Loaded Baked Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, you’ve come to the right place! This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on a classic steakhouse favorite. Imagine creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy cheese all mingling together in a chilled salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive potluck gathering with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

What makes this Loaded Baked Potato Salad special is how it combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The flavors meld beautifully, making every bite an experience to savor. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead dish, which means less stress when it’s time to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious salad without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty flavors and creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop while you focus on other meal prep.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The combination of potatoes, bacon, cheese, and scallions creates an irresistible dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this Loaded Baked Potato Salad. Each component plays a vital role in creating that creamy goodness we all love!

For the Potatoes

• 4 pounds russet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Toppings

• 12 ounces bacon (cooked, cooled and chopped)
• 6 green onions (chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)

Variations

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and crunch.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute the mayo and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Try using pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the taste with their vibrant freshness.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400° F. Start by placing your cleaned russet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them 4-5 times with a fork. This helps steam escape while they bake! Lightly coat them with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt before popping them into the oven for 50-60 minutes. You want them tender enough to easily pierce with a cake tester or skewer. Once baked, let them cool for about five minutes before peeling and chopping into bite-sized chunks.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While your potatoes cool down, it’s time to cook that delicious bacon! You can either fry it in a skillet or bake it in the oven until crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and let cool completely before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together your mayonnaise and sour cream. Season this creamy concoction with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect flavor boost. This dressing is what brings everything together!

Step 4: Combine Everything

When your potatoes are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour over the mayonnaise mixture along with the crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until all those lovely ingredients are coated in creamy goodness. Don’t forget to taste—add more salt and pepper if needed!

Step 5: Chill Out!

For best results, refrigerate your loaded baked potato salad for at least three hours or even overnight before serving. This waiting period allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting side dish at any gathering or just as a delightful treat on its own!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Creating the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be a delightful experience with just a few simple tips!

• Use freshly cooked potatoes: Cooking your russet potatoes fresh ensures they have the best texture and flavor. They should be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape when mixed.
• Let the potatoes cool properly: Allowing the potatoes to cool after cooking and before mixing with the dressing helps them absorb the flavors better. It also prevents the dressing from becoming overly runny.
• Customize your add-ins: Don’t hesitate to mix in additional ingredients such as diced jalapeños or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. Customizing makes it your own and can cater to everyone’s taste preferences.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for a few hours (or overnight) allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. It enhances the overall taste and makes it more refreshing when served cold.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, give your salad a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. This ensures that every bite is just right!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Presenting your Loaded Baked Potato Salad can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious side.

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: Chopped chives add a beautiful pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Crumbled feta cheese: A sprinkle of feta provides a tangy contrast that works wonderfully with the creamy salad.
• Extra green onions: Adding more chopped green onions on top not only looks appealing but also enhances freshness in each bite.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: These juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs and spices make for a fantastic protein-packed companion, adding a savory touch to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings vibrancy and nutrition, balancing out the rich flavors of your potato salad.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is always a hit in summer gatherings, providing a fun, finger-food option alongside your salad.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory potato salad, making it perfect for warm weather barbecues or picnics.

Enjoy crafting this dish and sharing it with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy days or during potluck gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you notice excess moisture, give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

• For best results, avoid freezing as the salad may become watery when thawed.
• If you must freeze it, consider omitting ingredients like green onions and bacon before freezing. These can be added fresh upon thawing.
• Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for optimal quality.

Reheating

• This salad is best served cold; however, if you prefer a warm dish, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
• Stir well after reheating to ensure even warmth.
• Avoid reheating the entire batch to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with crispy chickpeas or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. The flavor will still be delicious!

How long does Loaded Baked Potato Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just give it a little stir before serving!

What can I serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

This hearty potato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or as part of a picnic spread. It’s versatile enough to complement many dishes!

Can I use other types of potatoes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

While russet potatoes provide great texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the size of your potato chunks.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This Loaded Baked Potato Salad brings together comforting flavors that are sure to brighten any gathering or weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Remember to share it with loved ones and let me know how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!