Loaded Potato Salad

This Loaded Potato Salad is everything you love about a loaded baked potato—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of bold flavor—all tossed into one irresistible side dish. It’s packed with tender potatoes, melted cheddar, crispy beef bacon or seasoned ground beef, tangy sour cream dressing, and fresh green onions. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleasing upgrade to traditional potato salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Savory – A rich dressing made with sour cream and mayo adds indulgent flavor.
Loaded with Goodies – Every bite has cheese, beef, and fresh herbs.
Perfect Make-Ahead – Flavors deepen as it chills, making it even better the next day.
Party-Perfect – A showstopper side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or holidays.
Easy to Customize – Swap in your favorite toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potato Salad:

• 3 lbs baby red or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled beef bacon or seasoned ground beef
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot
Mixing bowls
Colander
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Serving bowl or platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Add chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water.
Season water with salt and bring to a boil.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Beef or Bacon
While the potatoes cook, prepare the beef bacon or ground beef.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook until browned and crisp.
Drain excess grease and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the dressing bowl and gently mix to coat.
Stir in crumbled beef, shredded cheddar, and green onions.
Fold gently to avoid breaking the potatoes too much.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl.
Top with a sprinkle of extra cheese, beef crumbles, green onions, and parsley.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, or serve slightly warm if preferred.

Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Salad
Use Waxy Potatoes – Red or Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape and have a creamy texture.
Mix While Warm – Warm potatoes absorb the dressing better and become more flavorful.
Add a Kick – Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Don’t Skip the Chill – If serving cold, let it chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
Balance the Cream – Adjust sour cream and mayo to your desired creaminess.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Favorites – Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or ribs.
Holiday Side – Great addition to holiday feasts or buffet-style meals.
Make It a Meal – Add chopped boiled eggs or extra beef for a hearty lunch.
Taco Night Side – Add Tex-Mex flair with corn, black beans, or pepper jack cheese.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and toppings.

Make Ahead:

• Can be made 1–2 days in advance.
• Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes, Yukon gold, or fingerling varieties work best for this salad.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just omit the beef or use a plant-based alternative.

3. Is it better warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways! Serve warm for cozy comfort, or chilled for a refreshing summer side.

4. How do I lighten the dressing?
Use light sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a reduced-fat mayo to cut back on calories.

5. What other toppings can I add?
Try chopped pickles, crispy onions, jalapeños, or roasted garlic for more flavor layers.

Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato Salad is the ultimate side dish—bold, creamy, and full of everything you love about a loaded baked potato. Whether served warm or cold, it’s always a hit and fits right in at every gathering, from summer BBQs to holiday tables. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to plain old potato salad again.

Whip it up, share it with friends, and don’t forget to snap a pic—because this one’s worthy of the spotlight!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

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