Baked Potato Salad Recipe: Creamy, Loaded & Always a Hit

Introduction & Story – Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Growing up, Sunday afternoons were sacred in our family. While most kids raced around outside, I sat in my grandmother’s warm, bustling kitchen. The smell of roasting potatoes, sizzling bacon, and creamy dressing always floated through the air. That’s where I first fell in love with the comfort of a hearty, flavorful baked potato salad recipe.

This dish is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket—only it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with all the best flavors from a loaded baked potato. Think crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s the kind of side dish that makes people hover around the bowl, fork in hand, before the main course is even served.

Unlike traditional mayo-heavy versions, this recipe blends sour cream and vinegar for balance, creating a salad that’s rich without being too heavy. It’s perfect served chilled for summer potlucks, or just slightly warm for cozy dinners at home.

At Sear Recipes, I’m all about creating meals that bring people together. Whether you’re prepping ahead or cooking for a crowd, this baked potato salad recipe is one you’ll want to bookmark. If you enjoy comforting side dishes, you might also love my Amish Potato Salad Recipe or Hellmann’s Potato Salad.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen—let’s get cooking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Makes This Baked Potato Salad Recipe a Crowd Favorite

There’s something about a baked potato salad recipe that instantly says “comfort food” with a twist. It brings together the soul of a backyard barbecue and the creaminess of a cozy home-cooked meal. Unlike the classic boiled potato salad, this version gets its bold, hearty flavor from roasted potatoes that hold their shape beautifully while soaking in all the savory goodness of the dressing.

This baked potato salad recipe isn’t just a side—it’s the star of any gathering. Whether you’re throwing burgers on the grill or prepping a simple meal prep menu for the week, this dish fits right in. Its smoky, cheesy bite with crispy bacon and zesty sour cream hits all the right notes.

One of the best parts about this baked potato salad recipe is how versatile it is. Serve it warm for fall dinners, or chilled at a picnic—either way, it stays delicious. And because the potatoes are baked, not boiled, you get more texture and flavor in every bite. A splash of apple cider vinegar brings the perfect balance and brightness to every bite.

If you enjoy classic remakes with a twist, you’ll also appreciate our Slow Cooker Meal Prep Recipes and this flavorful High Protein Pasta Recipe that pairs perfectly with this side.

This baked potato salad recipe is one you’ll want to bring to potlucks, cookouts, or simply make ahead for the week—it’s reliable, rich, and guaranteed to get people asking for seconds.

Ingredients That Make It Shine

What makes a baked potato salad recipe truly unforgettable? It’s all in the ingredients. Each component of this dish adds its own layer of flavor and texture, coming together in a creamy, savory masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

Start with starchy Russet potatoes—they’re ideal because they crisp up beautifully when baked and absorb the tangy dressing just right. Red potatoes are another great choice if you want a waxier bite that holds up well during mixing. The backbone of every baked potato salad recipe is that roasted texture—don’t skip it.

Next up: cheese. Sharp cheddar brings saltiness and depth, melting slightly when tossed with warm potatoes. Pair that with crispy bacon for smokiness and green onions for a fresh, bright crunch. These layers of texture give your baked potato salad recipe a loaded baked potato feel in every forkful.

The dressing is where the magic happens. Sour cream mixed with mayonnaise makes a velvety base, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds that zippy contrast. Want to go lighter? Greek yogurt is a great substitution without sacrificing taste.

Customizing your baked potato salad recipe is simple. Add diced pickles, hard-boiled eggs, or swap bacon for smoked tofu. If you’re planning meals ahead, this recipe also holds up beautifully—see our Slow Cooker Meal Prep Recipes for inspiration, or explore our High Protein Pasta Recipe for a protein-packed sidekick.

Whether you’re going all-in with rich ingredients or keeping it lean, the beauty of a baked potato salad recipe lies in its flexibility. It’s bold, balanced, and built to please.

Step-by-Step – How to Make the Best Baked Potato Salad

Making a baked potato salad recipe from scratch might sound complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy when you follow a few key steps. The result is a dish packed with flavor, texture, and that classic “loaded baked potato” experience in every bite.

Start by scrubbing and dicing your potatoes. For this baked potato salad recipe, roasting the potatoes is non-negotiable—it gives them a golden crust and adds a subtle smokiness you just can’t get from boiling. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a hot oven until they’re crispy on the edges and tender inside.

While the potatoes bake, prepare your mix-ins. Fry the bacon until it’s crisp, shred the cheddar cheese, and chop the green onions. These fresh, savory elements are what give this baked potato salad recipe its signature richness.

After roasting, give the potatoes a few minutes to cool before mixing. While still warm (but not hot), toss them gently with your dressing—made of sour cream, mayo, and apple cider vinegar. Doing this while the potatoes are warm allows them to soak up the flavor beautifully.

Next, gently mix in the crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions. Taste and season. Chill the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld—this step is key to a baked potato salad recipe that tastes even better the next day.

Looking to round out your meal? Pair this dish with something hearty like our Ground Beef High Protein Recipes or High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for a complete plate.

For flavor, texture, and make-ahead ease, this baked potato salad recipe wins every time.

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FAQs About This Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Nutritional Notes & Customization Impact

A single serving of this baked potato salad recipe contains approximately:

• Calories: 280–320 kcal
• Protein: 7–10g (from bacon, cheese, and sour cream)
• Fat: 18–22g
• Carbs: 20–25g

To make your baked potato salad recipe lighter or more protein-rich:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
• Choose turkey bacon or smoked tofu
• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or cottage cheese
  These swaps lower saturated fat while increasing protein and making it suitable for high-protein or lighter meal plans.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic Worth Repeating

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning your weekly meals, or just craving something comforting, this baked potato salad recipe checks all the boxes. It’s creamy but not overwhelming, loaded yet balanced, and endlessly customizable. You can serve it warm for cool-weather meals or chilled on a summer day—and each version delivers bold flavor in every bite.

I love how this baked potato salad recipe brings together familiar ingredients in a new way. It’s not just a twist on the classic potato salad—it’s a whole new experience, thanks to the roasted potatoes, rich dressing, and crispy toppings.

And the best part? It holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers. Pair it with something meaty like our Ground Beef High Protein Recipes or something lighter like this Homemade Pistachio Paste Recipe for a sweet-savory contrast.

So the next time you’re wondering what to bring to a cookout—or how to upgrade your weekly side dishes—keep this baked potato salad recipe close. It’s dependable, delicious, and destined to become a favorite in your own kitchen story.