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Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Salad: Easy Best Recipe

loaded baked potato salad - featured image

This loaded baked potato salad combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy dressing with roasted potatoes for a hearty, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for potlucks and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Scrub the russet potatoes well and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender.
  5. While the potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Let the roasted potatoes cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  8. In a large serving bowl, gently fold together the warm potatoes, half the bacon, half the cheddar cheese, and half the green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently until evenly coated.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining bacon, cheddar, and green onions over the top.
  10. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the roasting step for the best texture. Let potatoes cool before adding dressing to avoid a greasy mess. This salad improves overnight—make it a day ahead for best flavor. Double the bacon for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato salad, potato salad, bacon, cheddar, potluck, barbecue, side dish