Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a 1 incredibly comforting dish

Oh, let me tell you about my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and quick! This is just the ticket. It s got all those amazing flavors you love from a classic loaded baked potato, but it s served up cold as a salad. Perfect for those nights when you re rushing around but still want something hearty and delicious.

It feels like a warm hug in a bowl, truly. And the best part? It comes together in a flash. I ve made this countless times for family dinners, potlucks, and even just for myself when I m craving something satisfying.

Here at 911Recipes, Clara and I are all about making cooking easy and enjoyable, even on your busiest days. We love sharing recipes like this that prove you don t need hours in the kitchen to create something wonderful. This loaded potato salad is a prime example of that!

It s a dish that brings smiles and happy sighs, and I can t wait for you to try it.

Why You ll Adore This Loaded Baked Potato Salad

There are so many reasons why this recipe is a winner in my kitchen. Honestly, it s become a total staple!

• It s incredibly fast to pull together, especially if your potatoes are already prepped.
• Super easy! No fancy techniques needed here, just simple mixing.
• The flavor is out of this world all that smoky bacon and sharp cheddar.
• It s pure , like a hug in a bowl.
• So versatile! You can easily tweak the toppings to make it your own.

It really hits all the right notes for a busy cook!

Ingredients for Your Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this deliciousness! You ll need just a few simple things to make this loaded potato salad magic happen.

• Medium potatoes, about 2 pounds. I like to peel and cube mine before cooking.
• Bacon, around 8 slices. Cook it up nice and crisp, then crumble it.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded. Use your favorite kind!
• Sour cream, about 1 cup. This is the creamy dreamy base for our dressing.
• Green onions, 1/2 cup thinly sliced. These add a lovely fresh bite.

Getting Ready: Equipment for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Before you dive in, make sure you have a few basic kitchen tools ready. You won t need anything fancy for this loaded potato salad!

• A large pot for cooking the potatoes.
• A big mixing bowl to combine everything.
• A sharp knife and a cutting board for prepping.

That s really all you need to get started!

Crafting Your Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Alright, let s get this loaded potato salad made! It s a pretty straightforward process, I promise. Just follow these steps and you ll have a delicious salad ready in no time.

The key is to have everything prepped before you start mixing. That makes the whole thing go so much smoother. I always cook my bacon first so it has time to cool and get really crispy.

Preparing the Potatoes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

First things first, you need your potatoes cooked and ready. I wash my potatoes, peel them, and then cut them into bite-sized cubes, about an inch big. Then, I pop them into a large pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil.

Let them simmer until they re fork-tender, but not mushy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your cubes. Once they re cooked, drain them well and let them cool completely. This is super important! Warm potatoes can make the salad a bit gummy.

Assembling the Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Now for the fun part mixing everything together! Grab that big mixing bowl you set aside. Gently add your cooled, cubed potatoes to the bowl. Be careful not to break them up too much.

Next, sprinkle in your crumbled crispy bacon. Oh, that smoky smell! Then, add your shredded cheddar cheese and the thinly sliced green onions. It s already looking so colorful and delicious at this stage!

Make sure everything is distributed somewhat evenly before you add the dressing. I like to give it a very gentle toss at this point, just to get things acquainted.

Dressing the Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Alright, time to bring it all together with the creamy dressing. Spoon that cup of sour cream over the potato mixture in the bowl. I like to put dollops all over so it s easier to mix in evenly.

Now, with a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the sour cream into the ingredients. You want to coat everything without mashing the potatoes. Keep folding until everything is nicely coated and looks like a proper loaded potato salad. Don t overmix!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Getting this loaded potato salad just right is easy with a few simple tricks. I ve learned these over time, and they really make a difference!

• Always chill your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld.
• Any waxy potato works well, like red potatoes or Yukon Golds. They hold their shape better.
• Be super gentle when mixing! You don t want mashed potato salad.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A little salt and pepper can go a long way.

These small things ensure your loaded baked potato salad is a total hit!

Variations on Your Loaded Baked Potato Salad

One of the best things about this loaded baked potato salad is how easy it is to switch things up! You can really make it your own with just a few additions.

• Want more onion flavor? Add some fresh chives along with the green onions.
• A sprinkle of paprika gives it a nice color and a little smoky depth.
• For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
• Some crumbled blue cheese mixed in with the cheddar is surprisingly delicious!
• Crispy fried onions from a can add a fun texture and extra flavor boost.

Don t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!

Serving Up Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This loaded baked potato salad is pretty hearty on its own, but it s amazing served with some classic American dishes. I love it with grilled chicken or juicy fresh off the grill. It s also the perfect side for a barbecue or picnic. Sometimes, I just eat a big bowl of it for lunch!

Storing and Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

If you have any of this delicious loaded potato salad leftover, just pop it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Because of the sour cream base, I don t really recommend reheating it. It s definitely best served chilled!

Nutritional Information for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Just a quick note on nutrition: The values provided are estimates. Things like the specific type of potato or brand of sour cream you use can definitely change the final numbers a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Baked Potato Salad

I get a few questions often about making this loaded baked potato salad. They re great questions, and I m happy to share my thoughts!

Can I use a different type of potato? Absolutely! While waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold are ideal because they hold their shape, you can use russets. Just be extra gentle when mixing so they don t turn to mush.

How long does it last in the fridge? Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad is good for about 3 to 4 days. It s best eaten within that timeframe.

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you definitely can! It s actually better made a few hours or even the day before you plan to serve it. This gives all those wonderful flavors time to really get to know each other in the fridge.

Making it ahead makes entertaining so much easier!

Enjoy Your Loaded Baked Potato Salad!

I really hope you give this loaded baked potato salad a try! It s a simple recipe that brings so much comfort and flavor. Let me know how it turns out for you!