Name: Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon: A Steakhouse Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Russet Potatoes (Cubed); 4 large Hard-Boiled Eggs (Chopped); 1 cup Celery (Diced); 1 cup Red Onion (Finely chopped); 8 slices Bacon (Crumble); 1/4 cup Chives (Fresh, chopped); 1 cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Sour Cream; 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika)

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“Nothing says comfort food quite like a potato salad that transports you to your favorite steakhouse.” As I embarked on my culinary journey to recreate this beloved dish at home, I discovered the secret sauce—a symphony of creamy textures, crispy bacon, and zesty chives. This Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad not only evokes sophisticated dining, but it also brings effortless charm to backyard barbecues or lively potlucks. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect side dish for gatherings where you want to impress without diving into a lengthy prep session. Imagine delighting your guests with every savory bite while knowing you’ve got a crowd-pleaser on your hands. Ready to elevate your dinner table experience and dive into this rich and flavorful creation? Let’s get started!

Why is this Potato Salad a Must-Try?

Creamy Delight: The luscious, velvety texture in every bite takes you straight to the steakhouse experience without leaving your kitchen!

Loaded with Flavor: This salad is packed with savory ingredients like crispy bacon and zesty chives, creating an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Versatile Appeal: Pair it effortlessly with grilled steaks, BBQ chicken, or even burgers for a delightful spread at any gathering.

Time-Efficient: With easy preparation and minimal cooking time, you can impress your guests without the fuss; perfect for busy cooks!

Make-Ahead Magic: Prep can be done in advance, letting the flavors meld and giving you more time to socialize at your next potluck or barbecue. For similar crowd-pleasers, try out our Cheesy Mashed Potato or Mexican Street Salad.

Potato Salad Ingredients

• Get ready to elevate your cooking!

For the Salad
• Russet Potatoes – The ideal base, providing structure and creaminess; consider Yukons for an even richer texture.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Adds a creamy, protein-rich element; omit for a vegetarian option.
• Celery – Offers a refreshing crunch and slight sweetness; no substitutions needed.
• Red Onion – Provides a sharp, vibrant flavor; green onions can be used for a milder taste.
• Bacon – Introduces a smoky, salty crunch; turkey bacon is a great substitute or omit for vegetarian versions.
• Chives – Brightens the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor; fresh is best!

For the Dressing
• Mayonnaise – Creates a rich base; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
• Sour Cream – Adds tangy creaminess to the mix; plain yogurt can also work as a lighter alternative.
• Dijon Mustard – Enhances flavor depth with its tang; don’t skip this key ingredient for your potato salad!
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Complements the dressing with a zingy note; essential for a balanced flavor profile.
• Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika) – Elevates the overall taste; feel free to adjust to your preference.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon and Chives

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully add 2 lbs of cubed russet potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain them in a colander, and set aside to cool completely, which will help prevent the dressing from separating later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy, ensuring a delightful flavor base for your potato salad.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, 4 chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives. Gently toss the ingredients together, making sure everything is evenly distributed while maintaining the shape of the potatoes, as you want to keep that delightful texture in your creamy steakhouse potato salad.

Step 4: Dress and Chill
Pour the freshly made dressing over the potato mixture. Carefully fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring that all ingredients are well-coated without mashing the potatoes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld beautifully together in your potato salad.

What to Serve with Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad?

Nothing elevates your meal quite like pairing this creamy potato salad with complementary dishes that enhance its rich flavors.

Grilled Steaks: The robust flavors of juicy, grilled steaks mingle perfectly with the creamy potato salad, creating a comforting and indulgent plate.
BBQ Chicken: The smoky tang of BBQ chicken adds a delightful contrast, balancing out the salad’s richness while keeping your taste buds engaged.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob provides a fresh, crunchy counterpart to the creamy texture of the potato salad; it’s a classic summer pairing.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light garden salad with crisp greens and a vinaigrette will refresh your palate and add a splash of color to your meal.
Baked Beans: The sweet and savory notes of baked beans beautifully complement the smoky bacon in the potato salad, creating a well-rounded barbecue experience.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A glass of chilled iced tea or refreshing lemonade enhances your meal, offering a cool, tart balance to the creamy richness of the potato salad.

