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This loaded bacon cheddar potato salad combines all your favorite baked potato toppings in a creamy, crowd-pleasing side dish. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions bound together with a tangy sour cream dressing.
I first created this recipe for a neighborhood barbecue when I needed something more exciting than plain potato salad. It disappeared so quickly that three different neighbors asked for the recipe before the day was over.
Ingredients
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: perfect for this salad as they hold their shape while still becoming creamy when cooked
- Bacon: provides that irresistible smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish
- Cheddar cheese: use sharp or extra sharp for the best flavor impact
- Green onions: add a fresh bite and beautiful color contrast
- Sour cream: creates the creamy base reminiscent of a loaded baked potato
- Mayonnaise: helps bind everything together while adding richness
- Dijon mustard: cuts through the richness with a subtle tang
- Apple cider vinegar: brightens all the flavors and balances the creaminess
- Garlic and onion powder: provides depth without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Cut your potatoes into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Always start them in cold water with a generous pinch of salt. This ensures they cook evenly throughout and absorb just the right amount of seasoning. The potatoes are done when they offer little resistance when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Create the dressing:
- Whisk the sour cream and mayonnaise until completely smooth before adding the remaining dressing ingredients. Take time to taste and adjust the seasonings. The dressing should taste slightly more seasoned than you think necessary as the potatoes will mellow the flavors.
- Combine while warm:
- Toss the potatoes with the dressing while they're still slightly warm. This allows them to absorb more flavor. Be gentle when folding to avoid mashing the potatoes. The warm potatoes will also slightly melt the cheese, creating wonderful pockets of creaminess.
- Rest for full flavor:
- This salad truly benefits from at least an hour of refrigeration. The flavors meld together beautifully as it rests. For the best experience, remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
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The bacon truly makes this dish special. I learned from my grandmother to save a small handful of the crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving. This extra step ensures you get that fresh bacon crunch in every bite and makes the presentation much more appealing.
Make It Your Own
This potato salad welcomes customization based on your preferences. Try adding diced red bell pepper for color and crunch, or stir in some chopped dill pickles for a tangy twist. You can even add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you enjoy a spicy kick. The recipe is forgiving and flexible.
Storage Tips
For best results, store this potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together. If making ahead for an event, consider holding back some of the bacon and green onions to sprinkle fresh on top just before serving for the best texture and visual appeal.
Perfect Pairings
This hearty potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like burgers, steaks, or barbecued chicken. It also complements smoky dishes particularly well. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potato salad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture, but you can try red or fingerling potatoes for variation.
- → How long can this dish be stored?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consume promptly for best flavor.
- → Can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
- → What can I add for extra texture?
Chopped celery or diced red onions add a crunchy texture and additional flavor.
- → Can I serve this warm instead of cold?
Yes, you can serve it slightly warm, but for optimal flavor, chill for at least an hour before serving.