There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through the kitchen, is there? That mouthwatering scent always makes me pause and think: why not elevate our everyday meals with a touch of indulgence? Enter the creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad—a side dish that combines the fluffiness of warm russet potatoes with crispy, savory bacon, creating a comforting experience that transforms any simple gathering into a dinner party.
I stumbled upon the perfect blend of flavors while experimenting with my go-to classic potato salad recipe, and the addition of tangy sour cream and mayo took it to a whole new level. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a barbecue or preparing a cozy dinner for family, this potato salad is the answer to your quest for rich, satisfying home-cooked dishes. Trust me; each forkful is an invitation to savor life’s delightful moments. Let’s whip up this creamy delight that’s destined to be the star at potlucks and weeknight dinners alike!
Why is Steakhouse Potato Salad a must-try?
Creamy and Comforting: The perfect blend of fluffy potatoes and crispy bacon creates a dish that feels both indulgent and homey.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this salad ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Options: Want a lighter version? Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tasty twist.
Make Ahead: Ideal for prepping in advance; it only gets better after a few hours in the fridge!
Embrace this delicious combination and impress your guests at your next barbecue or potluck with this mouthwatering recipe.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this decadent dish!
For the Salad
- Russet Potatoes – These fluffy, absorbent potatoes form the perfect base for your creamy salad.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – They add both creaminess and a protein boost to keep everyone satisfied.
- Celery – For that refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
- Red Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and sharpness to elevate the flavor profile.
- Crumbled Bacon – The star of the dish that provides a salty, smoky crunch.
- Fresh Chives – A sprinkle of these adds a vibrant herby note to each bite.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – This creamy element brings everything together; feel free to swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Sour Cream – Adds a delightful tang; can be replaced with an extra dollop of mayo or plain yogurt if desired.
- Dijon Mustard – A touch of this enhances the flavor with a slight zing—optional for a milder taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity to balance out the richness of the salad; white vinegar is a suitable substitute.
Seasonings
- Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of all ingredients.
- Black Pepper – A dash of this adds just the right amount of spice.
- Garlic Powder – Brings depth and savory goodness to the salad.
- Paprika – Offers a mild smokiness and beautiful color to your dish.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to craft an unforgettable Steakhouse Potato Salad that will surely impress your family and friends!
How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Cook the Potatoes: Begin by placing 2 lbs of cubed russet potatoes into a pot filled with cold salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool completely.
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Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and all your spices until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled potatoes with 4 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 2 diced celery stalks, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, the crumbled bacon, and fresh chives, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
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Dress and Chill: Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Carefully fold until everything is well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: For a colorful garnish, sprinkle additional chives on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Fridge: Store your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop and meld, enhancing the salad’s deliciousness!
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Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad as potatoes and creamy dressings may not retain their texture and flavor.
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Reheating: If serving after refrigeration, simply take it out and stir gently before serving. No need to heat; it’s best enjoyed chilled!
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Stirring Advice: Prior to serving, give your salad a gentle stir, as the dressing may settle at the bottom after storing.
What to Serve with Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Elevate your dinner table by pairing this creamy potato salad with delicious sides that complement its rich flavors and textures.
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Grilled Steaks: The smoky char and juiciness of grilled steaks make a perfect partner to the creamy, fluffy potato salad.
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BBQ Chicken: Sweet and tangy barbecue chicken will contrast beautifully with the creamy richness, creating a well-rounded meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad balances the richness of the potato salad, adding refreshing greens and vibrant flavors.
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Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery texture of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up creamy potato salad bites, enhancing the dining experience.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a delightful caramelized flavor that pairs well with the potatoes.
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Pineapple Coleslaw: The sweetness and crunch of coleslaw offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty salad, adding brightness to your plate.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy drink like sparkling lemonade cleanses the palate and brings a zesty finish to the meal, perfect for warm days.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with warm chocolate chip cookies—the rich flavors will delight everyone after enjoying the savory salad.
