Introduction
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious twist on a classic side dish. It combines all the flavors of a loaded baked potato, including bacon, cheese, and green onions, with the creamy texture of a potato salad. This dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family with a unique and flavorful dish. Whether you’re a potato salad lover or just looking for something different to add to your menu, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make Loaded Baked Potato Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these steps to make Loaded Baked Potato Salad:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the baking potatoes.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour or until tender.
3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the cubed potatoes to the bowl and gently fold them into the mayonnaise mixture until evenly coated.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve the Loaded Baked Potato Salad chilled and garnish with additional green onions and bacon, if desired.
Variations
There are many ways to customize Loaded Baked Potato Salad to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add diced red bell pepper or jalapenos for a touch of heat.
– Mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for an extra tangy flavor.
– Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to lighten up the dish.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or blue cheese.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Salad turns out perfectly:
– Be sure to bake the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Undercooked potatoes will be hard and not enjoyable to eat.
– Let the potatoes cool slightly before cutting them into cubes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent burning yourself.
– If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more mayonnaise and sour cream to the dressing mixture.
– For a smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the dressing.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best elements of a loaded baked potato and a classic potato salad. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, tangy cheese, and fresh green onions, it’s a flavorful twist on a traditional favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try, and watch as your friends and family ask for seconds!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can make Loaded Baked Potato Salad in advance. Simply prepare the salad as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use russet potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes, russet potatoes are a great choice for making Loaded Baked Potato Salad. They have a fluffy texture that works well in this dish.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer. It will still add a delicious smoky flavor to the salad.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious twist on a classic side dish, combining the flavors of a loaded baked potato with the creaminess of a potato salad. With ingredients like bacon, cheese, and green onions, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the baking potatoes.
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Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Bake the potatoes for about 1 hour or until tender.
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Let the potatoes cool, then cut them into bite-sized cubes.
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cubed potatoes to the bowl and fold them into the mixture.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Serve chilled and garnish with additional green onions and bacon.
