Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a delicious twist on traditional potato salad, incorporating all the flavors of a fully loaded baked potato. It's a hearty and savory dish that combines tender potatoes with creamy dressing, cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), cooked, peeled, and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. Let them cool, then peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Place the cubed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream and ½ cup of mayonnaise. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to taste. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the dressing over the cubed potatoes. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the crumbled bacon, and ¼ cup of chopped green onions. If using fresh dill, add it as well. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the potatoes are well coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the potato salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. You can garnish with additional cheese, bacon, green onions, or dill for presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
Loaded Baked Potato Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread. It's a great addition to summer barbecues or family gatherings.
Tips:
- Potato Choice: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
- Cooking Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are not overcooked to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Variations: You can customize the salad by adding ingredients like chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, or chopped pickles.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes for boiling potatoes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (varies based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 10-15g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the ingredients used
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the comfort of a baked potato into a convenient salad form. It's a crowd-pleaser with its combination of creamy dressing, cheese, bacon, and potatoes, making it a perfect choice for any casual dining occasion. Enjoy this hearty and delicious twist on classic potato salad!
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