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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Cheddar and Bacon

creamy loaded baked potato salad - featured image

A creamy loaded baked potato salad featuring tender baked potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and BBQs, this salad balances creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors with a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds medium-sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and baked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml), preferably full-fat
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean, prick a few times with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender but still holding shape. Let cool completely.
  2. While potatoes bake, lay bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp. Alternatively, pan-fry over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Once potatoes are cool, peel skins if desired, then cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
  5. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions to potatoes. Gently fold in the dressing until everything is coated but potatoes remain chunky. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Stir in fresh parsley if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Bake potatoes instead of boiling for fluffier texture that holds dressing better. Use real bacon pieces cooked until crisp for best texture contrast. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. For extra crispy bacon bits, add fresh ones on top before serving. Avoid overmixing to prevent mushy potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, baked potato salad, creamy potato salad, loaded potato salad, bacon, cheddar, summer recipe, BBQ side dish