BBQ Baby Shower Loaded Salad (Printable)

Smoky bacon, cheddar, and fresh herbs combine in a flavorful baby potato salad perfect for any occasion.

# What You Need:

→ 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
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 ounces 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

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until tender and golden. Let 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.
03 - Add cooled roasted potatoes to the dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
04 - Fold in chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions, chives, parsley, and red onion, reserving a little of each for garnish.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with reserved bacon, cheese, scallions, and herbs.
06 - Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of dish that disappears first from the table because it tastes indulgent without feeling heavy.
  • You can make it a full day ahead, which means zero stress on gathering day.
  • Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy BBQ dressing transform humble potatoes into something genuinely crave-worthy.
02 -
  • If you add the dressing while potatoes are still warm, it breaks down too quickly and the salad becomes gluey rather than creamy.
  • Reserve some of your prettier toppings for garnishing right before serving—it keeps the visual appeal fresh and makes people want seconds.
03 -
  • Cut your potatoes roughly the same size so they roast evenly and finish at the same time.
  • Taste the dressing before you mix everything together—this is your chance to balance the tangy, smoky, and creamy notes to exactly how you like them.
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