Loaded Potato Salad

Introduction

Loaded Potato Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the irresistible flavors of a loaded baked potato—think crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, creamy dressing, and fresh chives—in a chilled, hearty salad. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, salty, and crunchy, making it a star side dish for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch. Every bite delivers texture and bold flavors that elevate this classic into a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

What Makes Loaded Potato Salad Irresistible

Unlike traditional potato salads, this version layers in a generous helping of mix-ins, so every forkful is packed with excitement. Chopped green onions, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese mingle with tender potatoes, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. Each component is essential for building the dish’s signature flavor and hearty texture—offering pure comfort alongside fresh vibrance.

Choosing and Prepping Your Potatoes

For this recipe, waxy or Yukon gold potatoes work best; they hold their shape after boiling and provide a creamy texture. Dice the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and quick assembly—using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save time and ensure perfect, bite-sized cubes every time. Boil until fork-tender but not mushy, then cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Assembling the Ultimate Loaded Mix-ins

While your potatoes cook and cool, crisp up chopped bacon in a skillet or choose a hands-off method with the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for consistent, evenly cooked pieces. Shred your cheese fresh (for best melting and flavor) with a box grater, and dice green onions finely for a pop of color and bite. Gather your favorite creamy additions—sour cream and mayonnaise—along with a sprinkle of garlic powder, black pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika to round out the dressing.

Tips for Effortless Serving and Storage

To keep your potato salad chilled and mess-free for an outing, portion and pack it in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green. This keeps mix-ins crisp and salad fresh until serving. For easy cleanup after a picnic or gathering, protect your surface with a disposable Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth. Store any leftovers in airtight containers so the salad remains creamy and the flavors continue to meld.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains 280–350 calories, depending on the specific brands of cheese, bacon, and dressing used. For a lighter twist, swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream or increase the proportion of green onions and fresh herbs.

Loaded Potato Salad Recap

Loaded Potato Salad is the best of both worlds—a classic comfort dish elevated by bold mix-ins and rich dressing. The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and punchy onions is irresistible, making it the perfect side for all your gatherings.

Instructions

1. Dice potatoes into ¾-inch cubes using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even sizing. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer 10–12 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and spread on a tray lined with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to cool and prevent sticking.
2. While the potatoes cool, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Alternatively, lay bacon strips in a single layer in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 (350°F for 8–10 minutes). Drain and crumble.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.
4. Add cooled potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a sturdy spatula until well coated, taking care not to mash the potatoes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. Garnish with extra green onions, chives, or parsley just before serving.
6. Pack leftovers or for transport in the Bentgo Salad Container for freshness and convenience.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)