Dreamy Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Tucking into a creamy cheesy potato salad promises pure comfort on lazy summer afternoons.

Crisp vegetables and melted cheese create an irresistible harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Potatoes absorb rich, tangy dressings like eager sponges waiting to surprise you.

Unexpected ingredients bring delightful twists to this classic side dish that everyone craves.

Simple preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in minutes without stress.

Creamy textures and bold cheese notes guarantee smiles around any picnic table or backyard gathering.

One bite will convince you this isn’t just another ordinary potato salad – it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen.

Cheesy Potato Salad: Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, chill, and serve – no complicated techniques required, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Favorite: Great for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings, this potato salad transitions seamlessly from casual weeknight dinners to weekend celebrations.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like diced ham, swapping cheese types, or making it vegetarian by omitting bacon.

Ingredients That Make Cheesy Potato Salad Special

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty foundation of this classic salad.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth texture to the dressing.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a bold, savory flavor and creamy texture.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy, salty additions that bring a smoky depth to the potato salad.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a subtle sharpness and color.

• Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green garnish and light herbal note.

How to Prepare Cheesy Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes to Perfection

Place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Cook until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically taking 10-12 minutes.

Once done, drain the potatoes and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Base

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, velvety dressing with no lumps.

Step 3: Combine Tasty Mix-Ins

• Cooled potato chunks
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy bacon bits

Stir carefully to ensure every potato piece gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delectable dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

This adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herb flavor to your cheesy potato salad.

Tips to Maximize Cheesy Potato Salad Flavor

• Let potatoes cool completely to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking and becoming runny.
• Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better in potato salad.
• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat mayonnaise.
• Add extra tang by mixing in a splash of apple cider vinegar or pickle juice to the dressing for depth of flavor.

Flavorful Additions to Try with Cheesy Potato Salad

• Vegan Potato Harmony: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, swap cheese with nutritional yeast, use tempeh bacon bits instead of traditional bacon.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Add fresh dill, chives, and tarragon for an aromatic herb-packed version that elevates the traditional potato salad profile.
• Greek-Inspired Option: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, mix in crumbled feta cheese, include chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano for Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, use Greek yogurt as base, keep cheese and bacon for protein-rich, keto-friendly side dish.

Side Dishes That Complement Cheesy Potato Salad

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Serve on a large wooden board with extra crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top, creating a rustic and inviting presentation that screams summer gathering.
• Backyard BBQ Buddy: Pair with grilled meats like hamburgers or barbecue chicken, letting the creamy salad complement the smoky flavors of your main dish.
• Potluck Star: Transport in a sealed container and bring as a crowd-pleasing side that stays cool and delicious, perfect for outdoor events where everyone shares their favorite recipes.
• Brunch Brilliance: Top with a soft-boiled egg and extra green onions for a hearty breakfast-style twist that transforms the classic potato salad into a more substantial morning meal.

Best Storage Tips for Cheesy Potato Salad

• Refrigerate leftover potato salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the salad in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to ensure consistent temperature.
• Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain the salad's original flavor.
• Before reheating, gently stir the salad to redistribute the dressing and restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while adding extra protein to the potato salad.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your bacon bits and mustard to ensure they don’t contain gluten. For a guaranteed gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free ingredients.

• How long can the cheesy potato salad stay fresh?

The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Creamy Potato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato salad brings Southern comfort to your summer picnic table. Crisp bacon, tangy cheddar, and fresh herbs combine for a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll want to share at gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) chopped bacon bits

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped green onions
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Immerse diced potatoes in heavily salted water, cooking until fork-tender within 10-12 minutes at medium-high heat. Thoroughly drain and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Gently fold cooled potato chunks into the creamy dressing, ensuring delicate integration without mashing the potatoes.
4. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, and crispy bacon bits, stirring with a light touch to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Refrigerate the potato salad for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious profile.
6. Prior to serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic garnish that enhances visual appeal and adds a subtle herbal note.

Notes

• Customize the potatoes by using waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture and better holding shape.
• Enhance flavor by adding crispy bacon just before serving to maintain crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
• Swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-rich alternative that reduces calories without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing bacon with smoked paprika or roasted sunflower seeds for a similar smoky, crunchy element.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg