Zesty Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Summer Bliss

Potato salad takes on a delightful twist with this cheesy potato salad that promises pure comfort.

Creamy chunks of spuds mingle with sharp cheddar and tangy herbs.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.

Summer picnics and backyard gatherings just got more exciting with this irresistible side.

Crisp bacon bits and green onions add texture and depth to every forkful.

Each bite delivers a symphony of rich, melty goodness that you’ll absolutely adore.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate potluck showstopper that everyone will request again and again.

How to Mix and Chill Cheesy Potato Salad Just Right

• Avoid overcooking by testing potato tenderness with a fork at 10-minute mark and immediately draining to stop cooking process.
• Let potatoes cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent complete melting and maintain cheese texture.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon for lighter version or use vegetarian bacon bits for meat-free alternative.
• Refrigerate salad for minimum one hour to allow ingredients to blend and enhance overall taste profile.
• Serve chilled for best texture and keep salad cold during outdoor events by nesting serving bowl in larger bowl filled with ice.

Save Cheesy Potato Salad In The Fridge

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, keeping the salad fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the salad to minimize moisture and maintain creamy texture.
• Gently warm small portions in the microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent cheese from becoming oily.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, stir in a tablespoon of fresh mayonnaise to restore creamy consistency and revive the flavors.

Side Kicks for Cheesy Potato Salad

• Pair Zesty Chilled Beer with Creamy Potato Salad: A crisp, light lager or pilsner cuts through the richness of the cheesy potato salad, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Complement with Grilled Protein Sidekick: Serve alongside barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or grilled steak to balance the salad's creamy texture and create a complete summer meal experience.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw Companion: A vinegar-based coleslaw provides a sharp, crunchy contrast to the smooth, cheesy potato salad, adding a refreshing layer of flavor and texture.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the salad's creamy and rich profile, cleansing the palate between bites.

Potato Salad with Cheese and Herb Variations

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, swap sour cream for cashew cream, use plant-based cheese shreds, and substitute bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Add fresh dill, chives, and tarragon to amplify herbal flavors. Mix in roasted garlic for deeper complexity and use smoked gouda instead of cheddar.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Keep the creamy dressing and cheese, but reduce carbohydrate content for keto-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. Use Greek yogurt in the dressing and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• Can I make this potato salad without bacon?

Yes, you can easily omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. The salad will still be delicious with the creamy dressing and cheese.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that works perfectly in potato salad.

• How long can I keep this potato salad in the refrigerator?

The potato salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled blue cheese can be great alternatives that will add unique flavor to the potato salad.

Potato Salad That’s Full Of Flavor And Bite

• Customize with Ease: Swap bacon for ham or skip it entirely, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare this delicious potato salad in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic potato salad with irresistible cheesy goodness, guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, barbecues, and summer picnics.
• Simple Skill Level: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic cooking skills, minimal ingredients, and straightforward preparation steps that anyone can master.

Cheesy Potato Salad What You’ll Need

• Red Potatoes: Waxy and firm potatoes that hold their shape well in salads, perfect for a hearty texture.
• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create a creamy consistency when mixed.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that adds rich flavor and melts beautifully.
• Sour Cream: Creamy base that provides a smooth, tangy backdrop for the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Helps bind ingredients and creates a silky, rich dressing.

• Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and bright green color.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy, salty addition that provides a smoky crunch.
• Fresh Chives: Delicate herb that offers a subtle onion-like flavor and elegant garnish.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall taste profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, slightly spicy undertone to the dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor without raw garlic texture.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe Overview

Step 1: Preparing Potatoes

Wash and chop potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes.

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and carefully drop potato cubes into the bubbling water.

Cook potatoes until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, typically around 10-12 minutes.

Once cooked, drain potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Creating Creamy Dressing

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together smooth mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Blend these ingredients until they form a consistent, creamy mixture with no lumps.

Step 3: Mixing Potato Salad

Gently incorporate the cooled potato cubes into the creamy dressing.

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy bacon bits

Stir the ingredients carefully to ensure every potato piece gets coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 4: Chilling the Salad

Transfer the potato salad to a sealed container and place in the refrigerator.

Allow the flavors to meld and develop for at least one hour before serving.

Step 5: Serving with Flair

Right before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy, cheesy potato salad.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesy potato salad brings summer potluck magic to your table with irresistible comfort. Crisp herbs and tangy dressing meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll want to share at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Garnish and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Submerge diced potatoes in generously salted water, simmering until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Incorporate the slightly cooled potatoes into the dressing, gently folding to ensure even coating without breaking potato pieces.
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese, creating pockets of melty richness throughout the salad.
5. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and finely chopped green onions, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
6. Refrigerate the potato salad for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive taste profile.
7. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch and enhance visual appeal.
8. Serve chilled, offering a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and savory elements in each spoonful.

Notes

• Opt for waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain their shape and prevent turning mushy during boiling.
• Cook potatoes just until fork-tender to avoid becoming too soft or falling apart when mixing with other ingredients.
• Allow potatoes to cool slightly before mixing to prevent the cheese from melting completely and maintain distinct texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8