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Creamy Loaded Potato Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Ranch

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A creamy and flavorful potato salad featuring tender Yukon Gold or red potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mayonnaise-based ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well in a colander and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, fry bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Optionally fold in half the cheddar cheese now for a sharper flavor.
  4. Add the warm potatoes to the dressing and gently fold to coat. Then fold in the chopped celery, sliced green onions, crispy bacon, and remaining cheddar cheese.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors marry. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top for a fresh touch.

Notes

Use warm potatoes when mixing with dressing to help absorb flavors better. Avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon to medium crisp for best texture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for flavors to meld. Can be made dairy-free with dairy-free ranch and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-loaded-potato-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheddar-ranch-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/