Tangy Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe: A Family Favorite Side

Potato salad takes an unexpected, creamy twist with this cheesy potato salad that promises pure comfort.

Crisp summer gatherings demand something special beyond ordinary side dishes.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for tender potato chunks.

Sharp cheddar and smooth mayonnaise blend into a decadent mixture that’ll make mouths water.

Russet potatoes provide the perfect canvas for this indulgent recipe.

Fresh chives and a sprinkle of paprika add vibrant color and depth.

Let this irresistible dish become the star of your next picnic or potluck.

Flavor Options For Cheesy Potato Salad

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Salad: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Greek-Style Potato Salad: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano.
• Herb Garden Potato Salad: Mix in fresh chopped dill, parsley, and chives for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Mediterranean Potato Salad: Incorporate kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Best Foods To Serve With Potato Salad

• Picnic Perfect Potato Bliss: Pack this creamy salad in portable containers for outdoor gatherings. Seal tightly and keep chilled in a cooler for maximum freshness and flavor explosion.
• Backyard BBQ Companion: Serve alongside grilled meats as a delectable side dish. The cheesy, bacon-studded potatoes complement smoky barbecue flavors beautifully.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Prepare in a large serving bowl for sports watching parties. Guests will love the hearty combination of potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon bits.
• Gourmet Lunch Addition: Transform this salad into an elegant lunch by serving on a bed of mixed greens. Garnish with extra chopped green onions for a touch of sophistication.

How To Store Cheesy Potato Salad Properly

• Store the cheesy potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Do not freeze this potato salad, as the mayonnaise and sour cream will separate and become watery, ruining the creamy texture.
• Always keep the salad refrigerated and serve directly from the cold, ensuring the best taste and food safety.
• If the salad seems dry after storage, gently stir in a small amount of additional mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gouda, or colby jack for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

• Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, crispy fried onions, or roasted sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from becoming mushy?

Choose waxy potato varieties like red potatoes or yukon gold, and be careful not to overcook them. Test with a fork and drain immediately when they’re just tender to maintain their shape.

• Can I prepare this potato salad in advance?

Yes, this recipe can be made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

What Makes Cheesy Potato Salad Great

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Dive into a delightful pasta experience that combines tender chicken with rich, creamy white cheddar sauce for the ultimate comfort food.
• Simplify Your Cooking: Master this straightforward recipe with basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults, transforming a simple dinner into a memorable family gathering.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in just a few minutes, solving the eternal question of what to cook when time is short and hunger is high.

Ingredients Inside Cheesy Potato Salad

• Potatoes: A hearty and creamy foundation that provides the main texture and substance of the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that bind the salad and add rich, tangy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings a bold, savory taste and adds extra richness to the dish.

• Dijon Mustard: A zesty condiment that adds depth and a slight kick to the dressing.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides a subtle sharpness and bright color.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that introduces a smoky and indulgent element to the salad.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Steps For Making Cheesy Potato Salad

Step 1: Prep Potato Cubes

Wash and chop potatoes into uniform bite-sized chunks. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and carefully drop in potato cubes. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy, typically 10-15 minutes.

Drain potatoes in a colander and let them cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard

Whisk ingredients together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended, creating a rich, tangy base for the salad.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Stir everything together, ensuring each potato chunk gets evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Mix one final time to distribute the seasonings throughout the salad.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the potato salad to a sealed container.

Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld together. Serve cold as a delightful side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.

Practical Tips On Cheesy Potato Salad

• Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and creaminess in your potato salad.
• Crisp the bacon separately to maintain its crunchiness, preventing it from getting soggy when mixed with the creamy dressing.
• Allow potatoes to cool completely before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing bacon with crispy roasted nuts or smoked paprika for added depth and crunch.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Signature cheesy potato salad blends creamy textures with zesty flavors from classic ingredients. Rich and comforting, this dish connects familiar tastes that pull you into a memorable culinary experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) crumbled bacon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Submerge diced potatoes in generously salted water, simmering until fork-tender at 212°F for approximately 12-14 minutes.
2. Carefully drain potatoes and allow them to cool to room temperature, preventing soggy texture.
3. Whisk creamy base ingredients together in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring silky consistency without lumps.
4. Incorporate cooled potato cubes into the zesty mixture, gently folding to maintain potato integrity.
5. Sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon bits, shredded sharp cheddar, and finely chopped green onions throughout the salad.
6. Delicately fold all components, guaranteeing even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
7. Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal preference.
8. Refrigerate the potato medley for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious profile.
9. Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients and ensure optimal taste experience.

Notes

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture and flavor, as they hold their shape well during boiling.
• Allow potatoes to cool completely before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking and becoming oily.
• For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy richness.
• Crisp the bacon separately and add just before serving to keep its crunch and prevent soggy texture in the salad.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg