What is Loaded Potato Salad?
Loaded potato salad is a delightful twist on the classic potato salad, combining the comforting elements of baked potatoes with all the toppings you love on a baked potato. These include crispy bacon, melted cheese, green onions, and a creamy dressing. It’s a heartier, more indulgent version of the traditional dish.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
This dish is a perfect summer staple for gatherings, barbecues, and picnics. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and served chilled, making it ideal for outdoor events when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Ingredients for Loaded Potato Salad
Potatoes – The Star of the Salad
The key ingredient for any great potato salad is the potatoes. For this recipe, choose russet potatoes. Their starchy texture makes them ideal for baking and gives the salad a fluffy texture that works perfectly with creamy dressing.
Toppings to Make it “Loaded”
To truly make this a “loaded” potato salad, you’ll need the following toppings:
Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a savory, crunchy element that enhances the flavor.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to explore other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Green Onions – Chopped green onions bring a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
Dressing Choices – Mayonnaise vs. Sour Cream
While traditional potato salad uses mayonnaise as a base, you can also use sour cream or a combination of both. Mayonnaise gives the salad a creamy richness, while sour cream adds a slight tanginess, making the salad lighter and fresher.
How to Make Loaded Potato Salad (Step-by-Step)
Preparing the Potatoes
Wash your potatoes thoroughly. Since we’re baking them, there’s no need to peel them. The skin will add texture and flavor. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before baking them in the oven.
Baking vs. Boiling – Which is Better?
While boiling is the standard method for making potato salad, baking the potatoes gives them a more intense flavor. The baked potatoes become fluffy on the inside with a crisp skin, which is a perfect contrast to the creamy dressing.
Assembling the Salad
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Add your desired amount of mayonnaise or sour cream dressing, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it’s well mixed.
Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Salad
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. You want them tender but still firm enough to hold their shape in the salad. Overcooked potatoes may turn mushy, which will affect the texture of your salad.
Adjusting Seasonings
Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, pepper, or even garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish.
How to Keep It Creamy
To maintain the creamy texture of your salad, be sure to add enough dressing to coat the potatoes thoroughly. If the salad seems too thick, thin it out with a little bit of milk or extra sour cream.
Customizing Your Loaded Potato Salad
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon and add some roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to add depth and flavor. For a vegan version, replace the mayo and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan bacon or omit it altogether.
Add-ins for Extra Flavor
You can personalize this loaded potato salad by adding:
Roasted garlic for a rich flavor.
Pickles for a tangy crunch.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
Chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Make it Spicy!
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes, paprika, or even chopped fresh jalapeños into the salad to give it a spicy twist. The heat will balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Best Pairings for Loaded Potato Salad
Loaded potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks. It also complements fried chicken, veggie skewers, or a variety of other barbecue dishes.
How to Serve at a BBQ or Picnic
For a BBQ or picnic, serve the loaded potato salad in a large bowl and garnish it with extra bacon and green onions on top for a festive touch. Alternatively, you can serve it in individual mason jars or cups for easy, single-serve portions.
Why Loaded Potato Salad is a Crowd-Pleaser
The Comfort Food Factor
Potato salad is a classic comfort food that’s loved by most people. When you add the loaded toppings like cheese and bacon, it becomes even more indulgent and delicious, making it an instant hit at any gathering.
Versatile and Adaptable
One of the best things about loaded potato salad is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit different tastes by switching up the toppings or adjusting the dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a casual picnic or a formal barbecue, this dish fits perfectly into any occasion.
Print
Loaded Potato Salad (a Baked Potato Salad!)
This loaded potato salad is a twist on the classic. It combines the crispy, savory goodness of a baked potato with a creamy dressing, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering, this hearty and satisfying salad will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 large russet potatoes
6 slices of bacon
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.Prepare the Bacon:
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste.Chop the Potatoes:
Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized cubes, leaving the skin on.Assemble the Salad:
In the large bowl with the dressing, add the chopped potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.Chill and Serve:
Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including baking time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (for baking potatoes and cooking bacon)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Conclusion
Summing Up the Recipe
Loaded potato salad is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic potato salad. By baking the potatoes and loading them up with bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing, you create a dish that’s perfect for summer get-togethers. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Why You Should Try It This Summer
This summer, skip the usual potato salad and give loaded potato salad a try. It’s simple, delicious, and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a picnic, this salad will be a hit with everyone.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, loaded potato salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and stir it well before serving to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can use other potatoes like Yukon Gold. Just keep in mind that they might be a little firmer than russets.
How long can loaded potato salad be stored in the fridge?
It can last up to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the potatoes might start to lose their texture.
Can I add grilled chicken to the salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken makes a great addition to the salad, adding protein and extra flavor.
Is loaded potato salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, with some modifications. Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative to make it vegan-friendly.