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Savory Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon Cheddar and Chives

loaded baked potato salad - featured image

A creamy and flavorful baked potato salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, perfect for BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium baked russet potatoes, cooled
  • 68 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes and prick with a fork. Bake directly on oven rack or baking sheet for 45-55 minutes until tender. Let cool completely (about 1 hour).
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if desired.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add bacon fat if using.
  4. Peel potatoes if desired and cut into 1-inch cubes. Gently fold potatoes into the dressing, being careful not to mash.
  5. Stir in chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra chives or cheese if desired.

Notes

Bake potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for best texture. Use turkey bacon or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for healthier options. Add a splash of milk or buttermilk if salad is too thick. For a grilled variation, toss potato cubes in olive oil and grill before mixing with dressing. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Keep bacon and cheese separate if preparing early and fold in before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato salad, bacon cheddar potato salad, BBQ side dish, loaded potato salad, creamy potato salad, chives, comfort food