This Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the perfect side dish! It combines creamy potatoes with tasty toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions for a mouthwatering treat.
Every bite feels like a warm hug. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! I love bringing this to picnics—everyone ends up asking for the recipe, and I happily share… kind of! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well after boiling. If you prefer a different flavor, fingerling or new potatoes are also great options!
Bacon: Adds a crispy, salty touch. For a healthier version, turkey bacon can be used. If vegetarian, try using smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
Sour Cream: Provides creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good substitute, adding protein while keeping it creamy. You can also use plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances the flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free cheese, or try a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Cook Potatoes For The Salad?
Cooking the potatoes properly is key for texture. Follow these steps:
- Start with cold water to help cook them evenly. A pinch of salt adds flavor right from the start.
- Boil until the potatoes are tender but still firm. You want a fork to pierce easily without falling apart.
- Drain and allow them to cool slightly before mixing. This prevents the dressing from becoming runny and keeps the potatoes intact.
Take your time with the cooking, and you’ll have a salad that everyone will love!
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 pounds potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes), peeled and diced
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato salad takes about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus at least 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. So, including cooling time, set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make this dish. It’s a quick and easy side, perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Once done, drain them and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Mixing the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and chopped green onions. Make sure to season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor!
4. Combining Potatoes and Dressing:
Now it’s time to fold in the potatoes! Add the warm potatoes to the bowl with the dressing mixture and gently stir everything together. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much; we want some nice chunks in the salad!
5. Adding Bacon and Cheese:
Next, stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your salad and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt and pepper as you prefer. Then, garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the potato salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite of this comforting loaded baked potato salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best for their creamy texture, you can also use fingerling or new potatoes. Just make sure they’re diced evenly for consistent cooking!
How Do I Make It Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar depth of flavor. You can also add diced pickles or extra veggies for a delicious twist!
Can I Make This Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this potato salad a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
How Should I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir it well before serving, as some moisture might separate. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
