Print

Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon

creamy loaded baked potato salad with bacon - featured image

A rich and creamy potato salad featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy thick-cut bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy mayonnaise-sour cream dressing. This crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for parties, picnics, and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 6 stalks green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash potatoes thoroughly and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and rinse.
  2. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add potatoes and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but firm. Drain using a slotted spoon and spread on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
  3. While potatoes cool, cook bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble into bite-sized pieces, reserving a small handful for garnish.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Add the warm (not hot) potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with reserved bacon and green onions.

Notes

Do not add dressing to hot potatoes as it will cause the mayonnaise to separate. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for better texture as they hold their shape better than Russets. For a lighter option, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This salad tastes best after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, baked potato salad, bacon potato salad, creamy potato salad, party side dish, summer recipes, picnic food, loaded potato salad