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Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

loaded potato salad with bacon and cheddar - featured image

A quick and easy loaded potato salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 115g)
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 34 green onions, sliced thin
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (180ml)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, turning occasionally—about 8-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour improves flavor and texture. Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for extra crispiness. Gently fold ingredients to keep potato chunks intact. Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use avocado mayo for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, cheddar, summer BBQ, side dish, comfort food, easy recipe