Imagine your dinner table filled with these delightful options, creating an inviting atmosphere where every bite tells a story of summer cookouts and cherished moments spent together.

Storage Tips for Potato Salad

Fridge: Store your creamy potato salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, but remember to stir well before serving, as the dressing may separate.
Freezer: For best results, avoid freezing potato salad, as the texture can deteriorate upon thawing. If necessary, you can freeze the uncoated potato mixtures for up to 2 months, then prepare fresh dressing when ready to serve.
Reheating: If you’ve stored your potato salad in the fridge, serve it cold or at room temperature. If you’d like it slightly warm, gently reheat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and change the texture.
Make-Ahead: This potato salad is perfect for prepping in advance. Prepare the salad a day ahead, allowing it to chill overnight in the fridge for optimal flavor when serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad creations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time while still serving a delicious dish! You can prepare the potatoes and dressing up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To do this, boil and cool the diced potatoes, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, mix the dressing ingredients and keep it separate in another container. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the potatoes with the dressing, add in the remaining ingredients, and chill for at least 1 hour. This way, your potato salad will taste just as rich and creamy, making you the star of any gathering!

Expert Tips for Potato Salad

Chill for Flavor: Allow the potato salad to chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully—trust me, patience pays off!
Cool Completely: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooled before adding the dressing. If they’re warm, the dressing could separate and lose its creamy consistency.
Gentle Mixing: When combining ingredients, stir slowly to avoid mashing the potatoes. You want to preserve that lovely texture in your potato salad!
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings to your liking; everyone’s palate is different. A touch more salt or a sprinkle of paprika can transform your dish.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to explore variations! Add roasted veggies or herbs like dill for a unique twist on this classic potato salad.

Potato Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this potato salad recipe—there’s so much room for delicious customization!

Vegetarian: Omit bacon entirely and consider adding roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
Mayo-Free: Swap out mayonnaise for creamy avocado or Greek yogurt for a lighter, yet still creamy alternative.
Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce into the dressing for a delightful heat that elevates the entire dish!
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for an aromatic and fresh kick that beautifully complements the salad’s rich flavors.
Pickle Punch: Chopped dill pickles or relish can add a delightful tanginess to the salad, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon or prosciutto for a lighter option, enhancing the flavor while maintaining that crispy crunch.
Flavorful Additions: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding crumbled feta or shredded cheese to the mix; it will create an indulgent experience.
Crunchy Upgrade: Toss in some crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions before serving for added crunch and texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for more vibrant salads to pair with this potato salad, check out our Summer Berry Salad and Pasta Salad Cups that are sure to impress your guests!

Creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right potatoes for potato salad?
Absolutely! For potato salad, I recommend using Russet potatoes for their creaminess and structure. However, Yukon Golds can give an even creamier texture, while red potatoes offer lovely color and slight sweetness when left with the skin on. Just make sure they are firm and free from any dark spots or blemishes.

How long can I store leftovers of this potato salad?
The creamy steakhouse potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle when sitting.

Can I freeze this potato salad?
To maintain the best texture, it’s best to avoid freezing this dish. However, if you need to, freeze the uncoated potato mixture for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and prepare a fresh dressing to mix in before serving.

What should I do if my potato salad dressing seems too thin?
If your dressing has turned out too runny, don’t fret! You can fix it by adding more mayonnaise or sour cream—start with a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember to mix gently, so you don’t mash the potatoes in the process.

Are there dietary alternatives for the ingredients in this potato salad?
Very! For a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. If you’re catering to vegetarian or gluten-free guests, simply leave out the bacon or use turkey bacon. Always check the labels on your sauces for allergens.

How can I enhance the flavor of my potato salad further?
I often find that adding a teaspoon of sugar to the dressing balances the savory flavors perfectly. You could also experiment with fresh herbs or diced pickles to add an extra layer of flavor. Remember, cooking is all about personalizing the experience, so feel free to make it your own!