Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that quietly steals the spotlight at every gathering. However, you only realize its power when the bowl comes back empty and someone asks who made it. I first served this at a family barbecue on a hot July afternoon. At the time, I thought it was just another side dish. Instead, it became the recipe everyone requested for birthdays, potlucks, and holiday dinners. Therefore, I knew it deserved a permanent place in my recipe box.
Why This Loaded Potato Salad Recipe Works
- Combines sour cream and mayonnaise for balanced creaminess
- Uses Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for tender texture
- Includes crispy bacon and cheddar for bold steakhouse-style flavor
- Holds well for make-ahead meals and potlucks
- Naturally gluten-free
- Easily customizable with ranch seasoning or low-carb swaps
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Cuisine | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 8 servings | American | Easy |
Equipment: Amazon’s Overall Picks
- Large stock pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Stock Pot (8 Quart) gives you the space, heat control, and durability you need for flawless results every time. Its sturdy stainless-steel body distributes heat evenly, while the clear glass lid lets you monitor your potatoes without lifting the lid and losing heat.
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Loaded Potato Salad Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes | 3 lbs |
| Mayonnaise | ¾ cup |
| Sour cream | ¾ cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1½ cups |
| Bacon, cooked and chopped | 8 slices |
| Green onions, sliced | ½ cup |
| Chives, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Ingredient Tips and Substitutes
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter texture.
- Ranch seasoning adds extra steakhouse flavor.
- Turkey bacon reduces fat without sacrificing crunch.
- Pepper jack cheese gives a spicy kick.
Recipe Instructions
- Wash and cut potatoes into bite-size pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Therefore, add potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Drain and let potatoes cool for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Fold cooled potatoes into the dressing until coated.
- Add cheddar, bacon, green onions, and chives.
- Mix gently and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- For extra creaminess, stir in two tablespoons of cream cheese.
- For keto versions, replace potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets.
- For ranch lovers, mix one packet of ranch seasoning into the dressing.
- For spicy fans, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
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- The Best 4 Ingredient Potato Soup Recipe
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
FAQs
– Avoid overcooking potatoes into mush and overdressing the salad.
– Always cool potatoes completely before mixing to prevent sogginess.
– Season while warm for best flavor absorption and use a sharp, acidic ingredient like vinegar to brighten flavors.
A classic loaded potato includes the fluffy baked potato insides mixed with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, chives, and butter. It’s topped with more cheese, bacon, green onions, and sometimes broccoli or jalapeños.
Cut potatoes before boiling. Uniform, bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking and prevent mushy outsides with raw centers. This method guarantees the perfect tender-crisp texture essential for a great potato salad.
The Final Scoop – Why This Loaded Potato Salad Always Wins
This Loaded Potato Salad Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable results. It is creamy, smoky, and rich, yet it remains easy enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for big gatherings. Therefore, if you want a dependable side dish that never fails, save this recipe and make it part of your signature lineup.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Cookerdiary earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
