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Creamy Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

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This creamy loaded bacon ranch potato salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering. With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy ranch dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6–7 medium potatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pickle relish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay bacon slices in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble into small pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease for the dressing if desired.
  2. Wash potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain immediately and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the warm potatoes. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over them and gently fold with a rubber spatula until coated. Add crumbled bacon (reserve a small handful for topping), shredded cheddar (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping), sliced green onions (reserve some green parts), and parsley. Fold gently until everything is distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Before serving, stir and add remaining dressing if it looks dry. Top with reserved bacon, cheese, and green onions.

Notes

For best flavor, let the potato salad rest overnight. Use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for the best texture. Add dressing while potatoes are warm for better absorption. If making ahead, you may need to add a splash of milk or extra dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon ranch, loaded potato salad, creamy potato salad, easy recipe, summer side dish, potluck

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