Name: Loaded Potato Salad: Prepare to Be Obsessed!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs yellow baby potatoes, washed and diced into bite-size pieces; ¾ cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp Kosher salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled; 3 Tbsp chives, fresh chopped; 2 Tbsp parsley, fresh chopped (for garnish)

Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Loaded Potato Salad! This isn’t your grandma’s boring potato salad. We’re talking tender, bite-sized potatoes, tangy sour cream, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar—all mixed into one glorious bowl of deliciousness. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a Tuesday night craving, this salad is about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously Loaded: We’re not skimping on the good stuff! Bacon, cheese, and all the fixings make this a flavor explosion.
Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good potato salad, and this one takes it to the next level.
Totally Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and mix-ins to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow baby potatoes: Tender and creamy, they’re perfect for potato salad. Dice them small for even cooking!
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Don’t use low fat, you want the creamy tang!
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and binds the salad together.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic note.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
Cooked bacon: Crispy and salty, it’s the star of the show. Don’t be shy with the bacon!
Chives: Fresh and vibrant, they add a mild oniony flavor.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it’s perfect for garnish.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Herb Garden: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary for an herbaceous twist.
Veggie Boost: Add diced celery, bell peppers, or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
Egg-cellent Addition: Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and creaminess.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Loaded Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Toss the cooled potatoes with the sour cream mixture until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Load

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and fresh chives until well combined.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool Potatoes Thoroughly: Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming runny.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Chill Time: Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Serve

This potato salad is perfect:

At barbecues and picnics: It’s a classic side dish that everyone loves.
With grilled meats: It complements burgers, chicken, and steaks perfectly.
As a side for sandwiches: It adds a creamy, flavorful element to any meal.
Straight from the bowl: Let’s be real, it’s delicious on its own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes and dressing will change.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just make sure to dice them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Can I make this salad lighter?

Absolutely! Substitute nonfat Greek yogurt for sour cream and use turkey bacon.

3. Can I add other toppings?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like diced pickles, olives, or red onion.

4. Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds. You’re going to love it!

Emily

Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Loaded Potato Salad: Prepare to Be Obsessed!