Craving the comfort of a baked potato with all the fixings—but in a chilled, creamy form? This Loaded Baked Potato Salad brings together everything you love: tender potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a rich, tangy sour cream dressing. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for barbecues, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish that steals the show. Cool, creamy, and packed with flavor, this salad is a must-try twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Salad
All the Comforts of a Baked Potato: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon—every bite is pure comfort.
Perfect for Gatherings: A guaranteed hit at BBQs, picnics, and potlucks, this salad disappears fast!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares easily in advance and gets even better as the flavors meld in the fridge.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite toppings—like chives, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce—for your perfect version.
Hearty and Satisfying: It’s rich enough to be a standalone dish, yet pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Creating a delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy delight to life:
Baby Potatoes: These small gems are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for salads.
Sour Cream: This adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the dish beautifully.
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, it complements the sour cream and helps bind everything together.
Dijon Mustard: A hint of this mustard gives a subtle kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth and a savory note without the hassle of fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: A sprinkle of this enhances the overall taste, giving it that classic potato salad flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This is the star topping, adding a cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
Bacon: Crispy crumbles of bacon add a smoky crunch that takes this salad to the next level.
Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also toss in diced tomatoes or avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Making a Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved baby potatoes and cook them until they’re tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool for 10–15 minutes until warm but not hot. This cooling step is crucial; it prevents the dressing from becoming runny when mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, it’s time to whip up the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This dressing is the heart of your Loaded Baked Potato Salad, so make sure it’s creamy and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, it’s time to bring everything together. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing using a spatula. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want them to stay intact for that perfect texture. Make sure every potato is coated in that luscious dressing.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and parsley. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful pop of color. Stir everything together, ensuring the toppings are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
To let the flavors meld beautifully, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This chilling time is essential; it allows the dressing to soak into the potatoes and enhances the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. For an extra touch, garnish with additional green onions and bacon before serving. This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
Tips for Success
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; they make a noticeable difference.
Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
Let the salad chill longer if you can; it enhances the flavors even more.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; everyone has their own preference.
Experiment with toppings; try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Equipment Needed
Large Pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes. A Dutch oven works well too.
Mixing Bowl: A big bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy plastic or glass bowl is perfect.
Spatula: Use this for gently folding the potatoes. A wooden or silicone spatula is ideal.
Measuring Cups: Handy for accurate ingredient measurements. You can also use a kitchen scale.
Variations
Loaded Veggie Version: Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh dill or chives for an aromatic flavor boost.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially condiments, are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Option: Substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and use coconut bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Grilled Meats: This salad complements burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken perfectly.
Serve with Fresh Bread: A crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls make great accompaniments.
Chill with a Drink: Enjoy with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer for a refreshing combo.
Presentation Tip: Serve in a colorful bowl and garnish with extra bacon and green onions for a vibrant look.
FAQs about Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
How long does Loaded Baked Potato Salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this creamy potato salad can last up to 3-5 days in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While baby potatoes are ideal for their tenderness, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re cooked until tender for the best texture.
Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. If you want to make it vegan, simply swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives and omit the bacon.
What can I serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone dish. It’s a versatile side that complements many meals!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Loaded Baked Potato Salad is more than just following a recipe; it’s about bringing joy to your table. Each creamy, cheesy bite transports me back to those sunny days filled with laughter and good company. This dish is a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to spark conversations, and to create lasting memories. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this salad is sure to impress.
