This Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Salad brings together the comforting richness of Cheddar cheese and crispy bacon in a creamy dressing. The potatoes offer a hearty base, while the green onions and Dijon mustard give it a refreshing lift. This dish is perfect for those who love indulgent yet easy-to-make sides for any gathering.
Whether it’s a summer BBQ, picnic, or family dinner, this potato salad will surely be the star of the meal. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the combination of crispy bacon and melty cheese adds the perfect touch of richness. You can even make it ahead of time for those busy days when you need a fuss-free dish that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds red potatoes, diced
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1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
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Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder. Stir gently to combine.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold it in, ensuring everything is well-coated.
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Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with additional green onions and bacon if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad: A Deliciously Comforting Side Dish for Every Occasion
The All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad has earned its place as one of the most beloved side dishes, making frequent appearances at summer barbecues, family gatherings, picnics, and even holiday dinners. A fusion of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, this dish offers both comfort and flavor, appealing to a wide range of tastes. But what makes it so irresistible, and why has it become a staple in so many homes?
The Appeal of Loaded Baked Potato Salad
At its core, this dish is a twist on the classic potato salad, one of America’s most cherished side dishes. The difference lies in the rich, indulgent ingredients that transform a simple potato salad into something extraordinary. By incorporating the elements of a loaded baked potato, it elevates the dish from basic to luxurious.
Potatoes, the star ingredient, are naturally hearty and versatile, able to take on the flavors of any dressing or ingredient they’re paired with. When cooked and combined with creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, the potatoes become rich and velvety. The addition of crispy bacon brings a satisfying crunch and a smoky, savory flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the potatoes. Meanwhile, shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor, balancing the dish’s overall richness.
Green onions offer a burst of freshness, cutting through the creaminess while adding a pop of color to the salad. The final touch often comes in the form of Dijon mustard or vinegar, which adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the heaviness of the dish. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that are both satisfying and comforting.
A Dish Rooted in American Tradition
Potato salad itself has a long history in American cuisine, with roots dating back to the early 19th century. The version we recognize today is often credited to German immigrants, who brought their tradition of boiled potatoes and mustard-based dressings to the United States. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that the potato salad began to evolve into the creamy, mayonnaise-based version we know and love.
The “loaded” version of baked potato salad, which has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, draws inspiration from the classic loaded baked potato, a dish often served at steakhouse restaurants. A loaded baked potato typically features a baked potato stuffed with sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon bits, and chives. By combining these ingredients with potatoes in a salad format, it offers the best of both worlds comforting, familiar flavors with a unique twist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons why All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad is such a popular choice is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing a potluck dish, or serving up a side for a Sunday dinner, this salad fits in effortlessly. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, especially burgers, hot dogs, and steaks.
During the warmer months, it’s an essential dish for any outdoor gathering, providing a satisfying contrast to lighter fare like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit salads. Its hearty nature also makes it a great comfort food for cooler seasons, where it can complement roasted meats, soups, and stews.
Moreover, the dish can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for those who want to save time on the day of an event. Just prepare the salad a few hours or a day in advance, and it will have time to chill, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen.
Customization: Making It Your Own
While the classic version of the All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad is already full of flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs.
For a healthier version, consider swapping out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a lighter dressing made with olive oil and vinegar. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes. Russet potatoes, which are commonly used for baked potatoes, give the salad a fluffier texture, while red potatoes, with their waxy flesh, hold their shape better and add a bit of bite.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, consider adding extra toppings like crumbled blue cheese or a dollop of ranch dressing. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce can provide a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.
Vegetarians can easily modify this recipe by omitting the bacon and replacing it with roasted chickpeas or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and onions for a savory, umami-packed substitute. You could also use plant-based cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Dish
One of the best features of this Loaded Baked Potato Salad is its ability to be made ahead of time. This makes it an ideal dish for busy hosts who need to focus on other aspects of the meal. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks, as it travels well and stays fresh in a cooler for hours.
As the salad sits, the flavors have time to blend, making it even more delicious after a few hours in the fridge. The creamy dressing seeps into the potatoes, making them even more flavorful. If you’re preparing it the day before, just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and mix any ingredients that may have settled.
A Dish Loved by All Ages
One of the reasons why this potato salad is so universally loved is that it appeals to people of all ages. Children are particularly fond of its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the dish’s savory depth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a meal for your immediate family, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table.
It’s also a dish that brings people together. The rich flavors and comforting textures invite conversation and second servings, often becoming a highlight of the meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, reminding us of family gatherings, friendly cookouts, and festive occasions.
Conclusion:
All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad is more than just a side dish it’s a celebration of the flavors that make American comfort food so beloved. Its creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy dressing create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that appeal to all palates. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, taking it to a potluck, or simply enjoying it with your family, this dish never fails to impress.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. With just a few simple tweaks, you can make this dish your own, accommodating dietary preferences or adding new flavors to keep things interesting. And with its make-ahead convenience, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion whether casual or festive. So next time you’re planning a gathering, consider bringing this delicious side dish to the table you can bet it’ll be the star of the show!