Loaded Baked Potato Salad

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Creamy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor, this Loaded Baked Potato Salad is the side dish you never knew you needed. Think of everything you love about a loaded baked potato—crispy bacon, melted cheddar, cool sour cream, and green onions—all tossed together with tender chunks of potato in a perfectly seasoned dressing. It’s like the best parts of a barbecue and a comfort-food night combined in one bowl.

Whether you’re planning a cookout, a potluck, or just need a killer side for grilled meats, this dish fits right in. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, gets better as it chills, and it’s guaranteed to get recipe requests. Let’s dive into the creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Salad

You’re not just making a potato salad. You’re making a celebration of all things comforting and delicious. This version skips the typical mayo-only base and uses a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise for a richer, tangier dressing. The crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky depth, while the cheese melts ever so slightly into the warm potatoes. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, and the green onions bring the perfect bite of freshness.

Can I Use a Different Type of Potato?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes give you that classic baked potato texture and flavor, you can also use Yukon Golds for a buttery feel or red potatoes for a bit more structure. Just avoid waxy varieties like fingerlings, which don’t break down as nicely when mixed.

Ingredients for the Loaded Baked Potato Salad

To make this delicious salad, you only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture.

Russet potatoes are the heart of the dish. They cook up soft and fluffy, just like a classic baked potato should.

Sour cream brings the tangy zip that balances the richness.

Mayonnaise helps create that creamy, velvety base.

Cheddar cheese melts just enough to get gooey but still holds its cheesy bite.

Cooked bacon adds salty crunch and smoky depth.

Green onions give the salad brightness and a little sharpness.

Salt and pepper keep it all seasoned just right.

How To Make the Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the russet potatoes, then bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 45 minutes or until fork-tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and cube.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop once cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Add the cubed potatoes into the dressing and gently toss to coat. Fold in the shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and sliced green onions.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold and garnish with extra bacon or cheese if you’re feeling generous.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Side Dish

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on how hungry your crowd is and what else is on the table. It makes a great addition to cookouts, game day spreads, or holiday potlucks.

To store leftovers, just place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify over time, so it might be even better the next day. If needed, stir in a spoonful of sour cream to freshen up the texture before serving.

What to Serve With Loaded Baked Potato Salad?

Grilled Burgers

The smoky bacon and creamy potatoes pair perfectly with a char-grilled burger fresh off the grill.

BBQ Ribs

Rich, fall-off-the-bone ribs need a bold sidekick. This salad holds its own.

Fried Chicken

Crunchy, juicy fried chicken and this salad are a picnic-ready match.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Keep the comfort food theme going with some buttery, charred corn.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The tangy dressing complements savory, saucy pork beautifully.

Crispy Fish Fillets

Lightly battered white fish adds contrast to the creamy richness of the salad.

Steak Kebabs

Fire-kissed cubes of steak, onions, and peppers meet their creamy soulmate.

Classic Hot Dogs

A backyard classic that gets elevated when paired with this loaded salad.

Want More Side Dish Ideas with Flavor?

If you love this Loaded Baked Potato Salad, don’t miss out on more deliciously bold side dishes:

• Try the comforting flavors of Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake.
• Add a little spice to your plate with Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls.
• Looking for more potato goodness? Loaded Tater Tots are a crunchy, melty delight.
• Bring the Southern charm with Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.
• Make it a full feast with Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the bacon? Did you try mixing in chives instead of green onions?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better, easier meals.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and bold flavor dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to craving!

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