The Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate side dish that transforms a classic steakhouse favorite into a creamy, flavorful delight perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe is packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions all tossed in a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, this potato salad will be a standout on your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing makes every bite delicious.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any hassle.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a comforting side for any meal.
Make Ahead Option: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
Feeds a Crowd: Serving 12 people means it’s perfect for large gatherings or potluck events.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before starting. Having the right equipment can make the preparation process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Skillet or oven-safe dish
Fork
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spills.
Skillet or oven-safe dish: Essential for cooking bacon to crispy perfection.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4 pounds russet potatoes
– 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
– 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.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place cleaned russet potatoes on a baking sheet.
Pierce each potato with a fork 4-5 times.
Lightly coat them with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake 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.
Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut into 1-inch chunks. Transfer all potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add Apple Cider Vinegar

While still warm, sprinkle the potato chunks with apple cider vinegar. Allow them to rest for 15-30 minutes until they cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Bacon

Meanwhile, cook your bacon. You can use a skillet or bake it in the oven. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and let cool before crumbling it into bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Mix Your Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Season this mixture with kosher salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cool:
Pour the dressing over them along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Gently fold everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your loaded baked potato salad for at least three hours or overnight before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can enhance any meal. Whether you are hosting a potluck or enjoying a casual family dinner, this salad pairs wonderfully with many options.

As a Standalone Dish

This potato salad can be served on its own for a hearty side. It’s rich and filling, making it perfect for gatherings.

With Grilled Meats

Pairing with grilled chicken or steak adds a smoky flavor that complements the creamy salad.

At Potlucks

Bring Loaded Baked Potato Salad to potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can easily feed a large group.

With Fresh Vegetables

Serve alongside fresh veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.

On Burgers

Use it as a topping on burgers for an exciting twist that adds creaminess and flavor.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To make your Loaded Baked Potato Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best due to their fluffy texture when baked.
Let Potatoes Cool: Allow the potatoes to cool before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.
Use Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for added flavor and texture in your salad.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a smoky gouda.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours; this allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation with extra green onions or chopped parsley on top before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad works well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky corn perfectly complements the rich flavors of the potato salad.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and adds color to your plate.
Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is an excellent choice for soaking up any extra dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and vibrant colors alongside your meal.
Macaroni and Cheese: Another creamy option that kids love—pair it for a comforting meal combo.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans balances out the savory elements of the potato salad.
Caesar Salad: A light Caesar offers crispness and tang, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of creamy potato salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Loaded Baked Potato Salad, certain missteps can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

Overcooking the Potatoes: Make sure to check the potatoes frequently while baking. Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and lose their structure in the salad.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh potatoes, good-quality bacon, and creamy mayonnaise. Quality ingredients make a significant difference in taste.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the potatoes to cool before mixing them with other ingredients. This helps prevent the salad from becoming too warm and soupy.
Not Seasoning Adequately: Don’t forget to season your Loaded Baked Potato Salad properly. Taste as you go to ensure it’s flavorful.
Assembling Too Early: For best results, let the salad chill for at least three hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
The Loaded Baked Potato Salad will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may change texture upon thawing.
If necessary, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat while stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor.

What types of potatoes work best for this salad?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture when baked, but Yukon Golds also work well.

How long can I store Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s stored properly!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a day ahead allows flavors to develop even more.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Its versatility allows for endless customization based on personal tastes or seasonal ingredients. Give it a try at your next gathering; you won’t be disappointed!

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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

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Description

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food that elevates a classic dish into a creamy, flavor-packed side perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions, all tossed in a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this Loaded Baked Potato Salad will quickly become a favorite on your table.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pounds russet potatoes
12 ounces bacon
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
Green onions (chopped)
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt
Black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Roast the cleaned russet potatoes on a baking sheet, pierced with a fork and lightly coated with olive oil and salt for 50–60 minutes until tender.
Once cooled, peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
Sprinkle with apple cider vinegar while still warm; let cool completely.
Cook bacon until crispy; crumble into pieces.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine cooled potatoes, dressing, crumbled bacon, green onions, and shredded cheese; fold gently until mixed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving.

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