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Best Loaded BBQ Baked Potato Salad Recipe – Easy Side Dish

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This Loaded Backyard BBQ Baked Potato Salad is a creamy, smoky, and crowd-pleasing side dish that tastes like a loaded baked potato without the mayo. Made with baked potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy sour cream dressing, it’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry. Prick each potato 6-8 times with a fork.
  2. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, until tender when squeezed gently. Let them cool completely.
  3. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon.
  4. Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized cubes (about ¾ inch), leaving the skins on.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Greek yogurt, reserved bacon fat, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold until evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Just before serving, garnish with extra green onion tops and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and the texture improves. If making ahead, bake the potatoes and cook the bacon the night before, then assemble the salad an hour before serving. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato salad, BBQ potato salad, no mayo potato salad, summer side dish, cookout recipe, bacon cheddar potato salad

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/best-loaded-bbq-baked-potato-salad-recipe-easy-side-dish/