Dreamy Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy potato salad brings pure comfort to any gathering.

potato chunks nestled with creamy cheese create a delightful twist on classic side dishes.

Summer picnics and backyard barbecues sparkle with this irresistible recipe.

Crisp bacon bits and sharp cheddar add unexpected flavor dimensions.

Zesty green onions provide a fresh crunch that makes each bite exciting.

Cold and tangy, this crowd-pleasing dish connects people through shared culinary joy.

You’ll want to make extra for second helpings.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that blends perfectly with the cheese and dressing.

• Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend and develop more depth.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Is this dish good for potlucks or picnics?

Yes, this cheesy potato salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings since it’s easy to transport and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Cheesy Potato Salad That Everyone Loves

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy potato salad that brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures.
• Super Simple Preparation: Master this recipe with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic chopping and mixing techniques that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, this dish travels well and keeps guests coming back for seconds with its delicious combination of potatoes, cheese, and creamy dressing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad in advance, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify, making meal planning and entertaining a breeze without last-minute stress.

Ingredients Needed For Cheesy Potato Salad

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the base and hearty texture for the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor and melty goodness.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together and provides smooth consistency.

• Sour Cream, Dijon Mustard: Tangy ingredients that add depth and zesty notes to the salad.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.

How To Make Cheesy Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potato Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in the potatoes and let them bubble away until they’re soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, typically around 10-12 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Zesty Dijon mustard

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 3: Mix and Marry Ingredients

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Crisp green onions

Toss until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the salad rest and mingle for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and deepen.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the potato salad and serve it chilled or at room temperature. Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible, cheesy potato masterpiece.

Enhancing Cheesy Potato Salad Flavors

• Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy, smooth texture that holds together perfectly.
• Rinse potatoes in cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring a firm bite.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
• Enhance the salad's richness by adding crispy bacon bits or chopped chives for extra depth and crunch.
• Make this dish ahead of time and let it sit overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors that everyone will love.

Creative Takes On Cheesy Potato Salad

• Vegan Potato Patch: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, swap sour cream for cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Add fresh dill, chopped chives, and parsley to boost herbal notes and create a brighter flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of chili powder for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets while keeping the creamy cheese sauce intact.

Side Ideas For Cheesy Potato Salad

• Backyard Barbecue Buddy: Serve alongside grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken for a creamy, cheesy side that complements smoky flavors perfectly.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics where cool, tangy potato salad becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Gourmet Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and sliced deli sandwiches for a satisfying midday meal that balances creamy textures and rich cheese notes.
• Tailgate Champion: Prepare ahead and transport in a cooler for sports events, offering a hearty and delicious dish that keeps fans fueled and happy during game day celebrations.

Storing Cheesy Potato Salad Correctly

• Store leftover cheesy potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the salad sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
• Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become watery when thawed.
• Restore freshness by gently stirring before serving and adding a small splash of mayo if the salad seems dry.

Creamy Potato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato salad brings together classic comfort ingredients with a zesty twist. Crisp bacon and sharp cheddar create a memorable side dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) baby potatoes, quartered
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped green onions

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, carefully adding potatoes to cook until they can be easily pierced with a fork, approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes completely and allow them to cool to room temperature, preventing moisture from diluting the creamy dressing.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth and tangy base for the salad.
4. Season the creamy mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
5. Gently fold the cooled potato chunks into the dressing, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped green onions, distributing them throughout the salad for balanced flavor and texture.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
8. Before serving, give the salad a light stir and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to slightly soften the cheese and enhance the flavors.
9. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a delightful side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.

Notes

• Customize the potato variety for different textures, with waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold holding shape better in the salad.
• Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent bite throughout the dish.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding crispy bacon bits or chopped pickles for extra crunch and tanginess.
• Make the recipe lighter by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, reducing calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg