Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that makes it an irresistible side dish. This creamy, savory salad features tender potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions, all brought together with a zesty sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The mix of bacon, cheese, and green onions creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare Loaded Baked Potato Salad hours or even a day in advance, making it a hassle-free option for busy days.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Its familiar flavors make it a hit at parties and gatherings; everyone loves a loaded potato!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools on hand can make your experience smoother. Let’s look at some essential equipment you’ll need to create this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Skillet (or oven-safe dish for bacon)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Skillet: A versatile tool for cooking bacon to crispy perfection.

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

For the Dressing

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

For Seasoning

• 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

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This ensures that the potatoes bake evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

1. Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet.
2. Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork.
3. Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before handling.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
2. Transfer the potato chunks into a large mixing bowl.
3. While still warm, sprinkle apple cider vinegar over the potatoes.
4. Let rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled completely.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

1. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet or in the oven until crispy.
2. Drain excess grease and let cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

When the potatoes are fully cooled:
1. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over them along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Refrigerate Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or up to overnight before serving for best flavor development. 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 that pairs beautifully with various meals. It’s perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and flavor.

At a Potluck

• Individual Cups: Serve in small cups for easy sharing and portion control.
• Garnished Bowls: Top with extra bacon bits and scallions for an appealing look.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Proteins: This salad complements grilled chicken or steak wonderfully.
• On a Buffet Table: Place it alongside other hearty sides for a filling meal.

For Family Dinners

• Pair with Roasted Vegetables: The creaminess of the salad balances nicely with roasted veggies.
• As Part of a Sandwich Platter: It makes an excellent addition to any sandwich spread.

For Outdoor Events

• Serve Chilled: Keep it cool in an ice bowl to ensure freshness on hot days.
• Offer with Chips: Provide crisp tortilla chips as a crunchy complement.

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How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To make your Loaded Baked Potato Salad truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly season your potatoes: Before baking, sprinkle them generously with salt to enhance their natural flavor.
• Cool completely before mixing: Let the potatoes cool down fully; this prevents the dressing from becoming too runny.
• Use quality ingredients: High-quality mayonnaise and cheese can significantly improve the taste of your salad.
• Mix well but gently: Fold the ingredients carefully to maintain the potato chunks’ texture while ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Taste test before serving: Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper based on personal preference.
• Chill for optimal flavor: Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad shines when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, it adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy salad.
3. Baked Beans: Their hearty sweetness pairs perfectly with baked potato flavors.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery sticks are great for scooping up salad and other dishes.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and earthy flavor balance out the richness of the potato salad.
6. Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on skewers offer a light and colorful addition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Loaded Baked Potato Salad truly exceptional. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking potatoes: Cooking the potatoes too long can make them mushy. Aim for a fork-tender texture and check them periodically during baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Skipping the cooling period before mixing can lead to a soggy salad. Allow the potatoes to cool for at least 15 minutes after cooking.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned salads can be bland. Be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing in all ingredients.
• Forgetting about toppings: Neglecting to add fresh toppings like green onions or extra cheese can take away from the loaded effect. Always add your favorite toppings just before serving.
• Using low-quality bacon: Using subpar bacon can lead to a lack of flavor in your salad. Opt for thick-cut bacon for better texture and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep it in the main compartment of the refrigerator, not the door.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• This dish is not recommended for freezing due to its creamy ingredients, which may separate upon thawing.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350° F, cover with foil, and reheat until warm, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use short bursts of heat, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries related to Loaded Baked Potato Salad:

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad in advance?

Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a few hours or even a day before serving.

What variations can I try with Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Feel free to customize with different cheeses, add-ins like jalapeños or olives, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.

How do I serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Serve this salad chilled as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It’s also great alongside grilled meats.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes offer the best texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or red potatoes for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful blend of comfort and flavor that everyone loves. Its versatility allows for countless customization options—whether you want extra spices or different toppings. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s bound to impress!