I’m excited to share my favorite Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe that’s perfect for summer gatherings. This creamy salad combines the comfort of a steakhouse baked potato with the convenience of a classic picnic side dish.
This recipe features russet potatoes that are baked rather than boiled, creating a fluffier texture that absorbs all the delicious flavors. The addition of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions gives it an authentic “loaded” experience.
Key Takeaways
- Easy-to-make potato salad recipe perfect for picnics and barbecues.
- Features baked russet potatoes for a fluffier texture.
- Includes crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and travels well.
- Great for summer gatherings and potlucks.
The Ultimate Steakhouse-Inspired Side Dish
Inspired by the classic steakhouse loaded baked potato, I’ve created a salad that’s just as decadent. This loaded baked potato salad transforms the beloved steakhouse side dish into a shareable, portable version that maintains all the indulgent flavors of the original.
The dish incorporates the essential components of a steakhouse potato: rich sour cream, sharp cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. What makes this side dish special is how it balances these bold flavors while still maintaining the comforting, homey quality that makes potato salad a perennial favorite.
Unlike traditional baked potatoes served in their skins, this baked potato salad allows the creamy dressing to coat every piece of potato for maximum flavor in each bite. This makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Why Baked Potatoes Make the Best Potato Salad
I’ve found that baked potatoes are the key to creating a truly exceptional potato salad. Baking russet potatoes for this recipe creates a lighter, fluffier consistency than boiling, resulting in a potato base that easily absorbs the creamy dressing.
The high starch content of russet potatoes makes them ideal for baking, producing a fluffier and more absorbent base. When baked, these potatoes develop a deeper flavor than when boiled, adding another dimension to the finished potato salad.
- The drier texture of baked potatoes allows them to absorb the tangy dressing without becoming waterlogged.
- This method eliminates the need to deal with a large pot of boiling water, making preparation cleaner and more energy-efficient.
- Using baked baked potato creates the best potato salad with a distinctly different texture and flavor profile.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Ingredients
The beauty of a loaded baked potato salad lies in its simplicity, using high-quality ingredients that you’d typically find on a loaded baked potato. The salad is made with a handful of essential components that come together to create a truly special dish.
The ingredients for this cheesy bacon potato salad are straightforward: Russet potatoes, Olive oil, Apple cider vinegar, Mayonnaise, Sour cream, Kosher salt and pepper, Bacon, Green onions, and Cheddar cheese. The foundation starts with Russet potatoes, providing a starchy base that absorbs all the flavors.
The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a creamy dressing, while bacon adds a smoky element and cheddar cheese brings richness. Green onions provide a fresh contrast to the heavier ingredients, balancing out the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I’ll walk you through the process of making this mouth-watering salad, from baking potatoes to mixing the creamy dressing.
Baking the Perfect Potatoes
To start, bake several large potatoes in the oven until they’re tender. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness in the potatoes, which complements the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
Preparing the Mix-Ins
While the potatoes are baking, prepare your mix-ins, such as diced bacon, chopped scallions, and shredded cheese. These ingredients add texture and flavor to the salad.
Making the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, I create the creamy dressing by combining equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream. I season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the flavors. Using full-fat sour cream and real mayonnaise is essential for the best flavor and texture in the dressing. I sometimes add a small amount of garlic powder or ranch seasoning to the dressing mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
The dressing should be prepared while the potatoes are cooling, so it’s ready to mix in when they reach the right temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Salad
To elevate your loaded baked potato salad to the next level, consider these expert tips. One crucial step is allowing at least 15 minutes for the cider vinegar to soak into the warm potatoes. This enhances the flavor depth significantly.
For the crispiest bacon without the lingering smell, bake it in the oven on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes. I recommend making this salad at least 3-4 hours before serving, as the flavors improve dramatically with time.
- Gently fold the ingredients to avoid turning the potatoes to mush.
- Reserve some dressing to add just before serving if needed, to prevent dryness.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the best potato salad that’s sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When it comes to picnic side dishes, this loaded baked potato salad is a game-changer. It’s packed with tons of delicious mix-ins like bacon, cheese, and onion, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together.
I find that this potato salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats like burgers, steaks, or barbecued chicken, complementing their smoky flavors. For a complete picnic spread, I serve this alongside other classic side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh green salad for balance.
- This salad recipe works wonderfully for potlucks and picnics because it travels well and can be made ahead of time.
- It’s also a great base for other potato salad recipes by adding ingredients like dill pickles, hard-boiled eggs, or different cheese varieties.
- For a more substantial meal, I sometimes serve smaller portions of this rich dish with lighter main dishes like grilled fish or a simple rotisserie chicken.
Conclusion
This loaded baked potato salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a crowd-pleaser. I hope it becomes a staple in your collection of potato salad recipes for summer gatherings. The combination of fluffy baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy dressing creates a best potato salad variation. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Let it refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors beautifully, and sprinkle more bacon before serving. You’ll find more potato salad recipes here to explore.
