This Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad mixes creamy potatoes with tasty toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s a cool and hearty side dish that’s perfect for BBQs!
I love how simple it is to whip up this salad. Just boil the potatoes, mix in the goodies, and you’re ready to impress your friends! Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Red or white potatoes are great for this salad because they hold their shape well. If you’re looking for health options, you could use sweet potatoes, which add a hint of sweetness and more nutrients.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch. If you’re vegetarian or want a healthier version, feel free to use turkey bacon or skip it altogether. For a plant-based option, try using crispy chickpeas instead.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess to the salad. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic for flavor. For a twist, try using Monterey Jack or crumbling feta on top. You could also leave out the cheese for a dairy-free option.
Green Onions: These add freshness. If you’re not a fan, chopped fresh parsley works just as well or you can use shallots for a milder flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Cooked Just Right?
Boiling potatoes can be tricky! To get them perfectly cooked and not mushy, follow these simple steps:
- Start with cold water covering your potatoes. This ensures even cooking.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer gently. Keep an eye on them; fork-tender means they should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but firm enough to hold together.
- Drain and let them cool before adding to the salad. Warm potatoes can make the mayonnaise dressing runny!
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes that are ready to soak up that creamy goodness without falling apart!
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 pounds red or white potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato salad takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare plus some extra time in the fridge to chill. Allow at least 1 hour of chilling time before serving. It’s an easy dish to make ahead for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by placing the cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, then bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Potatoes and Dressing:
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, gently add them to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Carefully fold the potatoes into the dressing, making sure they are evenly coated but not breaking them apart.
5. Add the Goodies:
Now it’s time to mix in the delicious extras! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and most of the sliced green onions, keeping a little aside for garnish. Mix everything until well combined.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like it to be a bit more flavorful.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge and sprinkle the reserved green onions on top for a fresh touch!
This creamy, flavorful potato salad, loaded with all the classic baked potato toppings, is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While red or white potatoes work best for this salad due to their creamy texture, you can use Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery flavor. Sweet potatoes are another fun alternative for a twist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also use turkey bacon or even skip the bacon and add sautéed vegetables for a fresh look!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead! Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This can actually enhance the flavors! Just remember to add any crunchy toppings, like bacon and green onions, right before serving to keep them fresh.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it seems dry after storing, you can stir in a bit of mayonnaise or yogurt to bring back some moisture before serving.
