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Quick Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Salad for a Crowd

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This quick and easy loaded bacon ranch potato salad comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights. With creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender baby potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds baby potatoes (yellow or red, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably Hidden Valley)
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded from a block)
  • 4 green onions (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon first. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Let cool on paper towels, then crumble into pieces.
  2. While bacon cooks, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon salt. Cut baby potatoes into halves or quarters (about 1-inch pieces).
  3. Boil the potatoes for 10-12 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Test with a fork.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander and spread on a baking sheet to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add cooled potatoes to the dressing and gently fold until coated. Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Fold gently.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, stir gently, adjust seasoning, and garnish with extra green onions and bacon.

Notes

Don’t skip cooling the potatoes before adding dressing to avoid a soupy mess. For best texture, use full-fat ranch dressing. Save some bacon for topping to keep it crunchy. This salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and actually tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, bacon ranch, loaded potato salad, quick potato salad, crowd-pleaser, side dish, barbecue, potluck

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/quick-loaded-bacon-ranch-potato-salad-for-a-crowd/