Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious twist on the classic steakhouse dish, perfect for potlucks and gatherings. This creamy salad combines tender baked potatoes with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions, all tossed in a zesty sour cream and mayo dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or a holiday feast, this loaded potato salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of bacon, cheese, and scallions brings a burst of flavor that elevates the traditional potato salad.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish for cookouts, picnics, or family dinners—suitable for any occasion.
Make Ahead Friendly: It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With its hearty ingredients and creamy texture, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make Loaded Baked Potato Salad efficiently, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Skillet or oven-safe pan
Fork
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking of the potatoes in the oven.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Skillet: Great for cooking bacon evenly until crispy.

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

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This ensures that your potatoes will bake thoroughly.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

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

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
Discard the potato jackets; it’s fine if some potato flesh crumbles.
Transfer everything into a large mixing bowl while still warm.
Sprinkle apple cider vinegar over the warm potatoes and let rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

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

Step 5: Make the Dressing

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

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or up to overnight before serving. This allows flavors to develop beautifully! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering. You can serve it in various ways to elevate your meal experience.

Potluck Perfection

Chilled Bowls: Serve in chilled bowls to keep the salad fresh and cool.
Individual Cups: Portion into small cups for easy serving at potlucks or BBQs.

Picnic Delight

In Mason Jars: Layer the salad in mason jars for a trendy and portable option.
On Lettuce Leaves: Serve on crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist.

Party Platter

With Crackers: Pair with an assortment of crackers for a crunchy, savory snack.
Garnished with Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add color and flavor.

Family Style

Large Serving Bowl: Present in a large bowl for guests to help themselves.
Accompanied by Extra Toppings: Offer additional toppings like extra bacon bits or cheese on the side.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Achieving the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your salad is delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, crisp bacon, and quality cheese make all the difference in flavor.
Allow Potatoes to Cool: Letting the potatoes cool before mixing helps maintain their texture and prevents sogginess.
Mix Dressings Well: Combine mayonnaise and sour cream thoroughly for even distribution throughout the salad.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving—this ensures optimal flavor.
Refrigerate Properly: Chill the salad for at least three hours; this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Loaded Baked Potato Salad can create a balanced meal. Consider these complementary options:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make a great protein addition.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness that contrasts well with creamy potato salad.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a touch of summer sweetness, perfect alongside this hearty dish.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are always a favorite, ideal for sopping up any leftovers.
Baked Beans: Savory baked beans bring a hearty element that pairs well with potato salads.
Caprese Salad: A light Caprese salad offers freshness with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella—great balance!
Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of flavorful potato salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a colorful and nutritious contrast to the rich flavors of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be fun, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

Overcooking potatoes – This can make your salad mushy. Cook them just until tender and let them cool properly before mixing.
Skipping the vinegar step – Adding apple cider vinegar while the potatoes are warm enhances flavor. Don’t forget this crucial step for a tangy taste!
Using low-quality ingredients – Fresh, high-quality bacon, cheese, and sour cream make a big difference. Always choose the best ingredients you can find.
Not chilling the salad – Allowing it to sit in the fridge helps flavors meld. Don’t skip the chilling time for the best results.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Taste before serving! You may need extra salt or pepper to elevate your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Not recommended, as freezing can change texture and flavor.
If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Stovetop – Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

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

Loaded Baked Potato Salad includes toppings like bacon, cheese, and scallions, offering a heartier flavor profile compared to traditional potato salad.

Can I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like jalapeños for spice or different cheeses for variety. Make it your own!

How long does Loaded Baked Potato Salad last?

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

Can I prepare Loaded Baked Potato Salad in advance?

Yes! It’s often better if made a day ahead as the flavors develop over time. Just remember to chill it thoroughly!

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Its creamy texture combined with crispy bacon and fresh scallions makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize this versatile recipe with your preferred toppings!

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic potato salad, combining the rich flavors of baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy dressing. This dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or family gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that are sure to impress your guests. With minimal cooking required and the option to prepare it ahead of time, this Loaded Baked Potato Salad combines convenience with mouthwatering flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pounds russet potatoes
12 ounces bacon
1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
6 green onions (chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pierce cleaned potatoes with a fork, coat with olive oil and salt, then bake for 50-60 minutes until tender.
Cool the baked potatoes slightly, then peel and cut them into chunks. Toss with apple cider vinegar.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together in a bowl and season.
Combine potatoes with bacon, green onions, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl; gently mix until well combined.
Refrigerate for at least three hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American