When planning your next barbecue, picnic, or family gathering, you need a side dish that steals the show. Forget the mundane and embrace the extraordinary with this Creamy Loaded Potato Salad! It's a comforting classic taken to the next level, incorporating all the irresistible flavors of a fully loaded baked potato into a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful salad.
Imagine tender, perfectly cooked red potatoes mingling with savory crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, all enveloped in a rich, tangy dressing. This isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that promises to satisfy every craving. Easy to make and universally loved, it's guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table!
Why This Loaded Potato Salad Will Be Your Go-To Recipe
- Explosion of Flavor: Every bite is packed with the familiar, comforting tastes of bacon, cheese, and a creamy potato base.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making you look like a culinary star with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether it's a casual backyard cookout or a festive holiday spread, this salad is always a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Versatile Pairing: It complements a wide array of main courses, from grilled chicken and juicy burgers to a simple sandwich.
If you're a fan of loaded potato flavors, you might also love our Loaded Baked Potato Casserole for another hearty meal inspiration!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Masterpiece
Crafting this incredible potato salad relies on a few key components that bring all the 'loaded' magic together:
- Red Potatoes: Their firm, waxy texture is ideal for potato salad, as they hold their shape without turning mushy.
- Crispy Bacon: The smoky, salty crunch of bacon bits is central to the 'loaded' experience.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a tangy, rich creaminess throughout the salad.
- Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These form the luxurious, creamy base of our dressing, providing both richness and a delightful tang.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon adds a subtle zing that brightens the entire flavor profile.
- Fresh Green Onions: For a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other wonderful flavors.
Find the complete list of measurements in the detailed recipe card below!
Whipping Up Your Loaded Potato Salad: Step-by-Step
Creating this irresistible salad is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to achieve creamy, flavorful perfection:
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Salad Every Time
Perfect Potato Texture
Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be fork-tender but still firm. After draining, spread them on a baking sheet for a few minutes to allow steam to escape. This prevents a watery dressing and helps the potatoes absorb more flavor.
Customize Your Creation
- Add Crunch: Finely diced celery, red bell pepper, or even some pickled jalapeños can add a lovely textural contrast.
- Herbaceous Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh dill, chives (beyond just the green onions), or parsley can elevate the flavors.
- Smoky Boost: A pinch of smoked paprika can deepen the 'baked potato' essence.
- Cheese Exploration: Colby Jack or a sharp white cheddar can also work wonderfully in place of yellow cheddar.
If you love preparing potatoes, be sure to try our Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges for another delicious option!
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Any remaining Loaded Potato Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Preparing in Advance: This salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it the day before your event, and the flavors will deepen beautifully overnight. Remember to keep it chilled until serving.
- Serving Temperature: Always serve this potato salad cold for the best experience.
A Summer Staple That Delights
This Creamy Loaded Potato Salad is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of comfort food and shared moments. Its rich, satisfying flavors make it an undisputed hit at any gathering, embodying the essence of delicious, easy-to-love cuisine. To learn more about the diverse world of potato salads, check out this informative article on Wikipedia.
We hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your table. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for a loaded potato salad?
Waxy potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal for loaded potato salad. They hold their shape well after boiling and won't become mushy when mixed with the creamy dressing.
Can I prepare this loaded potato salad a day in advance?
Yes, absolutely! Loaded potato salad often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are some ways to customize this loaded potato salad?
You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, finely diced celery or red onion for more crunch, or a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add a nice kick!
How long will leftover loaded potato salad stay fresh?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, loaded potato salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Always serve it chilled.
Creamy Loaded Potato Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat
Description
A rich and creamy potato salad packed with the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato, featuring bacon, cheddar, and green onions.
Ingredients
2 lbs red potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup sliced green onions (white and green parts)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Place the diced red potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain them thoroughly and let them cool slightly on a baking sheet to release excess steam.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
Step 3: Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Continue to mix gently until all the ingredients are well distributed throughout the salad.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and meld, making the salad even more delicious.
Step 6: Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir and taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can roast the potatoes instead of boiling them for a slightly different texture and caramelized notes. Ensure bacon is very crispy for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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