Loaded Potato Salad Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Perfect for BBQs
Loaded Potato Salad 🥔 is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon 🥓, creamy dressing 🧑🍳, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese 🧀. This hearty and flavorful potato salad takes the classic recipe to the next level with all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato. Perfect for summer BBQs 🍖, picnics 🧺, or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether served as a side dish or a main, this loaded potato salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Recipe Preparation Equipment:
- Large pot 🍲
- Strainer or colander 🍽️
- Mixing bowl 🥣
- Knife 🔪
- Chopping board 🧑🍳
- Spoon 🥄
- Measuring cups 🧑🍳
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes 🥔, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices bacon 🥓, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup sour cream 🧑🍳
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise 🥄
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 🍯
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍇
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped 🌿
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
How to make Easy Loaded Potato Salad:
Step 1:
In a large pot 🍲, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes 🥔 and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes using a strainer or colander 🍽️ and let them cool to room temperature.
Step 2:
While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon 🥓 in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl 🥣, combine the cooled potatoes with the crumbled bacon 🥓, shredded cheddar cheese 🧀, and chopped green onions 🌿.
Step 4:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream 🧑🍳, mayonnaise 🥄, Dijon mustard 🍯, apple cider vinegar 🍇, garlic powder 🧄, onion powder 🧅, salt 🧂, and pepper 🌶️.
Step 5:
Pour the dressing over the potatoes and toss gently to coat the salad evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6:
Garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 and additional green onions 🌿 for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Variations:
- BBQ Loaded Potato Salad 🍖: Add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to the dressing for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Loaded Potato Salad 🌶️: Add a diced jalapeño for some heat or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Loaded Potato Salad 🥑: Skip the bacon and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers 🌶️ or zucchini 🍆.
Cooking Note:
For a lighter version, you can swap the sour cream 🧑🍳 and mayonnaise 🥄 with Greek yogurt for a tangy and healthier option.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this loaded potato salad as a side dish alongside grilled chicken 🍗, steaks 🥩, or burgers 🍔.
- It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad 🥗 or as part of a picnic spread 🧺.
- Enjoy it at a BBQ 🍖 or a summer gathering with friends and family.
Helpful Tips:
- Cool the potatoes: Let the potatoes cool down before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Bacon tip: For extra crispy bacon 🥓, cook it until it’s golden and crunchy, then crumble it into the salad. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
- Prep in advance: Make this salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge 🧊. The flavors will develop more overnight.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Salad:
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes 🥔 are the best for this salad as they hold their shape and absorb the dressing nicely.
- Don’t over-mix: Be gentle when mixing the salad to avoid mashing the potatoes 🥔.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like shredded cheese 🧀 or crumbled bacon 🥓 just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Prep Time:
15 minutes ⏰
Cooking Time:
15 minutes 🕒
Total Time:
30 minutes ⏳
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 6g 💪
Sodium: 800mg 🧂
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 18g 🧈
FAQs:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge 🧊. The flavors will only get better as it sits.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their texture, you can substitute with red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes 🍠 if preferred.
Can I freeze Loaded Potato Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the potatoes 🥔 may become mushy upon thawing. However, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days 🧊.
Conclusion:
This Loaded Potato Salad 🥔 is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness. With the richness of bacon 🥓 and cheddar 🧀 paired with the freshness of green onions 🌿 and parsley 🌿, it’s a delicious and satisfying side dish that will quickly become a BBQ staple. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic 🧺 or attending a potluck, this loaded potato salad will be the first dish to disappear from the table!
