Zesty Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe for Backyard Bliss

Potato lovers find absolute bliss in this creamy cheesy potato salad that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Crisp summer gatherings call for something special and deliciously satisfying.

Rich cheddar melts perfectly between tender potato chunks, creating an irresistible combination.

Mediterranean herbs add unexpected brightness to classic ingredients.

Smooth textures blend with sharp cheese notes that dance across your palate.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe turns ordinary potatoes into a remarkable side dish.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Cheesy Potato Salad: What Makes It Irresistible

• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This versatile dish rocks potlucks, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues, guaranteeing smiles from kids and adults alike with its irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Customize Your Twist: Swap ingredients easily – try different cheese types, add crispy bacon bits, or sprinkle fresh herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Meal Prep: Prepare ahead and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator, making it a smart choice for stress-free entertaining and delightful make-ahead meals.

Gather These For Cheesy Potato Salad Success

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the base of this creamy salad and provide a hearty texture.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and tangy dressing for the potato salad.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a savory and melty element to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the potato salad.
• Mustard: Provides a subtle tangy kick and depth of flavor to the creamy dressing.
• Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a mild, sharp taste and bright color to the dish.

Cheesy Potato Salad – Easy Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil and Prep Potatoes

Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until they’re fork-tender.

Drain the water and let the potatoes cool completely.

This helps the potatoes absorb the creamy dressing without falling apart.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Build Your Potato Salad

• Cooled potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Gently fold all ingredients together, making sure each potato piece gets coated with the rich, tangy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the potato salad and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let it sit for at least an hour before serving.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop a more intense taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the potato salad from the fridge and give it a quick stir.

Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.

Top Tips For Fluffy Cheesy Potato Salad

• Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing to help them absorb dressing more effectively without falling apart.
• Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for deeper flavor complexity and richer taste profile.
• Pat boiled potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before combining with dressing.
• Add chopped fresh chives or dill right before serving to bring a bright, crisp element to the salad.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious dish.

Cheesy Potato Salad – Creative Add-Ins

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use dairy-free cheese alternative, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Herb-Infused Salad: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and parsley for an aromatic herb-packed version.
• Bacon Lover's Mix: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory enhancement.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Potato Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this creamy potato salad in a large, colorful serving bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheese and chopped green onions on top for a fresh, appetizing presentation.
• Protein Pairing Paradise: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork for a hearty summer meal that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Crisp Companion Crunch: Add a side of crunchy dill pickles, coleslaw, or toasted garlic bread to provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, cheesy potato salad.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish a day in advance to let the flavors meld together, making your meal prep easier and the taste even more delicious.

Storing Cheesy Potato Salad The Smart Way

• Store cheesy potato salad in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise and sour cream will separate and create an unappetizing texture when thawed.
• Gently warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
• Add a small dollop of fresh mayonnaise or sour cream to revive the salad's creaminess if it seems dry after storage.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, red potatoes, Yukon gold, or new potatoes work great in this recipe. Each variety adds a unique texture and flavor to the salad.

• How can I make this potato salad healthier?

Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers for more nutrition.

• Is this potato salad good for potlucks?

Absolutely! It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well and stays delicious at room temperature. Just keep it chilled until serving.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can make this potato salad a day ahead. The flavors actually improve as they blend together in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy and comforting, this cheesy potato salad brings together classic flavors in a delightful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp potatoes, tangy cheese, and fresh herbs create a mouthwatering blend that will have guests asking for seconds at your next cookout.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse whole potatoes in generously salted water, boiling for approximately 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain potatoes and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, preventing excess moisture in the salad.
3. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Carefully cube the cooled potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture and easy eating.
5. Gently fold potato cubes into the creamy dressing, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated with the rich mixture.
6. Sprinkle sharp shredded cheese and finely chopped green onions throughout the salad, distributing ingredients evenly.
7. Delicately toss all components to maintain potato integrity and prevent mashing.
8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving chilled.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are evenly diced to guarantee consistent cooking and texture throughout the salad.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, soft potato salad that absorbs dressing beautifully.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories and add tangy flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg