Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This creamy, hearty dish combines the flavors of baked potatoes with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and fresh scallions. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests. The combination of sour cream and mayo gives this salad a unique taste that stands out from traditional potato salads.

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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: Bake the Potatoes
• Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
• Step 4: Mix the Dressing
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Chill Before Serving
• How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• As a Side Dish
• In a Wrap
• With Extra Toppings
• On a Buffet Table
• As Part of a Picnic Spread
• With Grilled Corn on the Cob
• 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?
• How do I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?
• What should I serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful: The blend of bacon, cheese, and scallions makes every bite deliciously savory.
• Versatile: Suitable for various occasions such as picnics, parties, and casual dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance; it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Loaded Baked Potato Salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Enables even cooking of the potatoes and makes cleanup easier.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon to perfect crispness.

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.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

1. Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them 4-5 times with a fork.
2. Lightly coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
3. Cook for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks, discarding the potato jackets.
6. Transfer all potato flesh to a large mixing bowl while it’s still warm.
7. Sprinkle the potatoes with apple cider vinegar and let them rest for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

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

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

When potatoes are cool:
1. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over them along with crumbled bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
2. Gently fold all ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or up to overnight before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy this Loaded Baked Potato Salad as a hearty side dish that will surely be requested again!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will make your salad the star attraction.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect for barbecues, this potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty and vibrant meal.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the salad for an easy, on-the-go lunch option.
• Add some extra greens or sliced tomatoes for added freshness.

With Extra Toppings

• Offer additional toppings like jalapeños or diced tomatoes so guests can customize their servings.
• A sprinkle of paprika or extra cheese can elevate the flavor.

On a Buffet Table

• Place the Loaded Baked Potato Salad in a large bowl surrounded by assorted crackers and chips.
• This makes for a perfect party platter that encourages sharing.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

• Pack the salad in individual containers for easy serving during outdoor events.
• Pair it with fresh fruit and lemonade for a refreshing meal.

With Grilled Corn on the Cob

• The creamy texture of the salad complements the sweet crunch of grilled corn.
• This combo is ideal for summer cookouts and gatherings.

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How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To create the ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Salad, consider these handy tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and crisp vegetables enhance flavor and texture.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Customize to taste: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add favorite toppings like avocado.
• Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes give the best texture, but Yukon Golds work well too.
• Mix dressing separately: Combine mayonnaise and sour cream before adding to ensure even distribution.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Pairing side dishes with Loaded Baked Potato Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned simply complement the richness of the salad.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness that contrasts well with creamy flavors.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful pairing, balancing savory elements perfectly.
4. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans bring warmth and depth to your meal, making it more filling.
5. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus provides a fresh, seasonal touch to your plate.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for an eye-catching addition.
7. Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs are always a hit at gatherings and pair nicely with potato salad.
8. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any remaining salad on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be simple, but some common mistakes can impact the final dish.

• Not cooking the potatoes properly – Ensure you bake the potatoes until they’re tender. Under-cooked potatoes can lead to a hard texture in your salad.
• Ignoring seasoning – Don’t forget to season your salad mix with salt and pepper. This enhances flavors and avoids a bland taste.
• Using cold ingredients – Mixing cold bacon or cheese into warm potatoes can cool them down too quickly, affecting texture. Allow everything to reach room temperature before combining.
• Overmixing the ingredients – Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the potato chunks’ integrity. Overmixing can turn it into a mushy mess.
• Not refrigerating long enough – Allowing the Loaded Baked Potato Salad to chill for at least 3 hours helps flavors meld beautifully. Rushing this step can result in less flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odor absorption.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• It’s best not to freeze this salad due to its creamy dressing and potatoes.
• If necessary, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month, but expect changes in texture upon thawing.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a serving size in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad that might help you.

What is Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a creamy side dish inspired by baked potatoes, featuring ingredients like bacon, cheese, and scallions mixed with a sour cream and mayo dressing.

How do I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Feel free to add extras such as jalapeños for spice or diced tomatoes for freshness. You can also experiment with different cheeses!

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Just store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving.

What should I serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, BBQ dishes, or even as part of a potluck spread. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it at gatherings or enjoying it at home, this comforting dish will surely please everyone at your table!