The Loaded Baked Potato Salad takes the classic steakhouse dish and gives it a fun, easy twist, perfect for any gathering. This creamy salad combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and vibrant scallions, all enveloped in a luscious sour cream and mayo dressing. It’s an ideal side for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
Versatile Use: Perfect as a side for cookouts, picnics, or holiday gatherings; it fits right in at any occasion.
Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it a great option to prepare ahead of time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serving 12 people means it’s perfect for sharing at parties or large family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Skillet (or oven-safe dish for bacon)
Small mixing bowl
Fork
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting the potatoes evenly and allowing them to develop a nice texture.
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients without spills.
Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon to crispy perfection.
Small mixing bowl: Great for mixing the dressing ingredients without taking up too much space.

Ingredients

To make the Loaded Baked Potato Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Potatoes

4 pounds russet potatoes

Dressing

1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Mix-Ins

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

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This ensures that your potatoes will roast perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet.
Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork.
Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Roast for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
Transfer all potato flesh to a large mixing bowl; don’t worry if it crumbles slightly.
While still warm, sprinkle with apple cider vinegar and let rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

While waiting on the potatoes:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet or an oven-safe dish until crispy.
2. Drain excess fat and let cool before crumbling into bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together mayonnaise and sour cream.
2. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Once potatoes are cool:
1. Pour mayonnaise mixture over them.
2. Add crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese.
3. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving. This enhances its flavor! Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy this delightful salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded baked potato salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or potluck, this salad can be the star of the show. Here are some great serving suggestions to make your dish even more delightful.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled meats for a classic combo.
Serve along roasted veggies to add color and nutrition.

In a Sandwich

Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a hearty lunch option.
Combine it with lettuce and tomatoes for added freshness.

As an Appetizer

Scoop into small cups for easy serving at parties.
Top with extra bacon bits and cheese for an indulgent touch.

With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an aromatic twist.
Add chives on top to enhance the flavor profile.

On a Buffet Table

Arrange in a large bowl with serving spoons for easy access.
Decorate around the bowl with lemon wedges or herbs for presentation.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Creating the perfect loaded baked potato salad involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is always a hit.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes, crisp bacon, and real cheese will elevate your salad’s taste.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; seasonings can vary based on personal preference.
Chill before serving: Allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator enhances taste and texture.
Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like jalapeños or ranch dressing for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Complement your loaded baked potato salad with these delicious side dishes. They pair well and bring variety to your meal.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, grilled chicken provides protein that balances the richness of the salad.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a crunchy contrast and is perfect for summer gatherings.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Baked Beans: The hearty nature of baked beans adds depth and is a favorite at cookouts.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while complementing the salad’s creaminess.
Macaroni Salad: Another creamy side that pairs well, providing a nostalgic touch to any meal.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful texture contrast alongside your loaded baked potato salad.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and refreshment, balancing the savory elements of your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Loaded Baked Potato Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Overcooking potatoes: Cooking the potatoes too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender, but firm potatoes that hold their shape.
Using cold ingredients: Mixing cold ingredients can harden the potatoes. Allow your ingredients, especially the potatoes, to cool slightly before mixing.
Skipping the vinegar step: Don’t overlook adding apple cider vinegar while the potatoes are warm. It enhances flavor and helps with texture.
Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland salad. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Forgetting to chill: Serving immediately may result in a warm salad. Refrigerate for at least three hours for better flavor melding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Keep Loaded Baked Potato Salad in an airtight container.
It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Freezing is not recommended since it affects texture and flavor.
If needed, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Use medium power, heating in short intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad that might help you while preparing this dish.

Can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add extras like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a spicy kick!

How do I best serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

This salad is perfect as a side dish at BBQs, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve chilled for best results.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together overnight in the fridge.

Is there a healthier version of Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use turkey bacon for a lighter option without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a comforting side dish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x

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Description

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a mouthwatering twist on the classic steakhouse favorite, perfect for any occasion. This creamy, hearty salad features tender roasted potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions, all tossed in a rich sour cream and mayo dressing. Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this dish is sure to please your guests and have them coming back for more. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their side dish game.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pounds russet potatoes
12 ounces cooked bacon, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
6 green onions, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Roast pierced and oiled potatoes for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
Peel and chop the cooled potatoes into chunks; mix with apple cider vinegar and let sit.
Cook bacon until crispy; crumble into pieces.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream; season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, mix potatoes, bacon, green onions, cheese, and dressing gently until well combined.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American