How to Make the Best Loaded Potato Salad with Cheddar and Sour Cream

Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Chive Cream 😋😍

A creamy, cheesy, smoky twist on the classic potato salad—loaded with flavor and guaranteed to disappear fast.

If you’re looking for a side dish that everyone will rave about, this Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Chive Creamis it. Combining baby potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich sour cream and mayo dressing, this salad is cool, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether it’s for your next BBQ, game day party, or picnic, this one’s always a hit.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average potato salad. This one’s bold, creamy, and packed with texture—tender baby potatoes, crunchy bacon bits, melted cheddar, and the freshness of chives in every bite. It’s like a loaded baked potato in salad form, and it keeps getting better as it chills.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, washed and halved
• 6 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Optional Add-ins

• 1–2 chopped hard-boiled eggs
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• A handful of diced pickles or relish for tang
• A splash of hot sauce for kick

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Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes

In a large pot, cover halved baby potatoes with salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Half of the chives
  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix It All Together

Add the cooled potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat.
Fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a little of each for garnish.

4. Chill and Serve

Transfer to a serving dish.
Sprinkle the top with reserved bacon, cheddar, and chives.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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Tips for Success

• Use baby red or gold potatoes for a tender, creamy texture.
• For best results, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy for the perfect crunch.
• Add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar if you like a tangy edge.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This loaded salad plays perfectly with grilled mains and savory bites:

• Serve with Beer Cheese Dip and crackers for a killer combo.
• Pair it with Totchos for a fully loaded spread.
• Add a slice of Dorito Casserole to complete the comfort-food trio.
• Include Sheet Pan Quesadillas for game-day-worthy eats.
• Serve next to Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a bold flavor feast.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Great for meal prep—flavor improves as it sits!
• Don’t freeze—mayonnaise and sour cream don’t thaw well.
• Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• Beer Cheese Dip
• Totchos
• Dorito Casserole
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo

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Final Thoughts

Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon and Chive Cream is the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds—and the recipe. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of contrasting textures that just work. Whether you’re headed to a potluck or just want to upgrade your weeknight side, this salad delivers every time.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your spud-tacular creations! And don’t forget to follow for more bold, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipes.