Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic steakhouse dish. This creamy salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. It combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and fresh scallions in a tangy dressing that brings all the flavors together. Its versatility makes it a standout side dish no matter the occasion.

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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 the Mix-Ins
• How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
• Step 3: Prepare Ingredients
• Step 4: Cook the Bacon
• Step 5: Mix the Dressing
• Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
• Step 7: Chill Before Serving
• How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• As a Side Dish
• In a Wrap
• On Top of Greens
• As an Appetizer
• With Chips
• 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
• What is Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?
• What can I add to my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• How do I store leftovers of Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of bacon, cheese, and scallions delivers an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Great for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting side for any meal.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this salad hours or even a day in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Hearty Serving Size: This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need to whip up your Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or oven-safe dish for bacon
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon to achieve that ideal crispy texture.

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 the Mix-Ins

• 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

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. This ensures the potatoes roast perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

1. Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet.
2. Pierce them 4-5 times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
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.

Step 3: Prepare Ingredients

1. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Discard the jackets.
2. Transfer all potato flesh to a large mixing bowl while it’s still warm.
3. Sprinkle with apple cider vinegar and let rest for 15–30 minutes until cooled.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

While waiting on the potatoes:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet or bake it in the oven until crispy.
2. Drain excess grease and let cool before crumbling into bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Mix the Dressing

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

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

When potatoes are cool:
1. Pour dressing over them along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Gently fold everything together until well mixed.
3. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving to let flavors meld together. Enjoy!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a potluck, or simply enjoying a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress your guests.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect alongside grilled meats like steaks or chicken.
• Complements BBQ ribs and smoked brisket beautifully.

In a Wrap

• Use it as a filling in wraps with lettuce and turkey for a hearty lunch.
• Pair it with fresh vegetables for added crunch.

On Top of Greens

• Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
• Drizzle with a vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

As an Appetizer

• Scoop into small cups as bite-sized appetizers for parties.
• Garnish with extra bacon bits and green onions for an appealing look.

With Chips

• Use it as a dip with tortilla chips or potato chips.
• Ideal for game day snacks or casual gatherings.

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How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture for your Loaded Baked Potato Salad, consider these tips. They will elevate your dish and make it even more enjoyable.

• Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because they are fluffy when baked and hold their shape well in salads.
• Cool before mixing: Allowing the potatoes to cool helps them absorb flavors better, resulting in a tastier salad.
• Mix dressing separately: Combine mayonnaise and sour cream before adding them to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; you may want more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least three hours. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Garnish creatively: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top just before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

When planning your meal, consider pairing Loaded Baked Potato Salad with complementary sides. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun crunch that pairs well with creamy salad.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can provide contrast to the richness of the potato salad.
3. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements savory dishes wonderfully.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your salad.
6. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar brings freshness and crispness alongside hearty dishes.
7. Potato Wedges: For those who love potatoes, crispy wedges will satisfy!
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness and balances out savory flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Loaded Baked Potato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the potatoes: This can lead to mushy salad. Ensure you cook the potatoes just until fork-tender.
• Skipping the cooling period: Not letting the potatoes cool before mixing can make the dressing soggy. Always wait for them to cool slightly before adding ingredients.
• Using low-quality bacon: Cheap bacon can affect flavor and texture. Opt for high-quality bacon for better results.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your salad bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the preparation process.
• Adding all ingredients at once: Mixing too vigorously can break down the potato chunks. Gently fold in each ingredient to maintain texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Loaded Baked Potato Salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of potatoes and dressing.
• If you must freeze, consider a portion without dressing and keep it separate.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warm, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad:

What is Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a creamy side dish made with cooked potatoes, bacon, cheese, and green onions mixed in a tangy dressing.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best when made a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld together.

What can I add to my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

You can customize it with additions like diced tomatoes, jalapeños for heat, or even avocado for creaminess.

How do I store leftovers of Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Try adding your favorite ingredients and enjoy this dish at your next gathering!