Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious twist on the classic steakhouse dish, perfect for any gathering. This creamy salad combines tender potatoes 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 dinners, this dish balances comfort food with vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this potato salad comes together without hassle.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bacon, cheese, and scallions provides an irresistible taste.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect as a side for barbecues or family gatherings, it fits many menus.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate up to four days, making it great for meal prep or last-minute events.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Serves 12, ensuring there’s plenty to go around at parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Loaded Baked Potato Salad efficiently, gather your essential tools before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or oven-safe dish for bacon
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: This allows even cooking of the potatoes for optimal texture.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without spills.
• Skillet or oven-safe dish: Ensures crispy bacon throughout the recipe.

Ingredients

For this Loaded Baked Potato Salad, you’ll need the following 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: Prepare the Potatoes

• Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them 4-5 times with a fork.
• Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
• Remove from the oven; cool for about 5 minutes.
• When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Discard the jackets.
• Transfer potato chunks to a large mixing bowl. While still warm, sprinkle with apple cider vinegar. Let rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Meanwhile:
Cook the bacon in a large skillet or in the oven until crispy.
Drain excess grease and let cool. Crumble into bite-size pieces.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl:
Combine mayonnaise and sour cream.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once potatoes are cool:
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over them along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Gently fold all ingredients together.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Refrigerate for at least three hours or up to overnight before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Enjoy your Loaded Baked Potato Salad!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. It’s versatile enough to complement a range of meals or stand alone as a hearty side.

At a BBQ

• Serve chilled: This salad is refreshing when served cold, making it perfect for summer BBQs.
• Pair with grilled meats: It goes well with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken for a classic cookout experience.

As a Potluck Dish

• Transport easily: The salad holds up well during transport, making it an ideal choice for potlucks.
• Garnish before serving: Add extra bacon bits and green onions on top just before serving for a fresh look.

For Family Dinners

• Make ahead of time: Prepare the salad the day before for family dinners to enhance the flavors.
• Serve with bread rolls: Offer soft bread rolls on the side to round out the meal.

As a Lunch Option

• Pack it for work: This potato salad makes an excellent lunch option that can be enjoyed cold.
• Add extra protein: Top with shredded chicken or diced ham for a more filling meal.

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How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use freshly baked potatoes: Baking your potatoes until tender gives them the best flavor and texture.
• Let potatoes cool slightly: Allowing the potatoes to cool slightly before mixing helps maintain their shape.
• Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the mayo and sour cream ratios according to your taste preferences.
• Mix in additional toppings: Consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for several hours enhances its taste and allows the flavors to meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn adds a delightful crunch next to creamy potato salad.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast that complements the richness of the potato salad.
3. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans offer a sweet and savory balance, making them a classic BBQ companion.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and flavorful side that pairs nicely.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is great for scooping up potato salad, enhancing your meal experience.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of the potato dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Loaded Baked Potato Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender but not mushy. This helps maintain texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Period: Allowing potatoes to cool before mixing prevents the dressing from becoming runny and helps the flavors meld better.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality bacon, cheese, and sour cream. This makes a big difference in taste.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Always season your ingredients properly. Taste as you mix to ensure the salad is flavorful.
• Forgetting About Refrigeration Time: Letting the salad chill for several hours enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Loaded Baked Potato Salad can last up to 4 days.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and texture changes upon thawing.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best to prepare it a few hours or even a day before serving for optimal flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream in Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative that maintains creaminess while adding protein.

How can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Feel free to add ingredients such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or different cheeses for extra flavor!

Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad healthy?

While delicious, it is rich due to bacon and cheese. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the perfect blend of comfort food and deliciousness. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!