If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to the table, this Loaded Baked Potato Salad is it! It’s a twist on the classic steakhouse favorite that makes every gathering feel special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a big family barbecue, this salad is an easy go-to that everyone will love. With creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest!

What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is. You can whip it up for potlucks, picnics, or just as a hearty side for dinner. Trust me; once you make this Loaded Baked Potato Salad, it will quickly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful dish ready to impress your friends and family.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the flavors of potatoes, cheese, and bacon—it’s sure to be a hit!
Make ahead convenience: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight!), making it perfect for meal prep.
Deliciously customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our Loaded Baked Potato Salad! These items are easy to find and come together beautifully to create creamy goodness.

4 pounds russet potatoes
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces bacon (cooked, cooled, and chopped)
6 green onions (chopped)
1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Loaded Baked Potato Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using crispy turkey bacon or even cooked chicken for a different twist.
Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
Go dairy-free: Substitute with vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based version.
Spice it up: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to give your salad an extra kick!

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked potatoes that are tender on the inside with just the right amount of skin crispiness.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them with a fork in several spots. This helps steam escape while they bake. A light coat of olive oil and sprinkle of kosher salt will enhance their flavor as they bake for about 50-60 minutes. Once they’re soft enough to poke with a skewer, remove them from the oven and let cool before peeling them.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

While your potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon until crispy. Whether you fry it in a skillet or bake it in the oven, let it cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces. The smoky flavor adds so much character to our salad!

Step 4: Mix Your Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Season with kosher salt and pepper. Mixing these two creates our creamy dressing that ties all those delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your potatoes have cooled down enough, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Pour over the creamy dressing along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together—this ensures every bite is loaded with goodness! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

For best flavor, refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least three hours or up to overnight. This waiting time allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle beautifully. Enjoy this delightful dish within four days for optimal freshness!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Making the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a breeze with these helpful tips!

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture when cooked. They absorb flavors beautifully and hold up well in the salad.
Cool the potatoes properly: Allowing the potatoes to cool after baking and before mixing with other ingredients helps them soak up the dressing without becoming mushy.
Season at every step: Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, especially on both the potatoes and the dressing. This layering of flavor enhances each bite.
Add extra toppings: Feel free to customize your potato salad with additional toppings like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a fresh twist. It’s a fun way to make this dish your own!
Let it chill: Refrigerating the salad for several hours allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more delicious experience when served.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ideas on how to present and serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkling chopped parsley or dill adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish.
Extra shredded cheese: A handful of additional cheddar cheese on top provides an inviting look and extra cheesiness.
Crumbled bacon: For those who want more crunch, topping with extra crumbled bacon gives it that steakhouse feel!

Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus complement the creamy potato salad while adding a healthy touch.
Crispy baked chicken wings: These flavorful wings make a great pairing, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft potato salad.
Garden salad: A crisp garden salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots balances out the richness of the potato salad, making it a refreshing side option.
Corn on the cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a seasonal favorite that adds sweetness and texture alongside your loaded potato salad.

Your Loaded Baked Potato Salad will surely shine at any gathering or family meal. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Baked Potato Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings, picnics, or just a busy week ahead. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If you plan to serve it later, consider keeping the bacon and cheese separate until serving to maintain their texture.

Freezing

While it’s not recommended to freeze loaded potato salad due to potential changes in texture, if you must:
Portion out the salad into freezer-safe containers.
Label with the date and use within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

For best results, enjoy this dish cold as a refreshing side!
If you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a microwave-safe bowl on low power, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as it may affect the consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad that might help clarify your cooking experience!

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with crispy chickpeas or leave it out entirely for a lighter version. The salad will still be delicious!

How long does Loaded Baked Potato Salad last?

This tasty salad can last up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

What can I add to my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Feel free to get creative! You could add ingredients like diced bell peppers, pickles, or even some ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you ensure all ingredients used (like mayonnaise) are gluten-free, this salad is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Loaded Baked Potato Salad as much as I do! It’s not only easy to prepare but also brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it during a cozy family dinner, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Thank you for spending time with me here today—happy cooking!