Description
Creamy, spicy, and smoky—Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad takes the flavors of your favorite appetizer and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing summer side. With tender Yukon gold potatoes, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy jalapeño-kissed dressing, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 to 3 jalapeños (seeded and finely diced)
1/3 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh chives (chopped)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional: a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Place halved or quartered potatoes in a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer 12–15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and let cool slightly.
2. While potatoes cook, crisp bacon in a skillet. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
3. In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings until smooth.
4. Place warm (not hot) potatoes in a large bowl. Gently fold in the dressing.
5. Add shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, red onion, and chives. Mix well.
6. Fold in most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with reserved bacon, extra chives, or cheese.
Notes
Best when made ahead and chilled for a few hours or overnight.
To adjust spice, control jalapeño quantity and remove seeds.
Keep bacon crisp by adding just before serving if prepping early.
Swap in Greek yogurt to lighten the recipe.
Not suitable for freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling + Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: potato salad, jalapeño popper, summer side, BBQ salad