Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The Loaded Baked Potato Salad brings together everything you love about a classic baked potato in a chilled, creamy, and satisfying salad. Perfectly tender potatoes are combined with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing for that irresistible comfort food flavor.

This dish is the perfect sidekick to summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, and casual gatherings. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal but shines best when served with grilled meats or other picnic favorites. Its vibrant textures and rich flavors make it a guaranteed hit, and the best part? It’s easy to prep ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the party!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool completely.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Gently fold in cooled potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon.

4. Mix until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Garnish with additional bacon bits, cheddar, and fresh chives if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Loaded Baked Potato Salad: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort and flavor quite like a classic potato salad. But when you infuse it with the iconic flavors of a fully loaded baked potato, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, creamy sour cream, and a dash of green onion, you end up with something utterly irresistible: Loaded Baked Potato Salad. This dish takes everything you love about the warm, cheesy, bacon-smothered experience of a baked potato and transforms it into a cool, creamy, crowd-pleasing salad perfect for summer barbecues, tailgates, holiday potlucks, or even weekday dinners.

In this expanded post, we’ll explore what makes this recipe such a standout, how you can personalize it to your tastes, and why it’s become a must-have staple in so many households.

The Origins of Potato Salad

Before diving into what makes this loaded version so special, it’s worth appreciating the history behind potato salad itself. The roots of potato salad trace back to Europe, particularly Germany, where warm versions made with vinegar, mustard, and bacon were popular. As the recipe migrated to America, it evolved into the chilled, mayonnaise-based version we often associate with picnics and barbecues today. The loaded baked potato salad is a natural progression in this culinary evolution, one that fuses familiar flavors in new and exciting ways.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this recipe continues to win hearts:

• Incredible Flavor Fusion: The combination of tender potatoes, tangy sour cream, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar is indulgent yet balanced. Every bite is packed with savory flavor and creamy texture.

• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Because it tastes even better after chilling, this salad is ideal for meal prep or prepping ahead for gatherings.

• Customizable: It’s easy to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs (more on that below).

• Versatile Side Dish: This potato salad pairs well with everything from grilled burgers and ribs to roasted chicken and veggie kebabs.

Key Ingredients That Make It Stand Out

Let’s take a closer look at what each core ingredient brings to this loaded salad masterpiece:

Russet Potatoes

Russets are starchy and tender when cooked, making them perfect for a creamy potato salad that holds up well without becoming mushy. They absorb flavor beautifully and create a great base for the dish.

Sour Cream & Mayonnaise

This combination creates a rich and tangy dressing that mimics the traditional toppings of a baked potato. It’s creamy without being overpowering and helps tie all the other ingredients together.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar adds depth and richness. The contrast between the cold salad and the slight tang of the cheese really enhances the overall flavor.

Crispy Bacon

Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better. Its smoky crunch gives this salad that satisfying “loaded” taste that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Green Onions or Chives

These provide a much-needed freshness that cuts through the richness. They’re also visually appealing and add that classic baked potato look.

Variations & Substitutions

While the core recipe is incredibly satisfying, there are plenty of ways to tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for low-fat cheese and turkey bacon.

• Add Extra Crunch: Try tossing in diced celery, pickles, or red onions.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne, paprika, or jalapeño for a little kick.

• Add Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme can add herbal depth and an earthy dimension.

• Vegan-Friendly: Swap in vegan mayo, plant-based cheese, and tempeh bacon to create a dairy-free version.

Pairing Suggestions

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a side dish that can hold its own next to just about any entrée, but it especially shines with:

• Grilled BBQ chicken or ribs

• Juicy cheeseburgers or hot dogs

• Pulled pork sandwiches

• Roasted veggie skewers

• Fried or baked fish

• Steak or pork chops

Its creamy, savory profile also makes it a great complement to spicier or tangier dishes, as it balances heat and acidity nicely.

When to Serve It

This dish is as versatile in timing as it is in flavor. Serve it:

• At summer cookouts for a refreshing side that won’t wilt in the sun

• During the holidays as a hearty, comfort-food option alongside roast meats

• At potlucks or buffets where guests can scoop as much as they want

• For weeknight meals as an easy prep-ahead side to lighten your workload

• At family gatherings where you want something that appeals to both kids and adults

Make It Look Great

Presentation goes a long way when serving dishes like potato salad. Here are a few ways to plate it beautifully:

• Garnish with extra bacon bits, cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh chives right before serving.

• Serve in a chilled glass bowl to keep the salad fresh and colorful.

• Line your serving platter with a bed of lettuce or cabbage for a pop of green contrast.

• Use mini serving cups or mason jars for individual portions at parties or buffets.

Storage and Leftovers

One of the best things about this salad is how well it stores:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Meal prep friendly: It holds up well for several days, so feel free to make it ahead for busy weeks.

• Freezing not recommended: The creamy dressing can separate when thawed, affecting texture.

Always give it a good stir before serving again, and check the taste, sometimes a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar can revive it if it’s been sitting.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Salad isn’t just a side dish, it’s a full experience of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. It brings the warm familiarity of a baked potato into a form that’s perfect for warm weather or large gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a family meal, or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, this salad delivers in every way.

From its crispy bacon to the creamy tang of sour cream, every ingredient plays its part in creating a dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. Once you serve it, don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly and becomes a recipe your family and friends ask for again and again.