Delicious Loaded Potato Salad Recipe with Cheddar and Bacon

The aroma of freshly baked potatoes, mingling with crispy bacon and zesty cheese, has a way of calling hearts to the kitchen. Loaded Potato Salad, my friends, is not just a dish; it’s a delectable medley that transforms those humble spuds into a celebration of flavors, textures, and pure comfort. As you take a bite, the creamy richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream dances with the crunch of green onions and the savory crunch of bacon, creating a heavenly experience that’s hard to forget.

Imagine it’s a sunny afternoon, family and friends gathered for a backyard BBQ. The grill is sizzling, laughter fills the air, and then someone brings out a heaping bowl of piled-high Loaded Potato Salad. Instantly, it’s the star of the show, stealing the spotlight from hot dogs and burgers. Each creamy spoonful evokes memories of summer picnics and holiday gatherings, making this salad a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Loaded Potato Salad:

4 pounds russet potatoes – These starchy beauties hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when they’re cooked.

1-2 tablespoons olive oil – A light coating keeps the potatoes from sticking and adds a hint of flavor during roasting.

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – This adds a delicious tanginess that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

1 cup mayonnaise – The base of the dressing, giving it that creamy, indulgent texture we all crave.

¾ cup sour cream – Adds a delicious depth of flavor and enhances the creaminess even more.

1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for elevating the flavors of each ingredient.

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A sprinkle of pepper brings out the best flavors in the salad.

12 ounces bacon, cooked, cooled and chopped – Bacon bits add that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor that makes this dish a hit.

6 green onions, chopped – Freshness with a slight bite, these onions add color and a mild onion flavor.

1 ½ cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded – The gooey, melty cheese binds this salad together and adds a lovely sharpness.

How to Make Loaded Potato Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Loaded Potato Salad:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your potatoes roast beautifully and cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the cleaned russet potatoes on a baking sheet. Give them a gentle prick with a fork several times. Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Roast in the oven for 50-60 minutes until they are tender and easily pierced with a knife.

Step 3: Cool and Chop
Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel them and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Transfer these glorious potato bites to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Dress Up Those Potatoes
While the potatoes are still warm, sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over them. Let this sit for about 15-30 minutes to absorb all that tangy goodness while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 5: Bacon and Dressing Time
Cook your bacon either in a skillet or your oven until crispy. Once cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream together in a bowl and season with kosher salt and pepper for the perfect creamy dressing.

Step 6: Combine and Chill
When the potatoes are cool, gently fold in the mayonnaise mix along with the crumbled bacon, green onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until everything is coated, then season to your taste. For the best flavor, refrigerate this beautiful potato salad for 3 hours or even overnight!

Imagine the joy of each creamy, cheesy bite, bursting with smoky bacon and fresh green onions. Transfer your Loaded Potato Salad to a lovely bowl and watch it disappear. Enjoy it chilled for BBQs, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home!

And there you have it—a delightful Loaded Potato Salad that’s sure to leave your crowd asking for seconds. With ease of preparation and a flavor profile that dances on your taste buds, it’s not just a recipe; it’s a must-have for every gathering. Happy cooking!

This showstopping Loaded Potato Salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Loaded Potato Salad Cooking Process

Begin by baking the potatoes until tender, then allow them to cool slightly before peeling and chopping. While the potatoes sit, cook your bacon until crispy. Prepare the dressing last to ensure maximum freshness.

Add Your Touch to Loaded Potato Salad

Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for a pepper jack or a crumbled blue cheese for an added zing. You could also introduce a handful of diced pickles or capers for extra flavor and crunch.

Storing & Reheating Loaded Potato Salad

For the best quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply take it out and let it warm slightly at room temperature before serving.

There’s a moment I remember vividly – it was a sunny afternoon barbecue, and my Loaded Potato Salad was the star of the show. As friends eagerly devoured it, I couldn’t help but feel a warm glow when they all whispered how it reminded them of their grandma’s cooking. Moments like that are truly priceless!

FAQs About Loaded Potato Salad

What is Loaded Potato Salad?

Loaded Potato Salad is a decadent twist on the traditional potato salad, featuring hearty ingredients like crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. This dish combines the comforting flavors of baked potatoes with all the fixings you’d expect on a fully loaded baked potato, making it a standout at any gathering or meal. It’s not just a salad; it’s a flavorful experience that will have everyone coming back for more!

How do I enhance my Loaded Potato Salad?

You can easily customize your Loaded Potato Salad by adding ingredients that suit your taste. Consider including diced pickles for a tangy crunch, crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. You could replace the sharp cheddar with a pepper jack cheese or experiment with mixing different cheeses. The key is to find the right balance of flavors and textures that excite your palate and suit your gathering.

Can I make Loaded Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Loaded Potato Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare the salad as per the instructions and store it in an airtight container. This way, you’ll save time on busy days and be ready to impress your guests with maximum flavor and freshness when it’s time to serve.

How long can I store Loaded Potato Salad?

You can store Loaded Potato Salad in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s best kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, let them warm slightly at room temperature before serving to bring back that delicious creamy texture. Always give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving to ensure it’s just right!

Conclusion for Loaded Potato Salad

Loaded Potato Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that you can bring to any table. From its warm, tender potatoes to the rich layers of bacon and cheese, every bite is a taste sensation that leaves a lasting impression. With its easy preparation and versatile nature, Loaded Potato Salad becomes a go-to recipe for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and meal prep alike. Elevate your dining experience by making this delightful dish a staple in your kitchen!

Delicious Loaded Potato Salad Recipe with Cheddar and Bacon

A delectable twist on classic potato salad, featuring loaded ingredients like bacon and cheddar for an unforgettable taste experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Chilling Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 463

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 4 pounds russet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 ounces bacon cooked, cooled, and chopped
• 6 green onions chopped
• 1 ½ cups medium cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

• oven
• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce 4-5 times with a fork. Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks, discarding the potato jackets. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. While still warm, sprinkle the potatoes with the apple cider vinegar and rest for 15-30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooled.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet or in the oven, drain, and let cool. Crumble into bite-size pieces.
5. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream. Season with the kosher salt and pepper.
6. When the potatoes are cool, pour the mayonnaise mix over the potatoes with the crumbled bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Gently fold the ingredients together. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate for 3 hours up to overnight before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 11gFat: 34gSodium: 608mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

This Loaded Potato Salad is perfect for gatherings and can easily be customized with additional toppings like diced pickles or crumbled blue cheese for added flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!