Name: Loaded Potato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes; 8 strips bacon; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 4 green onions chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy loaded potato salad with bacon bits and cheese in white bowl | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this incredible loaded potato salad recipe during a summer potluck challenge with friends. We were all trying to reinvent classic dishes, and I thought - why not turn everyone's favorite loaded baked potato into a salad? The first bite was pure magic - creamy, tender potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions. The combination of textures and flavors reminded me exactly of my favorite loaded baked potato from my childhood. The sour cream and mayonnaise create this incredibly rich, creamy base that coats every potato perfectly. What makes this special is how each bite gives you different flavor combinations - sometimes you get extra bacon, sometimes more cheese, making every forkful exciting.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about this loaded potato salad is how it takes all the best parts of a loaded baked potato and makes it perfect for sharing. There's something so satisfying about the way the crispy bacon contrasts with the creamy potatoes, and how the sharp cheddar adds that perfect tangy bite. It's comfort food at its finest, but elevated. I love watching people's faces light up when they taste it for the first time - you can see that moment when they realize this isn't ordinary potato salad. It's hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but works perfectly as a side dish. Plus, it actually gets better as it sits, making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Russet Potatoes: Wash, peel if desired, and cube into uniform bite-sized pieces
Bacon: Cook until crispy and crumble into small pieces
Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded for best melting and flavor
Sour Cream: Brings tangy creaminess to the dressing base
Green Onions: Chop both white and green parts for color and mild onion flavor
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the salad together

Let's Make These Together

Prep the potatoes perfectly: Start by washing your russet potatoes thoroughly and cutting them into uniform, bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and the perfect texture in every bite of your salad.
Cook bacon to crispy perfection: Fry your bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until they're perfectly crispy. The key is getting that ideal crunch that will add amazing texture contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Create the creamy base: Whisk together the sour cream and mayonnaise until completely smooth. This creates the rich, tangy base that will coat every ingredient beautifully and bring all the flavors together.
Combine with care: Gently fold the cooled potatoes into your creamy dressing, then add the crumbled bacon, cheese, and green onions. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the potatoes while ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Let flavors develop: Allow your loaded potato salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time lets all the flavors meld together, creating the perfect harmony of tastes in every bite.

Recipe picture — Hearty potato salad mixed with crispy bacon cheddar cheese and green onions | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first made this recipe for a family reunion last summer, and it was gone within minutes! My cousin kept asking what made it so special compared to regular potato salad. The secret is treating it like a deconstructed loaded baked potato - all those amazing flavors we love, but in salad form. Now I make double batches because I know it disappears fast. The kids love picking out the bacon bits, and adults can't stop talking about how creamy and flavorful it is. It's become my signature dish!

Perfect Pairings

This loaded potato salad pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches. Serve alongside coleslaw and corn on the cob for the perfect summer meal. It's also fantastic with grilled vegetables or as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches and fresh fruit.

Ultimate comfort food potato salad loaded with toppings and fresh herbs | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?: Yes! This loaded potato salad actually tastes better when made a day ahead. The flavors have time to meld together beautifully. Just add extra cheese and bacon before serving for the best texture.
→ What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?: Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy dressing perfectly. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good alternative.
→ How long will this potato salad keep in the refrigerator?: When stored properly in the refrigerator, this loaded potato salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it covered and chilled at all times.
→ Can I substitute the bacon with something else?: Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon, crispy prosciutto, or even vegetarian bacon bits. For a completely vegetarian version, try adding roasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
→ Why are my potatoes mushy in the salad?: This usually happens when potatoes are overcooked or mixed while still warm. Make sure to cook just until fork-tender and let them cool completely before adding to the dressing.

Conclusion

This loaded baked potato salad brings all the comfort of a loaded baked potato in a convenient, shareable side dish. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress. The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience that everyone will love.