Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Transform your traditional potato salad into a delicious twist with this Loaded Baked Potato Salad. Inspired by the comforting flavors of a classic baked potato, this salad combines tender baked Idaho potatoes with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. It's the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where you want something a little different that brings the comfort of a baked potato to the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings, making it unique to your taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Idaho potatoes
6 (baked, peeled, diced)
mayonnaise
2/3 cup (none)
sour cream
2/3 cup (none)
bacon
6 slices (cooked crispy and crumbled)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh chives
1 tablespoon (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven and bake the Idaho potatoes until tender. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling.
2
Once cooled, dice the baked potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth; set aside.
4
In a skillet, fry the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, let it cool on paper towels and then crumble it into small pieces.
5
Add the crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper to the diced potatoes in the mixing bowl.
6
Gently fold in the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
7
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Serve cold, garnished with additional chives or bacon if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loaded Baked Potato Salad?
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a creamy side dish that combines the ingredients of a classic loaded baked potato—such as bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream—with tender baked Idaho potatoes.
What kind of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 6 Idaho potatoes to provide the authentic texture and flavor of a baked potato.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions recommend baking the potatoes first and then allowing them to cool slightly before peeling.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The creamy dressing is made from an equal mix of 2/3 cup mayonnaise and 2/3 cup sour cream.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese for the best flavor profile.
Are there fresh herbs in this salad?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives to add a bright, onion-like flavor.
Can I boil the potatoes instead of baking them?
While you could boil them, baking the potatoes is recommended to achieve the specific 'loaded baked potato' flavor and texture described in the recipe.
How long should the potato salad chill before serving?
You should cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad served hot or cold?
This salad is intended to be served cold after it has been properly chilled in the refrigerator.
What seasoning is needed?
The recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the other ingredients.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, you can customize the salad with your favorite baked potato toppings to make it unique to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is described as the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, and various gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients: Idaho potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh chives, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy, let it cool on paper towels to remove excess grease, and then crumble it into small pieces.
What size should I dice the potatoes?
The potatoes should be diced into bite-sized pieces once they have cooled down from the oven.
Can I use green onions instead of chives?
While the recipe calls for fresh chives, green onions are a common and delicious substitute in loaded potato recipes.
Should the dressing be mixed separately?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing the mayonnaise and sour cream in a separate bowl until smooth before adding it to the potatoes.
How do I ensure the potatoes don't get mushy?
Gently fold in the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture until combined, rather than stirring vigorously, to keep the potato pieces intact.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional chives or extra crumbled bacon if desired.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as 'comfort food' because it brings the flavors of a warm baked potato into a creamy salad format.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires chilling for at least 30 minutes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish for parties.
What is the texture of this salad?
It is creamy due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, with contrasting textures from the tender potatoes and crispy bacon.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves straightforward baking, chopping, and mixing steps.
Can I use light mayonnaise or light sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute light versions of these ingredients, though it may slightly alter the richness of the final salad.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the raw data does not specify the exact serving count, using 6 large Idaho potatoes typically serves approximately 6 to 8 people as a side dish.
Should I salt the potatoes before baking?
The recipe doesn't specify salting during baking; salt is added 'to taste' during the final mixing phase.
What makes this 'loaded'?
It is 'loaded' because it contains all the classic toppings of a premium baked potato: bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
While not listed in the original ingredients, hard-boiled eggs are a common addition to many potato salads if you wish to customize it.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 3-4 days.