Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Published: June 30, 2025

by Olivia

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic steakhouse side, perfect for potlucks and gatherings. This creamy salad combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and fresh scallions, all enveloped in a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its hearty flavors and satisfying textures.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Flavor Packed: The combination of bacon, cheese, and scallions brings an irresistible savory taste to every bite.
Versatile Dish: Great as a side for barbecues, holidays, or potluck parties; it fits any occasion.
Make Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 12 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of Loaded Baked Potato Salad, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Fork
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly in the oven.
Fork: Useful for piercing the potatoes before baking to ensure they cook through.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spills.

Ingredients

To make Loaded Baked Potato Salad, you will need:

For the Potatoes

4 pounds russet potatoes
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add-ins

12 ounces bacon (cooked, cooled, and chopped)
6 green onions (chopped)
1 1/2 cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded)

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This high temperature will help roast the potatoes perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet. Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork. Lightly coat them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a cake tester or skewer. Once done, remove them from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Discard the skins; the potato flesh may crumble slightly—that’s perfectly fine! Transfer all potato chunks into a large mixing bowl. While still warm, sprinkle with apple cider vinegar and allow resting for 15-30 minutes until cooled.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or in the oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels and let cool before crumbling it into bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sour cream. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Once the potatoes have cooled completely, pour the dressing over them along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Loaded Baked Potato Salad for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side for Grilled Meats

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken pair well with the creaminess of the salad.
BBQ Ribs: This hearty potato salad complements the richness of BBQ ribs perfectly.
Steak: A classic combo, steak and loaded baked potato salad make for a satisfying meal.

At Potlucks and Gatherings

Buffet Style: Serve in a large bowl with a serving spoon for easy access at potlucks.
Individual Cups: Portion into small cups for guests to grab on the go, making it neat and convenient.
Topped with Extra Bacon: Add an extra sprinkle of bacon on top for an appealing presentation.

With Light Meals

As a Standalone Dish: Enjoy it alone for a light lunch or dinner option.
With Fresh Greens: Pair with a simple mixed green salad to balance the rich flavors.
Chilled Gazpacho: Serve alongside chilled gazpacho for a refreshing summer meal.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the best it can be, follow these simple tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
Let Potatoes Cool Properly: Allowing the potatoes to cool before mixing helps them absorb flavors better.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed after combining all ingredients for optimal flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating for several hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding jalapeños or diced tomatoes for an extra kick or freshness.
Garnish Generously: Top with additional green onions or herbs just before serving for an appealing look.

Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a juicy crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy salad.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides freshness and acidity, balancing the heaviness of the potato salad.
Baked Beans: These savory beans add protein and heartiness to your meal, making it more filling.
Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables contribute color and nutrition to your plate without overpowering other flavors.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks offer a delightful texture that complements the rich potato salad well.
Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers add brightness and are easy to eat at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Loaded Baked Potato Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Avoiding these can elevate your dish!

Overcooking potatoes: This can lead to mushy salad. Ensure you check for doneness with a fork after 50 minutes and remove them as soon as they are tender.
Skipping the cooling time: Not allowing the potatoes to cool properly can result in a soggy salad. Let them rest for at least 15-30 minutes after dressing.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your dressing properly will dull the flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar bacon or cheese will affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality bacon and cheese for the best results.
Not refrigerating long enough: Serving immediately may miss out on flavor development. Chill for at least three hours or preferably overnight.
Forgetting about customization: Sticking to just one type of cheese or topping can limit flavor. Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like jalapeños or herbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring often to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Loaded Baked Potato Salad that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight as flavors meld together.

What toppings can I add to my Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Feel free to customize! Add toppings like jalapeños, olives, or even different kinds of cheese for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad suitable for potlucks?

Absolutely! Its hearty nature makes it perfect for potlucks and gatherings where delicious side dishes are appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Salad is not only a delightful twist on a classic dish but also offers flexibility for customization. You can easily play with flavors by adding your favorite ingredients. Try it out at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!