Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering. This dish takes the classic steakhouse favorite and transforms it into a delightful salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. With creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, this salad packs all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in every bite. It’s simple to make and can be prepped ahead of time to save you stress on busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the rich taste of bacon, cheese, and scallions mixed with creamy dressing.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a summer barbecue, this salad fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days without losing flavor.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients as desired.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or baking dish (for bacon)
• Small bowl
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
• Large mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients without any mess.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon until crispy, enhancing the salad’s flavor.

Ingredients

The steakhouse favorite gets a potluck makeover to become this easy baked potato salad recipe loaded with bacon, cheese, and scallions in a sour cream and mayo dressing.

For the Potatoes

• 4 pounds russet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Mixing In

• 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

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F. This temperature will allow your potatoes to roast perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

1. Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them 4-5 times with a fork.
2. Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before handling.
5. Once cool enough, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks, discarding the jackets.
6. Transfer the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl while still warm.
7. Sprinkle with apple cider vinegar and rest for 15-30 minutes until fully cooled.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. Meanwhile:
   1. Cook bacon in a large skillet or oven until crispy; drain excess fat and let cool.
   2. Crumble cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl:
   1. Mix together mayonnaise and sour cream.
   2. Season well with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

1. Once potatoes are cooled:
   1. Pour dressing over potatoes along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
   2. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
   3. Taste test and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Final Steps:

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or 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 delightful dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or casual meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect alongside grilled meats, this salad complements the smoky flavors of barbecued chicken or ribs.
• Serve it with fish tacos for a refreshing contrast to the spices.

In a Lettuce Wrap

• For a low-carb option, scoop the salad into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy as a fresh wrap.
• This presentation adds crunch and makes it easy to serve at parties.

On Top of Grilled Chicken

• Spoon the Loaded Baked Potato Salad over grilled chicken breasts for an indulgent twist on protein.
• This combination creates a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

At Potlucks and Picnics

• This salad is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics due to its rich flavors and creamy texture.
• It travels well and can be served cold or at room temperature.

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How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To make the best Loaded Baked Potato Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, bacon, and cheese enhance flavor significantly. Always opt for high-quality ingredients.
• Let Potatoes Cool Properly: Allowing the potatoes to cool before mixing prevents the dressing from becoming too runny.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least three hours allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding toppings like chives or jalapeños for extra zing. Mix it up based on your preferences!

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Pairing side dishes with Loaded Baked Potato Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a nice crunch and sweetness that balances out the richness of the salad.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw cuts through the creaminess of the potato salad while providing freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs bring color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover salad!
5. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a protein boost that pairs well with this hearty salad.
6. Baked Beans: The sweet and smoky flavors of baked beans complement the savory notes in the potato salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them mushy. Ensure you check them regularly and remove them from the oven once they are tender but still firm.
• Skipping the cooling step: Not letting the potatoes cool before mixing can lead to a soggy salad. Always allow them to cool and rest after cooking.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap bacon or mayonnaise can ruin the flavor. Invest in good quality ingredients for a more delicious salad.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your salad bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during preparation.
• Forgetting to chill before serving: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Chill your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours before serving for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it may change texture upon thawing.
• If necessary, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on low while stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

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

Loaded Baked Potato Salad includes ingredients like bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions, making it richer and more flavorful than traditional potato salad.

Can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add ingredients like sour cream alternatives, different cheeses, or even vegetables like bell peppers for added crunch.

How long does Loaded Baked Potato Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 4 days.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish benefits from chilling, so preparing it a day in advance allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Its rich flavors make it perfect for potlucks or barbecues. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!