Potato salad is one of those dishes that feels like home. It shows up at picnics, backyard BBQs and summer holiday tables, but when cookbook author Matthew Bounds (@yourbarefootneighbor) introduced a fresh spin on this beloved staple, I knew this was no ordinary side dish. It’s everything you love about traditional potato salad, but with bold textures and exciting flavors that elevate it into something that feels brand new. Read on for everything you need to know about Smashed Loaded Baked Potato Salad.
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Crispy smashed loaded baked potato salad, my version of the #viral smashed potato salads I’ve been seeing lately #loadedbakedpotato #potatosalad #smashedpotatoes #viralrecipe #potatorecipe #potato #bacon #ranchdressing
♬ original sound - Your Barefoot NeighborThe process starts by boiling baby potatoes until they’re fork-tender. (You want them to be just soft enough to smash but still firm enough to hold together.) Once boiled, arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet that’s been coated with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Next, smash each potato until it's flat using the bottom of a drinking glass. The smashing creates more surface area and lots of craggy bits, all of which crisp up in the oven.
Because Bounds cooked up some bacon to toss into the salad, he drizzles the potatoes with the leftover bacon grease, which adds a savory, smoky flavor. Don’t have bacon grease? No worries! Just use olive oil instead.
Next, season the potatoes with garlic powder and onion powder, then roast them in a 425° oven until they’re golden and crispy. This roasting process gives you crunchy edges and a soft center, like a cross between potato chips and mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food meets snack food, and it’s magic.
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The Creamy Dressing That Brings It All Together
While the potatoes crisp up in the oven, it’s time to make the dressing.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise with half a packet of Ranch dressing mix for a tangy, herby, ultra-creamy dressing. Ranch dressing mix is packed with herbs, garlic and that signature twang that pairs so well with cheddar, bacon and green onion in the recipe.
Once the potatoes are roasted to perfection, add them to the bowl while they’re still warm. Toss in some shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions and chopped crispy bacon (not store-bought bacon bits) and give everything a good mix.
This dish is all about contrast. The crispy potatoes offer bite and texture that traditional potato salad lacks. The creamy dressing is bold but balanced, and the add-ins are classic flavors that are delicious with the potatoes. The hot and cold elements and the bold flavors are surprising in a potato salad, but they're still comforting and crowd-pleasing.
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How to Make This Recipe Your Own
Once you've got the smashed potato method down, it's easy to customize this recipe. Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing for heat, or mix in fresh dill or parsley for a lighter, garden-fresh spin. Toss in some grilled chicken or chopped hard-boiled eggs to turn this into a complete meal. If you're not a creamy dressing fan, whisk up a light vinaigrette and toss that with the crispy potatoes.
This smashed baked potato salad is more than a side—it’s a conversation starter. It’s unexpected, irresistible and destined to be the new favorite at your next gathering.
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