If you love comfort food with big, bold flavors, Loaded Baked Potato Salad is about to become your next obsession. Imagine all the best things about a classic baked potato—creamy goodness, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and that irresistible pop of chives—brought together in a single, crowd-pleasing salad. Perfect for picnics, grilling parties, or any time you want a side dish that steals the show, this salad is hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Salad are deliciously straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in making this dish truly magical. From the fluffy potatoes to the sharp cheddar and rich, tangy sour cream, every item matters for taste, texture, and color.

Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture helps absorb all those creamy, flavorful add-ins and holds up well after boiling.
Thick-cut Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds crunch and a savory punch that no potato salad should be without.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings richness and colorful flair, melting slightly for that perfect creamy bite.
Sour Cream: This gives the salad its signature creamy texture and tangy backbone, just like a baked potato topping.
Mayonnaise: Blending with the sour cream, mayonnaise provides a smooth, velvety finish that ties everything together.
Green Onions or Chives: Fresh and mildly zesty, they wake up the salad and add fresh, vibrant notes.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential classic seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes clean and cutting them into evenly-sized chunks—no need to peel! Boil them in salted water until they’re just fork-tender, not mushy. Once cooked, drain and let them cool completely. This is key to keeping your salad from turning gummy and for giving it that signature texture.

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

While the potatoes are cooling, cook your thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Pay attention—bacon goes from perfect to burnt in a blink! Set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into bite-sized bits once it’s cool enough to handle.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go. This creamy blend is the heart of our Loaded Baked Potato Salad, coating every bite with irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

To your bowl of dressing, gently fold in the cooled potato chunks, shredded cheddar, most of the bacon, and most of the green onions or chives. Be gentle so you don’t mash the potatoes—you want to keep those lovely, rustic chunks intact. Reserve a bit of bacon and chives for garnish.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the flavors to mingle. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the rest of the bacon, cheese, and green onions on top for maximum eye appeal and extra bursts of flavor. Grab a big spoon and dig in!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Garnishes

No bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Salad is complete without a festive finishing touch! Before serving, scatter on the reserved bacon pieces, a sprinkle of cheddar, and a handful of sliced green onions or fresh chives. A little shower of black pepper on top brings everything together—simple, yet totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This potato salad shines alongside just about anything off the grill. Pair it with smoky barbecue chicken, juicy burgers, or grilled steak for a combo that’s both comforting and exciting. It also makes a hearty side for potlucks, casual dinners, or even as a stand-alone lunch when you just can’t resist.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with your Loaded Baked Potato Salad presentation by serving it in individual mason jars for picnics or in small ramekins at parties. If you’re feeling extra, top each portion with a mini potato chip or a dollop of sour cream for that over-the-top finish. For holidays, try arranging it on a platter and swirling the garnishes in a fun pattern—people eat with their eyes first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Baked Potato Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making this a perfect make-ahead dish. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to revive its creamy texture.

Freezing

This salad’s creamy base doesn’t freeze well, as the texture turns watery when thawed. For the best flavor and consistency, it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge rather than from the freezer. If you have leftover ingredients, they’re perfect for making another batch!

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, just like traditional potato salad. If you prefer a warmer version, scoop a small serving into a microwave-safe bowl and warm gently, but keep in mind the dressing may separate a bit—fresh and chilled is truly the way to go for Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes offer the fluffiest, most authentic texture, Yukon Golds are a fantastic alternative and add a buttery flavor. Red potatoes work, too, especially if you like a firmer bite.

How can I make this salad lighter?

You can lighten up your Loaded Baked Potato Salad by swapping out full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for low-fat versions or Greek yogurt. The result will be a bit tangier but still incredibly creamy and satisfying!

Is it okay to make Loaded Baked Potato Salad a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, making the salad ahead allows the flavors to develop and meld even more. Just keep it covered in the fridge, then add your garnishes right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely. Feel free to put your own spin on this salad with extras like diced jalapeños for heat, chopped pickles for tang, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra indulgence. Customization is part of the fun!

Is Loaded Baked Potato Salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your bacon and condiments don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser for nearly any dietary restriction.

Final Thoughts

Give this Loaded Baked Potato Salad a try, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or mixing up a bowl just for yourself, be prepared for plenty of requests for seconds—and for the recipe, too!