Make Ahead Options
These creamy Steakhouse Potato Salad can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the potatoes (up to 24 hours) in advance by cooking and cooling them, then storing them in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can make the dressing and keep it refrigerated for 2-3 days before serving. When you’re ready to serve, combine the cooled potatoes with the dressing, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, bacon, and chives. Just give it a gentle stir, and voila! You’ll have a fresh, flavorful salad that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made. This method not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating an even tastier dish.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like avocado or tahini for a creamy texture.
Embrace the richness of avocados! They bring a smooth, buttery flavor while keeping everything fresh and delicious. -
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist that will awaken your taste buds.
Elevate your side dish with heat! The warmth from the jalapeños balances perfectly with the creamy elements for an exciting contrast. -
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Add a handful of these vibrant herbs to uplift the flavors and bring a garden-fresh taste to your potato salad. -
Sweet & Crunchy: Toss in diced apples or grapes for a surprising sweetness and refreshing crunch.
This unexpected twist adds a lovely contrast to the savory elements, creating a delightful balance in every bite. -
Bacon Lover’s Delight: Double the bacon or even use flavored bacon to amplify that smoky taste.
Who can resist more bacon? Each forkful will be an explosion of savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! -
Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an unexpected crunch and depth.
These nuts not only enhance the texture but also bring a lovely earthiness to the salad, making it truly unique. -
Pickle Perfection: Mix in some chopped pickles or relish for a tangy, zesty kick that brightens up the dish.
The sharpness of pickles complements the creamy dressing, creating a delightful combo that everyone will love. -
Deviled Egg Twist: Replace hard-boiled eggs with a deviled egg filling for an elegant and flavorful upgrade.
This playful variation adds a new layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation, perfect for impressing your guests.
Expert Tips for Making Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Perfect Potato Prep: Always start with cold water when cooking russet potatoes to ensure even cooking and prevent mushiness.
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Cool Completely: Let your cooked potatoes cool thoroughly before mixing in the dressing; this helps maintain their texture and integrity.
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Flavor Boost: Consider adding extra crumbled bacon or even chopped pickles for a delightful twist that enhances the savory taste of the Steakhouse Potato Salad.
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Gentle Mixing: When combining ingredients, use a light touch to avoid mashing your tender potatoes, preserving their lovely fluffy texture.
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Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak seasoning levels, such as adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar—cooking is all about finding your perfect balance!
Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe potatoes for my Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Absolutely! When selecting russet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and smooth with no dark spots or blemishes. They should feel quite heavy for their size, indicating moisture content, and avoid any that have begun to sprout or show signs of wrinkling.
How should I store leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad?
You can store your Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve as it sits, but be sure to stir gently before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Can I freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad?
I recommend against freezing this salad, as the texture of the potatoes and the creaminess of the dressing don’t hold up well after being frozen. If you do want to preserve it for later, consider making the salad fresh and consuming it within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
What should I do if my potatoes are mushy?
If your potatoes end up mushy, don’t fret! You can use them to make a creamy potato soup instead. Simply blend with some broth, milk, and seasoning. For future efforts, ensure that you start cooking the potatoes in cold, salted water and monitor them closely. They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Are there any dietary considerations for the Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Certainly! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, you could replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Also, for those with gluten sensitivities, be sure that your mustard and vinegar are gluten-free. If serving to pets, avoid letting them have the salad due to potential onion and seasoning content.
Can I make the Steakhouse Potato Salad in advance?
Very! This salad is fantastic for making ahead. You can cook the potatoes and prepare the dressing separately, combining them an hour before serving. This way, the flavors will meld beautifully, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or family dinners!
Mouthwatering Steakhouse Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the potatoes by placing cubed russet potatoes into a pot filled with cold salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and all spices until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently fold cooled potatoes with hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, red onion, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives until evenly distributed.
- Pour dressing over potato mixture, carefully fold to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.