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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon Ranch

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A creamy, comforting potato salad made with baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks and quick gatherings, this salad offers a fluffy texture and smoky flavor that stands out from traditional potato salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 medium russet baked potatoes
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash and dry potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake directly on oven rack or baking sheet for 45-60 minutes until tender. Alternatively, microwave each potato for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway. Let cool.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels or wire rack and crumble once cooled.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Thinly slice green onions and chop chives. Shred cheddar cheese and set aside.
  5. Peel cooled baked potatoes and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes, being gentle to keep cubes intact.
  6. Gently fold potato cubes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, and chives into the dressing mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra bacon bits and chives if desired.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for best fluffy texture. Be gentle when cubing and mixing to avoid mushy salad. Bacon fat should be drained well to prevent greasiness. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding. For creamier salad, add extra sour cream or mayonnaise. Splash milk if dressing is too thick. Variations include vegetarian (skip bacon), low-carb (use roasted cauliflower), and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, baked potato salad, bacon ranch, creamy potato salad, loaded potato salad, easy potato salad, summer salad, picnic side dish

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-salad-with-bacon-ranch-easy-recipe/