Description
This Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad combines creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors with tender baby potatoes for a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Loaded with chopped jalapenos, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a tasty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
Dressing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Add-ins
- 4-5 fresh jalapenos, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions or chives, sliced
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cut potatoes, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes and add-ins are evenly coated.
- Chill Salad: Cover the potato salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Before serving, top the potato salad with extra crumbled bacon, additional jalapenos, and green onions for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before chopping.
- You can prepare the bacon ahead of time by cooking and crumbling it the day before.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors if desired.
