Loaded potato salad is a dish that is typically served as side dish, whether it is dinner or as part of a picnic. Loaded up with bacon, sour cream and cheese, you are going to love this loaded potato salad recipe.
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Loaded potato salad recipe is a crowd favorite, and now you can make the perfect batch to share with your family! This recipe includes bacon, green onion, and just the right amount of cheese. Once you have made this recipe for your next picnic, along with Amish Cucumber Salad or Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn, you will never want to make anything else again.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a smart option for those watching their weight or do not want to eat pork products. Turkey bacon has a slightly different flavor but it is very similar and the texture is close to the same.
Pro Tip: To keep your potato salad and other summer side dishes chilled on a warm summer day, try this Insulated Bowl Set to keep your food chilled for up to six yours. These are a must here in Florida where the summers are very warm!
What Kind of Potatoes are Best for Loaded Potato Salad?
The potatoes that I am using for this salad is red. I like to roast them in the oven first and it gives this loaded potato salad recipe an incredible flavor. By baking them in the oven first, it gives that baked potato flavor to the recipe.
Do I peel the potatoes before making potato salad?
I am not peeling the potatoes. I like the rustic flavor that it gives the potato salad. Some people prefer that the potatoes are peeled, which you can do, but in my opinion, it is best to leave the skins on the potatoes.
Can it be made ahead of time?
This loaded potato salad can be cooked ahead of time. It is best to keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It can be eaten as soon as it is done or if you are waiting until later, let it chill and it still tastes amazing.
What kind of cheese should I use in Loaded Potato Salad?
I like to use extra sharp cheddar cheese. It really does not matter what kind of cheese you decide to use, but it is important that the cheese has a sharp flavor so that it stands out and doesn’t get lost in the other flavors.
Ingredients
red potatoes
bacon
sour cream
mayonnaise
Cheddar cheese
green onions
Salt and pepper
How to Make Loaded Potato Salad
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Arrange potatoes in a single layer, in a greased rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until fork tender. Allow to cool completely.
Add the potatoes to a large bowl and gently smash with a potato masher or back of a large spoon. Be careful not to over-smash them, leaving some texture.
Stir in the bacon, grated Cheddar cheese and onion.
In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon bacon grease. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir well to combine.
Add mixture to the potatoes and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Optionally, serve topped with some additional shredded cheddar, bacon and green onions.

Loaded Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds small unpeeled red potatoes cubed
- 1 lb. sliced bacon cooked and crumbled (drippings reserved)
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer, in a greased rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until fork tender. Allow to cool completely.
- Add the potatoes to a large bowl and gently smash with a potato masher or back of a large spoon. Be careful not to over-smash them, leaving some texture.
- Stir in the bacon, grated Cheddar cheese and onion.
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon bacon grease.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and stir well to combine.
- Add mixture to the potatoes and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Optionally, serve topped with some additional shredded cheddar, bacon and green onions.
Nutrition
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