepare

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe comes together quickly. The potatoes boil up easily, and the mixing process is as simple as tossing everything together. No complicated steps!

Crowd-Pleasing

Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy dressing, this salad is rich and satisfying. It’s a perfect addition to any potluck, party, or casual meal.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Salad:

• 3 lbs Gold or Red Potatoes: Gold or red potatoes work best for potato salad as they hold their shape after boiling. If you prefer, you can use Russet potatoes, but they tend to break apart more easily.
• 1 Cup Chopped Cooked Bacon (5-7 slices): Bacon adds a savory crunch. For a healthier option, you can substitute turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• 1½ Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the dressing. You can swap it with mild cheddar or other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different taste.
• 1 Cup Sour Cream: Sour cream gives the salad its creamy texture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it will change the flavor slightly.
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness to the dressing. For a healthier version, you can use light mayo or a dairy-free option.
• 3 Green Onions (sliced/chopped): Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. You can substitute with red onions for a stronger taste or chives for a milder onion flavor.
• Handful Fresh Parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. You can swap it with cilantro or omit it entirely if you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper to taste: Adjust the salt and pepper based on your personal preferences. Add more to taste as necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform bite-sized chunks. This ensures even cooking.
• Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water.
• Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool.

2. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the ingredients together until fully mixed and the potatoes are well coated in the creamy dressing.

3. Chill:

• Refrigerate the potato salad until ready to serve, ideally for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, grilled meats, or even as a standalone light meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steaks, burgers, or fish, or enjoy it with your favorite protein.

How to Store Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may affect the texture of the potatoes and dressing.

Tips to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

1. For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the dressing for a little extra savory punch.
2. Make it smoky: If you love smoky flavors, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing for an added depth of flavor.
3. Add some crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted pecans or crushed potato chips for a bit of extra crunch.
4. For a creamier texture: You can substitute the mayo with a bit more sour cream or use half sour cream and half Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Variations

• Low-carb version: Swap the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that still delivers a similar texture.
• Spicy: Add a jalapeño, finely chopped, to the salad for a spicy kick.
• For extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes to the salad for added crunch and color.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I make this salad without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer a vegetarian version. You can replace it with crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts for added crunch.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute the sharp cheddar with mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a little spice.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a rich, creamy, and savory side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy dressing makes it a perfect addition to your meal plan. Easy to make and full of flavor, this potato salad is perfect for any occasion!

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