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Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Cheddar Delight

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A creamy, tangy, and cheesy potato salad that transforms leftover baked potatoes into a comforting and addictive dish with ranch dressing, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large baking potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. (Optional: Microwave potatoes for 8-10 minutes first, then finish in the oven for crispy skin.)
  2. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until crisp. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble when cool.
  3. Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins (some skin left adds texture). Cut potatoes into bite-sized cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions to the potatoes. Toss gently to combine.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Fold carefully to coat all cubes and mix-ins without mashing the potatoes.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (15 minutes if short on time).
  8. Before serving, gently stir the salad and taste again. Add extra salt or ranch if needed.

Notes

If salad feels dry, add a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing. Crisp bacon is essential for best flavor. Chilling the salad helps flavors meld and improves taste. You can bake bacon in the oven on a foil-lined tray to reduce cleanup. Avoid over-mixing to keep potato cubes intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato salad, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, bacon, potato salad, comfort food, easy potato salad, homemade ranch

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