Introduction

Get ready to make an incredible LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD that everyone will love! This recipe combines simple ingredients with great flavor to create something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Follow along as we show you how to make this wonderful recipe step by step!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Imagine the flavors of a fully loaded baked potato—bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives—transformed into a creamy, hearty, crowd-pleasing salad. This is the ultimate side for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins (for potatoes) | Chill Time: 2+ hours | Serves: 8-10

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Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

· 3 lbs russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
· 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Dressing

· 1 ½ cups sour cream
· ¾ cup mayonnaise (or more sour cream for tang)
· 2 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
· 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mix-Ins:

· 1 lb bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (reserve ¼ cup for garnish)
· 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve ½ cup for garnish)
· ¾ cup green onions or chives, thinly sliced (reserve 2 tbsp for garnish)
· ½ cup dill pickle relish or finely chopped pickles (optional, for tang)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes

· Place cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 tbsp salt.
· Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender but still hold their shape (fork-tender, not mushy).
· Drain well and spread on a baking sheet to cool completely. This prevents a gummy salad.

2. Make the Dressing

· In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Assemble the Salad

· Add the cooled potatoes, most of the bacon (reserve some), most of the cheese (reserve some), most of the green onions (reserve some), and pickle relish (if using) to the dressing.
· Gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.

4. Chill

· Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve

· Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
· Top with reserved bacon, cheese, and green onions.
· Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

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Key Success Tips

· Don’t Overcook Potatoes: They should be tender but firm. Overcooking leads to a mashed potato texture.
· Cool Completely: Warm potatoes will melt the dressing and make the salad soupy.
· Reserve Toppings: Adding fresh toppings just before serving keeps the bacon crisp and the cheese from disappearing into the dressing.
· Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Storage

· Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
· Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy-based dressing may separate upon thawing.

Delicious Variations

· Ranch Style: Use ½ cup ranch dressing in place of some of the sour cream/mayo.
· Buffalo Potato Salad: Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce to the dressing and use blue cheese instead of cheddar.
· Lightened-Up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo.
· Smoky Twist: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the dressing and use smoked cheddar.
· Loaded Sweet Potato Salad: Use sweet potatoes and add toasted pecans.

Serving Suggestions

· Perfect alongside grilled steak, chicken, burgers, or ribs.
· Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a party.
· Great as a potluck or picnic star—travels well in a cooler.

This salad is always a hit—it’s essentially a baked potato in scoopable form!

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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