Description
A flavorful twist on classic potato salad, this Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad combines tender baby potatoes with spicy jalapenos, smoky bacon, creamy cheeses, and a tangy dressing for a deliciously bold side dish perfect for gatherings and BBQs.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
Veggies and Aromatics
- 4-5 fresh jalapenos, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions or chives, sliced
Dairy and Creamy Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Meat
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Salad: Add the cut potatoes, chopped jalapenos, crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onions or chives to the dressing. Gently fold all ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated without mashing the potatoes.
- Chill: Transfer the potato salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to cool thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, top the potato salad with additional bacon pieces, sliced jalapenos, and green onions for extra flavor and presentation appeal.
Notes
- Removing jalapeno seeds reduces heat but keeps flavor, adjust according to taste preference.
- Cook bacon until crisp for the best texture in the salad.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with red or Yukon gold potatoes for a different texture.
- Chilling the salad helps blend the flavors and improves taste.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats and is perfect for picnics or BBQs.
