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Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar Easy and Best

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A comforting loaded baked potato salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or quick weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and baked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, crisped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub russet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. While potatoes bake, lay bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until evenly crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. When potatoes are done, let them cool slightly until warm but not hot. Peel off skins if preferred and chop into bite-sized cubes.
  5. Combine potato cubes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and gently fold to coat evenly without mashing the potatoes.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken. Stir gently before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Bake potatoes whole to enhance sweetness and prevent excess moisture absorption. Crisp bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Use sharp cheddar for a tangy flavor. Fold gently to avoid mashing potatoes. Chill before serving to meld flavors. Leftover salad stores well up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

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