Description
A creamy, flavorful baked potato salad combining tender baked russet potatoes with sour cream, mayonnaise, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 6 medium-size)
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Add-ins
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 5 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and prick them all over with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until fork tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare potatoes: Once cooled, peel all or half of the potatoes depending on your preference for skin texture, and cut them into small pieces.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise, stirring well until smooth and blended.
- Mix potatoes with dressing: Transfer the cut potatoes into a large serving bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gradually add the sour cream and mayonnaise dressing, stirring gently to coat the potatoes evenly. You may not need all the dressing, so add it to taste.
- Add bacon, cheese, and onions: Fold in most of the cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving some bacon, onion, and cheese for garnish. Mix carefully to combine all ingredients without breaking the potatoes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the reserved bacon, green onions, and cheese on top as a finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can peel all the potatoes or just half to retain some baked potato skin texture for variety.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preferred creaminess.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to blend flavors well.
- Ensure potatoes are fully cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent sour cream from curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American