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Creamy Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad (Easy Summer Side)

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This creamy loaded bacon ranch potato salad takes everything you love about a fully loaded baked potato and turns it into a cold, creamy, scoopable side dish. It’s the ultimate summer cookout and potluck recipe that disappears fast and gets asked for by name.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tablespoon bacon fat, reserved
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with cold water and add salt and white vinegar. Cut baby Yukon Gold potatoes in half (or quarters if large). Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes.
  2. While potatoes boil, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until deeply browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Once cool, chop bacon into small pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  4. While potatoes are still warm, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle reserved bacon fat over warm potatoes and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped chives to the bowl. Pour ranch dressing over everything. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until all potatoes are coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, stir gently. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with reserved bacon, cheese, and chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but hold their shape. Let potatoes steam dry after draining to avoid watery dressing. Season in layers: bacon fat on warm potatoes, then dressing. Use room temperature ingredients for dressing. Make ahead for best flavor. Don’t skip vinegar in boiling water.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-loaded-bacon-ranch-potato-salad-easy-summer-side/