The moment I laid eyes on that vibrant bowl of Steakhouse Potato Salad, I knew I had discovered something special. It wasn’t just the earthy scent of freshly cooked baby potatoes mingling with crispy bacon; it was the promise of comfort with every bite. This versatile dish has a knack for transforming the simplest of gatherings into an unforgettable feast—perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a cozy dinner at home.
On days when I long for that rich flavor reminiscent of dining out but want the warmth of home-cooked meals, this potato salad steps up to the plate in the most delightful way. Creamy, tangy, and a little smoky, it’s an easy recipe that relies on a handful of ingredients to create something truly satisfying. With just over half an hour of prep time, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal. Let’s dive in and create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Why You'll Love This Steakhouse Potato Salad
- This Steakhouse Potato Salad is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The flavor profile is mouthwateringly delicious, combining creamy, tangy, and smoky elements that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Its versatility makes it the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual barbecue or a festive gathering.
- Plus, its stunning presentation with fresh chives and crispy bacon elevates your table setting to an eye-catching centerpiece.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Ingredients
Unlock the secret to a delicious and creamy dish!
For the Salad
• 2 lbs baby potatoes – these bite-sized gems provide the perfect base for your potato salad.
• 6 slices bacon – crispy bacon adds a delightful smoky crunch that’s irresistibly savory.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – this creamy element adds tanginess and richness to the dressing.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – for an ultra-creamy texture that binds the flavors together beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – a touch of acidity that brightens the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
For the Dressing
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – adds a zing that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle yet robust flavor that elevates your Steakhouse Potato Salad.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds a depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – a hint of smokiness that ties into the crispy bacon for a harmonious taste.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors.
For Garnish
• 1/4 cup fresh chives – bright and fresh, these add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – a cheesy twist that adds even more decadence if you’re feeling indulgent!
How to Make Steakhouse Potato Salad
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Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
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Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
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Prepare the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add these potato cubes to the creamy dressing and gently fold everything together, making sure the potatoes are generously coated.
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Add Bacon and Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). The bacon will add a delightful crunch, while the cheese brings extra flavor.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your Steakhouse Potato Salad with fresh chives. This adds a lovely color and mild onion flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!
Optional: For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Variations
Feel free to bring your own flair to this delightful dish! Let your creativity shine and make this potato salad truly yours.
- Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, for a lighter twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty heat that will wake up your taste buds. A subtle warm heat complements the creamy base beautifully.
- Herbaceous: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil to add more depth and freshness to your potato salad. A mix of flavors can transform it into a garden delight!
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative and use vegan mayo and sour cream for a delicious vegan experience. Everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!
- Cheesy Herb Twist: Stir in garlic and herb-flavored cream cheese or goat cheese along with the cheddar for an extra cheesy and tangy profile. The creaminess will create an indulgent texture that’s hard to resist.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers or corn to amp up the flavor and texture variety, infusing a sweet smokiness that enhances the overall taste experience. It’s all about the layers of flavor!
- Smoky Flavor Boost: Incorporate a dash of liquid smoke into the dressing for an intense smoky flavor that perfectly complements the bacon. It adds depth that elevates the dish to a new level.
- Mediterranean Flair: Replace regular mustard with a bit of hummus and toss in some Kalamata olives and diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. This variation is sure to surprise and delight with its vibrant taste!
With these variations, you can easily customize your Steakhouse Potato Salad to fit your mood or dietary preferences, making it a dish you’ll love time and time again!
How to Store and Freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Steakhouse Potato Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the potato salad for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.
Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer warmth, gently reheat in a microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions: For a pop of freshness, top with additional chives just before serving, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the first!
What to Serve with Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Creating a memorable meal is about finding the right companions for your dishes that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.
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Grilled Steak: The perfect pairing with your creamy potato salad, a juicy, char-grilled steak enhances the smoky notes and adds heartiness to your meal.
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BBQ Ribs: These tangy, tender ribs create an exciting contrast of flavors. Their rich, sweet barbecue sauce beautifully complements the creamy and savory elements of your potato salad.
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Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a summertime classic that pairs perfectly with the smoky and creamy flavors, adding both texture and sweetness.
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Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing crunch and tangy dressing that keeps your meal lively and vibrant alongside the potato salad.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Light and succulent, these shrimp skewers bring a hint of the ocean to your plate, creating a beautiful contrast to the dense potato salad.
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Cold Beer or Iced Tea: A chilled lager or a refreshing glass of iced tea can perfectly cleanse your palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.
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Fruit Salad: For dessert, a refreshing fruit salad packed with seasonal berries and melons adds a sweet and juicy finish that complements the richness of your main course.
With these delightful pairings, your Steakhouse Potato Salad will shine as part of a beautiful meal, evoking warmth and joy at every gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These Steakhouse Potato Salad is absolutely perfect for meal prep! You can cook the baby potatoes and crumbled bacon up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to save precious time on busy days. Simply boil the potatoes as instructed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Moreover, you can mix the creamy dressing—sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices—and refrigerate it overnight for maximum flavor infusion. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the cold potatoes with the dressing and fold in the bacon and optional cheese. This method ensures your potato salad stays delicious and fresh, making your hectic weeknights much easier!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked baby potatoes for your Steakhouse Potato Salad, make sure to select even-sized potatoes to ensure uniform cooking.
- When mixing the dressing, whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are completely incorporated for a smooth texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the potatoes and bacon to avoid breaking them apart, which can make your salad mushy.
- For optimal flavor, allow the potato salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Steakhouse Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the baby potatoes are ripe?
Absolutely! Look for baby potatoes that are firm and smooth, with no dark spots or blemishes. Ripe potatoes should feel heavy for their size and have a fresh, earthy smell. If they have any sprouting or soft spots, it’s best to avoid them.
How should I store leftovers of the Steakhouse Potato Salad?
To keep your delicious Steakhouse Potato Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Can I freeze Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Very! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, first, let the salad cool completely. Then, scoop it into an airtight container, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Stir it gently to combine before serving.
What do I do if my potato salad is too dry?
If you find your Steakhouse Potato Salad a bit dry after chilling, don’t worry! Just add a splash of sour cream or mayonnaise, mixing it in slowly until you reach your desired creamy texture. This will help rejuvenate the salad and enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
It’s always important to keep dietary restrictions in mind! This Steakhouse Potato Salad contains sour cream, mayonnaise, and bacon, which may not be suitable for those with dairy or pork allergies. For a dairy-free version, consider using a vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. If you need it purely vegetarian, simply omit the bacon.
Can I add other ingredients to the Steakhouse Potato Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to make it your own. You can toss in ingredients like diced pickles for a tangy crunch, hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, or even chopped bell peppers for a splash of color. The more, the merrier!
Steakhouse Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes these bite-sized gems provide the perfect base for your potato salad.
- 6 slices bacon crispy bacon adds a delightful smoky crunch that's irresistibly savory.
- 1/2 cup sour cream this creamy element adds tanginess and richness to the dressing.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise for an ultra-creamy texture that binds the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard a touch of acidity that brightens the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar adds a zing that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a subtle yet robust flavor that elevates your Steakhouse Potato Salad.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder adds a depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika a hint of smokiness that ties into the crispy bacon for a harmonious taste.
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives bright and fresh, these add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional; a cheesy twist that adds even more decadence if you’re feeling indulgent!
Method
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add these potato cubes to the creamy dressing and gently fold everything together, making sure the potatoes are generously coated.
- Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). The bacon will add a delightful crunch, while the cheese brings extra flavor.
- Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Before serving, garnish your Steakhouse Potato Salad with fresh chives. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!
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