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Savory Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

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A quick and easy potato salad packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add warm potatoes to the dressing and gently fold to coat without mashing.
  5. Stir in half the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs if using. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle remaining bacon and cheddar on top.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture. Use a folding motion to mix salad to keep potato chunks intact. Crisp bacon is essential for texture contrast. Chilling for at least 1 hour enhances flavor. For a lighter version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon, cheddar, BBQ side dish, summer salad, creamy potato salad, loaded potato salad

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/savory-loaded-potato-salad-with-bacon-and-cheddar-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/