This Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy! With fluffy potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, it’s a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Your friends will smile when they see this dish. I mean, who can resist bacon and cheese? I often make it the night before, and it’s always even tastier the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold are great for this salad due to their fluffy texture. If you prefer a waxy potato, try red potatoes instead, but they may hold their shape more than a fluffy potato.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds flavor and crunch. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using crispy fried onions or even chopped olives for a fun twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic here, but feel free to swap it with pepper jack for a bit of heat or use a dairy-free cheese if you want to make it lactose-free.
Sour Cream: This gives creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead for extra protein.
How Do I Get Creamy Yet Chunky Potato Salad?
Achieving the right texture in potato salad can be tricky. You want it creamy, but still have those nice potato chunks. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook potatoes until fork-tender, not mushy. This helps them hold their shape.
- Combine warm potatoes with mayonnaise and sour cream gently. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors without falling apart.
- Fold in other ingredients carefully so you don’t break up the potatoes too much.
These tips ensure you have a delicious balance of creaminess and chunkiness in every bite!
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Salad:
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the potatoes and bacon, and then another 15 minutes mixing everything together. Don’t forget to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour—this helps the flavors blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, take a skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s ready, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once it has cooled down, crinkle or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
4. Combine Potatoes and Dressing:
Add the warm potatoes to the bowl with the sour cream mixture. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break the potatoes too much.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and most of the sliced green onions. Remember to save some of the green onions for garnishing later.
6. Adjust the Flavor:
Take a taste of your potato salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors come together!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, give it a gentle stir and sprinkle the reserved green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve your loaded baked potato salad cold or at room temperature, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold potatoes work best for their fluffy texture, you can also use red potatoes. Just keep in mind that red potatoes may hold their shape more and provide a slightly different texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! This potato salad is great for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors only get better as it sits!
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using crispy fried onions, chopped olives, or smoked tempeh for a similar savory flavor and crunch. If you’re simply reducing fat, skip the bacon entirely and add in extra veggies!
