Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheese, and Fresh Herbs Step by Step guide

This Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheese, and Fresh Herbs is the ultimate side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon, this gluten-free potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any main course!

Introduction

If you’re searching for a potato salad recipe that goes far beyond the ordinary, this Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheese, and Fresh Herbs is the one to try. Unlike traditional mayo-heavy versions, this salad combines creamy sour cream, sharp cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs for a flavor-packed dish everyone will love. Perfect for summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, or even as a make-ahead lunch, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free with simple swaps.

This is comfort food at its best—hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked potatoes (red or Yukon gold, skin optional, cut into chunks)
• ⅓ cup cooked, chopped bacon
• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh scallions or chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Potatoes – Wash the potatoes well. Place in a pot with 2 inches of water and boil until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly. (Peeling optional.)
2. Chop & Cool – Once cooled, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add Flavor Mix-ins – Stir in chopped bacon, scallions (or chives), fresh parsley/thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, shredded cheese, and minced garlic until creamy.
5. Combine Everything – Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently stir until well-coated.
6. Chill & Serve – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs. Garnish with extra bacon and herbs for presentation.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make Ahead: Cook the potatoes the night before, refrigerate, and assemble with other ingredients just before serving.
• Food Safety Tip: On warm days, do not leave potato salad out longer than 2 hours. Discard any leftovers that have sat at room temperature too long.

Instructions (Quick Reference Card)

▢ Wash the potatoes, boil until tender, and chop into chunks.
▢ Drain and rinse with cold water; let cool.
▢ In a bowl, combine potatoes, bacon, scallions, herbs, salt, and pepper.
▢ In another bowl, whisk sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
▢ Mix dressing into potato mixture until coated.
▢ Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

This recipe works best with waxy potatoes such as red potatoes or Yukon gold, as they hold their shape better than starchy potatoes like russets. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin adds extra fiber and nutrients.

For a lighter option, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and dairy-free sour cream. If you prefer more tang, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.

This salad is extremely versatile—you can easily customize it by adding hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or even jalapeños for extra kick!

Special Notes

Every batch of potato salad may vary slightly depending on potato type and freshness of herbs. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor, so don’t skip them.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 cup)

• Calories: 282 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 16mg
• Sodium: 364mg
• Potassium: 489mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 116 IU
• Vitamin C: 11mg
• Calcium: 47mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight.

2. Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No—peeling is optional. The skins add extra nutrients and texture.

3. Can I serve this warm?
Yes! While traditionally served cold, it can also be served warm right after mixing for a cozier dish.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and cheese are gluten-free certified.

Disclaimer

This recipe is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies.