Loaded Potato Salad
Loaded Potato Salad (Steakhouse Style Potato Salad)
This loaded potato salad is rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato. Tender potatoes are tossed with sour cream, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and savory seasonings to create the ultimate steakhouse-style side dish.
Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, holidays, potlucks, or family dinners, this potato salad is hearty, flavorful, and always one of the first dishes to disappear.
If you love loaded baked potatoes, you’re going to love this creamy, cheesy version turned into a cold potato salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor
- Perfect steakhouse-style side dish
- Easy to make ahead
- Great for BBQs and potlucks
- Packed with bacon, cheese, and sour cream
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Place cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 10–15 minutes.
Drain and allow potatoes to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Potato Salad
Add cooled potatoes to the bowl.
Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions if using.
Gently stir until potatoes are evenly coated.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
5. Serve
Top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions before serving if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Tips for Best Results
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes
You want them fork tender but not falling apart.
Let Potatoes Cool Slightly
Warm potatoes absorb flavor better, but overly hot potatoes can melt the dressing too much.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon
It adds the best texture and flavor.
Chill Before Serving
The flavor gets even better after chilling.
Variations
Add Ranch Flavor
Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning.
Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Add Extra Texture
Mix in diced celery or red onion.
Steakhouse Version
Top with extra bacon and cracked black pepper before serving.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This is one of those side dishes that always disappears fast no matter where you take it. It’s basically everything people love about loaded baked potatoes turned into a creamy potato salad.
I love making this for cookouts and family dinners because it feels hearty and comforting without being complicated. The bacon, cheese, and sour cream together make it taste like something you’d order at a steakhouse.
What to Serve With Loaded Potato Salad
- Grilled steak
- BBQ chicken
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
Storage
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Do not freeze
- Stir before serving if needed
This loaded potato salad is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with bold steakhouse flavor. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines everything people love about loaded baked potatoes into one delicious recipe.
