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Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon and Ranch

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A quick and easy potato salad featuring crispy baked potato cubes, smoky bacon, fresh scallions, shredded cheddar, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for BBQs and potlucks with a satisfying crunch and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 900 grams), diced into 1-inch cubes with skin on
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until very crispy and chopped
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3–4 stalks green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (about 30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: diced red bell pepper, splash of apple cider vinegar in ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes, leaving skin on.
  3. Toss potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
  6. While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  7. If making homemade ranch, whisk together mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
  8. Let baked potatoes cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
  9. In a large bowl, gently toss potatoes, bacon bits, ranch dressing, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve slightly warm if preferred.

Notes

For extra crispiness, toss potatoes in a hot skillet with a little oil after baking. Be gentle when mixing to keep potato cubes intact. Bacon can be oven-baked on a wire rack for even crispiness. Salad can be made ahead and chilled; add cheese and scallions just before serving for best texture. Leftovers can be reheated under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, baked potato salad, bacon, ranch dressing, BBQ side dish, crispy potato salad, loaded potato salad

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-loaded-baked-potato-salad-with-bacon-and-ranch-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/