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Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe Easy Comforting Bacon Cheddar Twist

loaded baked potato salad - featured image

A comforting loaded baked potato salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect as a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish with a smoky, cheesy twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), scrubbed and baked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick russet potatoes a few times with a fork and place directly on oven rack or baking sheet. Bake for 45-55 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Save some bacon grease if desired.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add bacon grease if saved for extra flavor.
  4. Peel potatoes if desired and cut into bite-sized cubes. Gently fold potatoes into the dressing.
  5. Add half of the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Mix gently to combine without breaking potatoes.
  6. Sprinkle remaining bacon, cheddar, and green onions on top. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if using.
  7. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not toss potatoes while warm to avoid mushiness. Let potatoes cool completely before mixing. Bacon can be baked on a wire rack over foil-lined sheet for crispier texture and easier cleanup. Salad tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Bring to room temperature before serving to smooth dressing. For lighter version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato salad, bacon potato salad, cheddar potato salad, comfort food, easy potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon cheddar salad