Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

what you’ll need:

#### For the Potato Salad:
– **2 pounds baby potatoes** (or any small waxy potato, like red potatoes or Yukon golds)
– **1 cup cheddar cheese**, shredded (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess)
– **1/2 cup cooked bacon**, crumbled (about 6-8 slices of bacon)
– **1/4 cup green onions**, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor and color)
– **1/4 cup fresh parsley**, chopped (optional, for garnish)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste

#### For the Dressing:
– **1 cup ranch dressing** (store-bought or homemade)
– **1/2 cup sour cream** (for extra creaminess)
– **2 tablespoons mayonnaise** (optional, for a richer dressing)
– **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard** (for a hint of tang)
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon onion powder**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** (for a subtle, fresh zing)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste

### How to Make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Creating this creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed potato salad is a simple process. Here’s how you can make it:

#### Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by washing the **baby potatoes** thoroughly. Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. If using larger potatoes, you can cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for **10-15 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them soft but not falling apart.

Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the potatoes out on a baking sheet or placing them in the fridge.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, it’s time to make the delicious **ranch dressing**. In a bowl, whisk together the **ranch dressing**, **sour cream**, **mayonnaise**, and **Dijon mustard**. Add the **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **lemon juice**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

For an extra creamy touch, you can blend the dressing ingredients until smooth, but it’s not necessary for this recipe. The chunky dressing will still provide plenty of flavor.

#### Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once the potatoes have cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the **crumbled bacon**, **shredded cheddar cheese**, and **green onions** (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.

#### Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the potatoes and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be sure that all the potatoes are covered with the creamy, cheesy dressing. Taste the potato salad and add extra salt and pepper if needed.

#### Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the potato salad for at least **1 hour** before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill to the perfect temperature.

Before serving, garnish the potato salad with fresh **parsley** and an extra sprinkle of crumbled bacon or shredded cheese if desired.

### Tips for the Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

1. **Choose the Right Potatoes**: Use waxy potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold potatoes, which hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which can break apart too easily.
2. **Crispy Bacon**: For the best flavor and texture, make sure your bacon is crispy. This will add a nice crunch to the potato salad and prevent it from becoming soggy. You can cook the bacon in the oven, stovetop, or even in the microwave.
3. **Make It Ahead**: This potato salad actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This gives the flavors time to develop and meld together.
4. **Add More Flavor**: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Some ideas include adding **pickles**, **hard-boiled eggs**, or **diced bell peppers** for extra crunch and flavor.
5. **Use Homemade Ranch**: If you have time, try making your own ranch dressing for an even fresher, personalized taste. Homemade ranch will elevate the flavor of this potato salad even more.
6. **Make It Creamier**: If you prefer a creamier texture, add more sour cream or mayonnaise to the dressing. You can also fold in a little extra cheese for extra richness.

### Variations on Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

– **Smoky Cheddar and BBQ**: Swap the regular cheddar cheese for **smoked cheddar** and add a tablespoon of **BBQ sauce** to the dressing for a smoky, tangy twist.
– **Spicy Ranch**: Add a bit of **hot sauce**, **jalapeños**, or **chopped red pepper flakes** to the dressing for a spicy kick.
– **Greek Yogurt**: For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream and/or mayonnaise with **Greek yogurt** for a tangy, healthier alternative.
– **Loaded Potato Salad**: For an even heartier version, top the salad with more crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped **green onions** for a true “loaded” flavor experience.

### Why You’ll Love Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

1. **Flavor Explosion**: The creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese come together in perfect harmony, creating a rich, indulgent side dish.
2. **Comfort Food**: Potato salad is a classic comfort food, and this cheesy, bacon-filled version takes it to the next level, making it extra satisfying.
3. **Crowd-Pleasing**: This potato salad is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. It’s a great dish for summer BBQs, holiday meals, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners.
4. **Versatile**: Whether served as a side to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or sandwiches, this salad is incredibly versatile and pairs with nearly anything.

### Conclusion

**Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad** is a next-level version of the classic that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to any meal. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, this potato salad is sure to be the star of your next gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a dish that everyone will rave about and ask for the recipe.

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**Enjoy your Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad—simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please!**