BBQ Baby Shower Loaded Salad (Print Version)

Smoky potato salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, tangy BBQ, and fresh herbs for any occasion.

# Components:

→ Potatoes

01 - 3 lbs baby potatoes, washed and halved
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Dressing

04 - 3/4 cup sour cream
05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, smoky or sweet style
07 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

10 - 5 oz smoked bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 4 scallions, thinly sliced
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and golden. Allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled roasted potatoes to the dressing mixture. Gently toss to coat all potato pieces evenly.
04 - Fold in chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions, chives, parsley, and red onion, reserving a portion of each ingredient for garnish.
05 - Transfer mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with reserved bacon, cheese, scallions, and fresh herbs.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It actually tastes exciting—smoky, tangy, and loaded with texture in every bite, not like an afterthought side dish.
  • You can make it a full day ahead, which means less stress when you're hosting or heading to an event.
  • It feeds a crowd without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients you'll never use again.
02 -
  • Never add the dressing to warm potatoes—they'll absorb too much of it and become mushy, defeating the whole purpose.
  • If you're making this ahead, don't add the fresh herbs until right before serving; they'll wilt and lose their brightness if left sitting too long.
03 -
  • Reserve a handful of toppings before folding everything together—the fresh garnish on top is what makes people stop and notice the detail you put in.
  • If you're bringing this to an outdoor event, pack the garnishes separately and add them right before serving so they stay vibrant and crisp.
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