Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering. This recipe transforms the classic steakhouse favorite into a creamy, delicious salad loaded with bacon, cheese, and fresh scallions. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout option for any occasion.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Potatoes
• For the Dressing
• For Toppings
• How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
• Step 3: Cook Bacon
• Step 4: Make the Dressing
• Step 5: Combine Everything
• How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• At a Barbecue
• For a Potluck
• As Part of a Picnic
• At Family Gatherings
• How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?
• Can I customize the ingredients in my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• How do I make my Loaded Baked Potato Salad healthier?
• What type of potatoes work best for Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The mix of bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for any event—be it a family dinner, barbecue, or holiday gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance to save time on the day of your event; it tastes even better after chilling!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings of all sizes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Skillet
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon to crispy perfection before adding it to the salad.

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 Toppings

• 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.

Step 2: Prepare 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 until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.
7. Transfer potato pieces to a large mixing bowl while discarding jackets.
8. While still warm, sprinkle potatoes with apple cider vinegar and let rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 3: Cook Bacon

While potatoes cool:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet or oven until crispy.
2. Drain excess fat and let cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

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

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once potatoes are cooled:
1. Pour mayonnaise mixture over potatoes 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 additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy this Loaded Baked Potato Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad will elevate any meal.

At a Barbecue

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats like burgers and hot dogs.
• In a Wrap: Use it as a filling for wraps, adding some lettuce for crunch.

For a Potluck

• In Individual Cups: Serve in small cups for easy sharing and portion control.
• With Extra Toppings: Offer toppings like jalapeños or additional cheese on the side for guests to customize their servings.

As Part of a Picnic

• With Fresh Fruits: Balance the richness of the salad with fresh fruits like watermelon or berries.
• Alongside Chips: Serve with crunchy potato chips or tortilla chips for added texture.

At Family Gatherings

• As a Main Attraction: Make it the star of your table by serving it in a large bowl surrounded by other sides.
• With Homemade Bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra dressing.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Salad is always delicious, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and crisp vegetables enhance flavor and texture.
• Let Potatoes Cool Completely: Allowing the potatoes to cool before mixing helps them absorb flavors better.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; taste and adjust as needed for the best results.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad allows flavors to meld beautifully, improving taste.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding ingredients like diced pickles or hard-boiled eggs for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is delightful on its own, but it shines even more when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor that contrasts well with the salad.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the potato salad.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans are hearty and add a comforting element alongside your loaded baked potato salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your spread, making it vibrant.
5. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are an easy finger food that pairs nicely with any picnic-style meal.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a savory option that complements the creamy texture of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the potatoes cool properly before mixing is crucial for texture. If they’re too hot, they may become mushy when combined with dressing.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking the potatoes for too long can lead to a crumbly salad. Aim for tender but firm potatoes to maintain structure.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season at different stages can result in bland flavors. Be sure to add salt and pepper as you mix and taste.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Opting for cheap bacon or mayonnaise can affect the overall taste. Invest in good quality ingredients for better flavor.
• Mixing too aggressively: Over-mixing can turn your salad into a mushy mess. Gently fold ingredients together to keep chunks intact.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Loaded Baked Potato Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based dressing which may separate upon thawing.
• If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extras like diced tomatoes or olives for more flavor. Customize it according to your taste preferences!

How do I make my Loaded Baked Potato Salad healthier?

Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots.

What type of potatoes work best for Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture after baking. However, you can also use red or yellow potatoes if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. This dish makes an excellent side for barbecues or potlucks while offering endless customization options. Whether you stick with classic toppings or experiment with new flavors, this recipe will surely impress your guests!