Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Nothing says “backyard gathering” quite like a heaping bowl of the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe. Imagine all the irresistible flavors of a loaded baked potato—crispy bacon, creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives—tossed together with tender potatoes for a side dish that’s always the star of the table. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just your family’s new favorite weeknight treat, this recipe guarantees big flavors, easy prep, and second helpings every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients is simple, but each one packs a punch, lending its own irresistible character to the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe. It’s the marriage of crispy, creamy, tangy, and savory—all in one bite!
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are sturdy and buttery, perfect for soaking up flavor without getting mushy.
- Sour Cream: Brings irresistible tang and luxurious creaminess—go full fat for the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the salad together.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers zippy, subtle heat that balances the richness beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of brightness lifts the whole dish and sharpens the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Whispers just the right amount of savory undertone.
- Onion Powder: Sweet, mellow onion notes that round out the dressing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing every flavor—taste and adjust as you go!
- Bacon: Crispy, salty, and deeply savory, bacon is the soul of every loaded potato dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty, and legit addictive—don’t hold back!
- Green Onions: Mild bite and a pop of color to brighten the salad.
- Chopped Fresh Chives: Delicate onion flavor and fresh green flair—perfect for both mixing and garnishing.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These always surprise people—their creaminess complements potatoes just right.
- Paprika: Totally optional, but a sprinkle before serving adds color and a whisper of smokiness.
How to Make Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water—this helps the chunks cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain them well and let them cool slightly; you want them warm but not steaming, so they’ll soak up that rich dressing without falling apart.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
While the potatoes cool, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This dressing is where the magic happens! Taste as you go; it should be punchy and a little bit tangy, since the potatoes will mellow it out.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing
Add your warm potatoes directly to the bowl of creamy dressing. Gently toss so every piece is covered—don’t rush this part. The heat from the potatoes melds those creamy flavors together, setting the stage for the ultimate loaded potato salad recipe experience.
Step 4: Fold in the Goodies
Time to unleash the flavor bomb: fold in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, hard-boiled eggs, and chives. Mix until everything’s just combined, being careful not to overmix or the potatoes might get mushy. Go ahead and sneak a taste now—just for quality control!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This gives all those bold flavors a chance to become best friends. Before serving, sprinkle with a dash of paprika and a few extra chives if you want to add a little extra color and flair.
How to Serve Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes turn this salad from everyday to extraordinary. Sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, a shower of chopped chives, and a dusting of paprika. This not only adds color but layers in flavor and crunch, ensuring every bite has that loaded potato punch.
Side Dishes
The Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is the ultimate barbecue wingman. It pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, pulled pork, or smoky barbecue chicken. For a lighter meal, try it alongside crisp green salads or refreshing fruit dishes. No matter what, it’s an all-star side you’ll crave year-round.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics, scoop individual servings into mason jars for adorable, portable portions. For parties, arrange it on a platter topped with extra cheese and bacon as a glorious “potato salad board.” You can even set up a DIY loaded potato salad bar with bowls of mix-ins, letting guests customize their own ultimate version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This potato salad actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving; if it seems dry, just add a spoonful of sour cream or mayo to freshen it up.
Freezing
While the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can technically freeze it if you must. Be aware that freezing may change the texture of the potatoes and make the creamy dressing less smooth. If you decide to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume it within one month for best results.
Reheating
Potato salads are typically served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a cozy twist, you can warm individual servings briefly in the microwave. Just warm until barely heated through, and stir gently to preserve the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as it may cause the dressing to split.
FAQs
Can I make the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavor as everything has time to mingle. Just keep it chilled and add your garnishes right before serving.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can absolutely lighten things up by using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, or opting for light mayo. The salad will still be creamy and delicious with a tangy punch.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Both russet and Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices for this recipe. They hold their shape well when boiled and have the right balance of starch and creaminess for loaded potato salad.
Can I add other toppings to this salad?
Yes! Try roasted red peppers, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for new flavor twists. The Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is easy to personalize.
How long will this potato salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, your potato salad will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle mix before serving and add a splash of extra mayo or sour cream if needed to revive the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn your next gathering into a flavorfest, the Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is your secret weapon. It brings people together, sparks joy, and disappears fast—so be sure to grab your scoop before it’s gone! Give it a try and see why this bold, creamy, crave-worthy salad always steals the show.
Print
Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad Recipe that combines creamy potatoes with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a medley of seasonings for a satisfying side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potato Salad:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Add-Ins:
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- Optional paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Boil potatoes until fork-tender, drain, and cool slightly.
- Mix Dressing: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, seasonings in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add potatoes to dressing, mix in bacon, cheese, onions, eggs, and chives.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, garnish with paprika before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a smoky twist, try using smoked cheddar.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
