If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to an entirely new level, this Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures the heart of classic potato salad but then ramps it up with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives for a burst of flavor and color in every bite. Creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory, this salad never fails to steal the spotlight at picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Once you get a taste of how the simple ingredients come alive together, this recipe will become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe just right is all about a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role—potatoes bring heartiness, bacon adds that irresistible crunch and smokiness, cheddar delivers richness, and chives give a fresh, mild zing. Let’s break down exactly what you need to transform basic components into something truly memorable.
- 4 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes: These varieties hold up well after cooking and have just the right texture for salad.
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties every element together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: Brightens the salad with mild oniony freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and marry all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds savory intensity.
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled: Provides a crispy, smoky contrast in each bite.
- 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Adds creaminess and subtle flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles: Offers a pleasant crunch and vinegary punch.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Delivers a gentle bite and fresh crunch throughout the salad.
How to Make Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Cook Potatoes Until Tender
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a good pinch of salt to season the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes become fork-tender, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key to achieving the perfect texture—soft but not mushy—so your salad has that wonderfully satisfying bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
While the potatoes are cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This luscious dressing is crucial because it forms the flavor base of the salad, balancing richness with a little zing that keeps each forkful exciting. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, drain them well and let them cool just enough so they’re warm but not piping hot. This temperature is ideal because warm potatoes absorb the dressing more easily, resulting in a more flavorful salad. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing, coating each cube evenly without breaking them up. This ensures every bite delivers that creamy, tangy goodness.
Step 4: Fold in the Flavorful Mix-Ins
Now comes the fun part where the salad really starts to shine. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crisp crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced dill pickles, and sliced green onions. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor note—from the savory sharpness of cheddar to the smoky crunch of bacon, the soft richness of eggs, and the zesty kick of pickles. Stir carefully until everything is evenly distributed for maximum deliciousness.
Step 5: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting period is essential because it allows all the flavors to marry perfectly. The chill also firms up the texture a bit, which makes the salad even more enjoyable to eat. If possible, letting it rest longer only deepens the wonderful flavor complexity that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 6: Final Taste Adjustments
Before you serve, give the salad a gentle stir and taste it. This is the moment to tweak the seasoning—add extra salt, pepper, or a splash more mustard if you want a tad more tang. Getting the flavor just right at this stage ensures your potato salad hits every note perfectly for your guests or family.
Step 7: Garnish for Presentation and Extra Flavor
Sprinkle additional sliced green onions and fresh chopped chives on top right before serving. These garnishes add a vibrant pop of green that makes the salad visually irresistible and adds fresh bursts of flavor with every bite. Presentation counts, and with just a simple sprinkle, your Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe will look as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
A quick fresh sprinkle of extra chives and green onions elevates the appearance and flavor of the salad right before serving. For added flair, a small handful of crispy bacon bits on top creates an inviting, textural contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Side Dishes
This loaded potato salad pairs beautifully with classic summer barbecue fare like grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or smoked ribs. It also complements lighter dishes such as roasted vegetables or grilled fish, making it an incredibly versatile companion at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out baked potatoes or mini mason jars for individual portions. You can also spread a layer onto toasted baguette slices for a hearty appetizer or elevate the look with edible flowers or paprika sprinkled on top. Presentation is your playground!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it chilled not only preserves freshness but also allows the flavors to continue melding together, sometimes tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
Since this salad contains mayonnaise and fresh ingredients like bacon and eggs, freezing is not recommended—it can affect texture and flavor in unpleasant ways. Enjoy it fresh or within a few days for the best taste experience.
Reheating
Potato salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warmer dish, consider gently warming leftover cooked potatoes separately and adding fresh dressing and mix-ins afterward.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon golds are fantastic for their creamy texture, but russets work well too because they hold their shape nicely. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they might become too soft and mushy for this salad.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding roasted nuts or smoked paprika for a smoky depth. You can also replace bacon with vegetarian bacon alternatives to keep the crunch and flavor balance.
How far in advance can I make this potato salad?
You can prepare the salad up to one day ahead of time. Just make sure to refrigerate it well-covered to keep it fresh and flavorful. This makes it perfect for busy days or events where you want to save time in the kitchen.
Can I substitute sour cream for mayonnaise?
You sure can! Using sour cream or a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise will give the salad a tangier, lighter profile. Just adjust the quantities to taste and be mindful the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?
For perfectly crisp bacon, cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until golden and crispy. Alternatively, baking bacon on a sheet pan in the oven can give you even, hands-off results. Drain well on paper towels before crumbling.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably satisfying about a Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives Recipe that hits all the right notes from creamy to crunchy and fresh to smoky. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or making it for a comforting family dinner, this salad is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite. Don’t wait to give it a try—the perfect balance of ingredients and flavors awaits!
