Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious and hearty side dish that brings all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into a creamy and savory salad. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this salad is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 8 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Chives, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Drain and Cool:
- Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool. You can also place them in the refrigerator to cool faster.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook the Bacon:
- While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- Mix Sour Cream and Mayonnaise:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add Potatoes to Dressing:
- Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Add Bacon and Onion:
- Add the crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and chives to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Cheese:
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Season and Chill
- Season:
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Loaded Baked Potato Salad chilled, garnished with additional chives or cheese if desired. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty side dish!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, which holds up well in the salad. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Bacon: For convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits.
- Chilling: Allowing the salad to chill before serving helps enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
Variations
Spicy Loaded Potato Salad
- Add Spice:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Ranch Loaded Potato Salad
- Ranch Flavor:
- Replace the sour cream with ranch dressing or add a packet of ranch seasoning mix to the dressing.
Loaded Sweet Potato Salad
- Sweet Potatoes:
- Substitute Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Barbecues
- Grilled Meats:
- Serve the Loaded Baked Potato Salad alongside grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, or steaks.
Potlucks
- Buffet Spread:
- Add the salad to a buffet spread with other sides like coleslaw, pasta salad, and baked beans.
Family Dinners
- Comfort Food:
- Pair the salad with comfort foods like roasted chicken, meatloaf, or pulled pork.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the Loaded Baked Potato Salad a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend would all work well.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the salad? A: Yes, feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped green onions, bell peppers, or diced hard-boiled eggs.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream for a lighter version of the salad.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a flavorful and hearty side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this salad is easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad with your family and friends!
