Creamy Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe: A Homestyle Comfort Delight

Crafting a delightful cheesy potato salad brings pure comfort to your summer gatherings.

Summer picnics demand something special that everyone will adore.

Creamy potatoes mixed with rich cheese create magic on your plate.

Texture plays a crucial role in making this dish unforgettable.

Sharp cheddar and tender potatoes dance together in perfect harmony.

Cool side dishes like this always spark conversation and smiles.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through classic comfort flavors.

Come savor this irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Potato Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the potato salad cold and fresh.
• Warm gently in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.
• Mix well after storing to redistribute ingredients and restore original consistency.
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors after refrigeration.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that works great in potato salad.

• Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining a similar creamy consistency.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Mix in diced cooked bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or shredded rotisserie chicken to boost the protein content.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can make this potato salad a day ahead. The flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe Overview

• Simplify Meal Prep: This potato salad comes together quickly with minimal chopping and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with creamy cheese and rich seasonings, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary side into a memorable crowd-favorite that sparks conversation.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily swap ingredients like using different cheese types or adding crispy bacon bits, allowing personal creativity and ensuring the recipe adapts to individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad in advance and let the flavors develop in the refrigerator, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings where advance planning reduces last-minute stress.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Salad

• Potatoes: A starchy base that provides the main texture and substance of the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and tangy dressing.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a rich and savory flavor to the potato salad.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth of flavor.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that introduces a mild onion flavor and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Salad

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Boiling

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized chunks.

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

Place the potatoes in the pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook and Cool Potatoes

Boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes.

Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely at room temperature.

This cooling process helps the potatoes absorb the creamy dressing better.

Step 3: Create Creamy Flavor Base

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Dress Potato Salad

Add the cooled potato chunks to the creamy dressing.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Toss everything together, ensuring each potato piece gets evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Transfer the potato salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, creating a more delicious dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato salad from the refrigerator just before serving.

Give it a quick stir and serve chilled as a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.

Tips for Cheesy Potato Salad Success

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratio to achieve your desired consistency and richness.
• Toast smoked paprika briefly in a dry pan to intensify its smoky undertones before adding to the dressing.
• Mix in diced cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier side dish.
• Store potato salad in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.

Variation Options for Cheesy Potato Salad

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use cashew cream instead of sour cream, and swap cheddar for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same creamy dressing and cheese components.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Potato Salad

• Picnic Party Pleaser: Serve this creamy potato salad alongside grilled meats at your backyard barbecue for a crowd-pleasing side dish that complements smoky flavors perfectly.
• Comfort Lunch Companion: Pack this cheesy potato salad in a sealed container for a delightful work or school lunch that provides a satisfying midday meal with rich, tangy notes.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Present the salad in small appetizer cups or on a decorative platter garnished with extra green onions for an impressive starter that looks as good as it tastes.
• Game Day Touchdown: Bring this potato salad to potlucks or sports gatherings where its hearty cheese and creamy texture will make it an instant fan favorite among hungry guests.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Cheesy Potato Salad combines creamy potatoes with sharp cheddar and crisp bacon for a delightful side dish. Potato lovers will appreciate this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse whole potatoes in generously salted water, simmering until fork-tender at medium heat, approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. Carefully drain potatoes and allow them to cool completely to room temperature, preventing moisture from diluting the dressing.
3. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Gently cube the cooled potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
5. Fold the potato cubes into the creamy dressing, incorporating sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped green onions for added texture and zesty flavor.
6. Thoroughly mix ingredients, ensuring each potato piece is evenly coated with the rich, seasoned dressing.
7. Refrigerate the potato salad for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and restore its creamy consistency.

Notes

• Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and holding shape during boiling.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Experiment with additional cheese varieties like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar to enhance flavor complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and check mayonnaise labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg