The Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic steakhouse dish. This creamy, savory salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. With its rich combination of flavors from bacon, cheese, and scallions, it stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this dish brings comfort food vibes to any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or potlucks, but also great as a hearty meal on its own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight for even better taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Loaded with familiar ingredients that everyone loves, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you will need to make this Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Fork
Large mixing bowl
Skillet or oven-safe pan
Small mixing bowl
Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly without overcrowding.
Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space for combining all ingredients without spilling.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing sauces and dressings without cluttering your workspace.

Ingredients

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 the oven to 400° F. This ensures that the potatoes roast perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet.
Pierce each potato 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 oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Discard the skins.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

While still warm, sprinkle the potato chunks with apple cider vinegar. Let them rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled completely.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet or in the oven until crispy. Let it drain on paper towels and cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sour cream. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Once the potatoes have cooled down:
Pour the dressing over the potatoes.
Add crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Gently fold everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or up to overnight before serving. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile dish perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a potluck, this creamy, hearty salad is sure to impress your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation.

As a Standalone Dish

This salad shines on its own as a hearty side, offering a satisfying bite filled with flavors of bacon and cheese.

With Grilled Meats

Pair Loaded Baked Potato Salad with grilled chicken or steak for a delicious meal. The creamy texture complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats perfectly.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

Use the salad as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. It adds richness and flavor, making lunchtime exciting and more substantial.

Topped with Extra Ingredients

Consider adding extra toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick. This allows individual customization at the table.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

Include Loaded Baked Potato Salad in buffet-style meals alongside other sides. Its vibrant colors and textures make it an appealing option.

With Fresh Vegetables

Serve alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for added crunch. Carrot sticks or celery pairs well with the creamy salad, creating a balanced plate.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To create the best Loaded Baked Potato Salad, attention to detail is essential. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh potatoes, cheese, and green onions for maximum flavor and texture.
Let Potatoes Cool Properly: Allowing the potatoes to cool enables them to absorb the vinegar better, enhancing their taste.
Mix Dressings Well: Ensure that mayonnaise and sour cream are mixed thoroughly before combining with potatoes for an even distribution of flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your taste preference; bold seasoning makes all the difference.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for several hours allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tastier dish.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like diced pickles or hard-boiled eggs for additional texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness and crunch; grill it lightly for smoky undertones.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the creaminess of the potato salad while adding a refreshing crunch.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty contrast that works wonderfully with this loaded dish.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful side that complements the richness of potato salad perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light option that balances out heavier dishes like potato salad.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of creamy potato goodness.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers stuffed with grains or meat add heartiness while being visually appealing on any table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the potatoes to cool properly after baking helps them absorb the flavors better. Don’t rush this step; it enhances your salad’s taste.
Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters! Using fresh, high-quality bacon, cheese, and vegetables can significantly improve your salad. Always choose ingredients that you enjoy.
Overmixing the salad: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the potato chunks intact. Overmixing can lead to a mushy texture, which is not ideal for a salad.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste is key! Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Always check for seasoning after mixing.
Not allowing enough chilling time: For the best flavor, refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or overnight. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad that might help you perfect your dish.

What makes Loaded Baked Potato Salad different from regular potato salad?

Loaded Baked Potato Salad includes ingredients like bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream instead of just basic vegetables and mayo. This gives it a richer flavor profile.

Can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, olives, or ranch dressing based on your tastes. It’s a versatile recipe!

How do I ensure my potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Bake until they are easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart. This ensures they hold their shape in salad form.

Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad suitable for outdoor parties?

Yes! It’s a great side dish for BBQs and potlucks. Just make sure to keep it chilled during warmer weather.

Final Thoughts

The Loaded Baked Potato Salad is both comforting and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for any gathering or potluck. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients!

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a deliciously rich twist on the classic potato salad, combining the heartiness of baked potatoes with savory ingredients like crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and fresh scallions. This dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, offering a comfort food vibe that everyone will love. Its effortless preparation makes it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture, this salad is bound to impress your guests and become a staple at your next event.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pounds russet potatoes
12 ounces bacon (cooked and chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
6 green onions (chopped)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Pierce washed potatoes several times with a fork, coat lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for about 50-60 minutes until tender.
Once cool enough to handle, peel potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Toss with apple cider vinegar while still warm.
Cook bacon until crispy; crumble into pieces.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream; season to taste.
In a large bowl, combine potatoes, dressing, crumbled bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Gently fold until mixed well.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to enhance flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American