How to Make Bacon Ranch Potato Salad: A Creamy and Flavorful Side Dish

If you’re searching for a dish that combines creamy texture, smoky flavor, and a hint of zesty ranch, look no further than this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad recipe.

Perfect for a summer cookout or any family gathering, this creamy potato salad is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing that’s bursting with delicious flavor.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect side dish that’s sure to become your favorite potato salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe is both easy and economical.
  • Perfect Side Dish: Whether paired with burgers, grilled chicken, or steak, this classic potato salad complements any main course.
  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and tender potatoes is simply irresistible.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and store it in an airtight container for a stress-free meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

To make this delicious Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, gather the following simple ingredients:

  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes: Known for their buttery texture, these are perfect for tender potatoes that hold their shape.
  • 1 pound of bacon: Adds smoky, crispy goodness.
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp and creamy contrast.
  • 1 cup sour cream: A key ingredient for the creamy ranch dressing.
  • ¾ cup mayo: Enhances the creaminess and ties the flavors together.
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
  • ¼ cup chives: Brings a fresh, onion-like flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: For subtle depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic powder perfectly.
  • 1.5 tsp dried dill: Adds a signature ranch taste.
  • 1.5 tsp dried parsley: For herbaceous undertones.
  • 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Enhances all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

1. Prepare the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry the bacon until crispy, then drain the grease, leaving about ¼ cup in the skillet for added flavor.

Chop the crispy bacon into small pieces and set aside. The crispy bacon adds a smoky and crunchy element to the creamy potato salad.

Bacon cooking in a skillet.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cube them into ½ x ½-inch pieces.

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, fry the potatoes over medium-high heat.

Cubed potatoes in a bowl.

Season the potatoes with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Remove the potatoes from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Hot potatoes can cause the dressing to separate, so allow them to cool for the best texture.

Golden brown potatoes.

3. Make the Homemade Ranch Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayo, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

Homemade Ranch Ingredients in a bowl.

Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This creamy ranch dressing is what sets this bacon ranch potato salad recipe apart from others.

Homemade Ranch Dressing in a bowl.

4. Assemble the Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and homemade ranch dressing.

Bacon Ranch potato salad ingredients in a bowl.
Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram: @the_salted_bite)

Gently mix everything until well combined. The tender potatoes will soak up the creamy ranch dressing, creating a delicious flavor in every bite.

5. Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the potato salad to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling enhances the flavors and ensures the perfect consistency for this creamy potato salad.

Serve chilled and enjoy at your next summer cookout or as a side dish for any meal.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad.

Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

  1. Start with Cold Water: When boiling potatoes for a classic potato salad, starting with cold water ensures even cooking. However, in this recipe, frying the potatoes in bacon grease eliminates the need for boiling and adds extra flavor.
  2. Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a tastier dish.
  3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives make a noticeable difference in the salad’s overall flavor.
  4. Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures your potato salad stays fresh and delicious.

Why This is the Perfect Side Dish

This Bacon Ranch Potato Salad combines the best of both worlds: the hearty satisfaction of potatoes and the creamy richness of ranch dressing. Here’s why it’s the best thing to bring to your next gathering:

  • Versatile: Pairs well with various grilled meats, making it a staple for summer cookouts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy ranch is a guaranteed hit.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before for a hassle-free addition to your meal.

Variations to Try

  • Add Veggies: Include diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Loaded Style: Top with green onions and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, red potatoes or baby potatoes also work well.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. This salad tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Bacon Ranch Potato Salad?

This creamy potato salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or even barbecue ribs. It’s also a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Ranch Potato Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying side dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this favorite potato salad in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just looking for a delicious flavor boost to your meal, this creamy ranch dressing-based potato salad is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the best bacon ranch potato salad recipe at your next gathering!

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Bacon Ranch Potato Salad.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

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Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is the perfect side dish. Crispy potatoes coated in creamy ranch and topped with bacon and cheese.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 pound of bacon
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup mayo
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup chives
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1.5 tsp dried dill
  • 1.5 tsp dried parsley 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon grease less ¼ cup. Finely chop the bacon then side aside for later. 
  2. Peel the potatoes then cube them into ½ x ½ cubes
  3. Fry them in bacon grease over medium high heat in a large skillet. Season with salt and pepper then remove when golden brown on the outside and softened on the inside.
  4. Make the homemade ranch by combining all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
  5. Combine potatoes, crispy chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, chives and homemade ranch in a large bowl then mix thoroughly. 
  6. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.
  • Author: Nick Nesgoda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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