Print

Creamy Loaded Potato Salad with Cheddar and Bacon

creamy loaded potato salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy, and smoky potato salad perfect for summer BBQs, featuring red potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon with a tangy mayo and sour cream dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped red potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
  2. Drain potatoes in a colander and let them cool for at least 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  3. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and chop into bite-sized pieces once cool.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and slightly tangy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the warm potatoes with the dressing until evenly coated. Add chopped celery and sliced green onions and toss gently to combine.
  6. Fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped crispy bacon.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before plating.

Notes

Use waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold to prevent mushiness. Keep potatoes warm when mixing with dressing for better absorption. Cook bacon until crispy for texture contrast. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. Avoid overmixing to keep potato chunks intact. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar and sour cream with vegan alternatives. Greek yogurt can replace mayo and sour cream for a healthier twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, cheddar cheese, summer BBQ, picnic side dish, easy potato salad

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/creamy-loaded-potato-salad-with-cheddar-and-bacon-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbq/