A cold, creamy potato salad that pairs perfectly with burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, and backyard cookouts without adding extra work to your evening.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Cookout
Why You’ll Like It
This creamy bacon ranch potato salad is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and packed with classic cookout flavor. It works well for backyard grilling nights because it can be made ahead and served cold while the main dishes come off the grill. The combination of crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and tender potatoes makes it family-friendly and budget-friendly for summer gatherings.
Shop This Recipe
Pick up these ingredients at your local Piggly Wiggly:
- Fresh produce department potatoes and green onions
- Dairy section sour cream and mayonnaise
- Bacon and refrigerated sides
Optional module: Check the weekly ad for featured grilling meats, fresh produce, and cookout essentials.
Enjoy this easy creamy bacon ranch potato salad packed with tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch flavor. A make-ahead side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and all your backyard cookout favorites.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Diced celery
Editor note: Group ingredients by how shoppers buy them: produce, dairy, refrigerated items, pantry staples, and meat department selections.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until warm but not hot.
- In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold the potatoes into the dressing, then stir in the bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and extra bacon if desired.
Food safety note: Keep potato salad refrigerated until ready to serve. Per USDA guidance, cold dishes containing mayonnaise should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures exceed 90°F.
Piggly Wiggly Tip
Use small red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and faster cooking time. Check the weekly ad for grilling bundles and summer produce specials before your next cookout.
Make It Your Own
- For more heat: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version: Swap Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise.
- For a cookout: Serve with grilled burgers, sausages, or barbecue chicken.
- For leftovers: Stir in extra green onions before serving again for fresh flavor.
What To Serve With It
- Grilled cheeseburgers
- Fresh watermelon slices
- Sweet tea or lemonade
- Backyard cookout favorites from #thepigbham
Storage And Reheating
Store: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
Reheat: Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Use within: 3 days
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead?
Yes. This potato salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead side dish for cookouts and weeknight grilling.
- What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
You can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, and salt for a homemade ranch-style flavor.
- How do I know when it’s done?
The potatoes are ready when a fork slides easily into the center without resistance. Avoid overcooking so the potatoes hold their shape in the salad.
Related Recipes And Guides
- Grilled Corn With Garlic Butter
- Backyard Burger Topping Ideas
- Summer Produce Guide
- Easy Weeknight Grilling Recipes
Ready To Shop?
Find the ingredients for this recipe at your local Piggly Wiggly, then check the weekly ad for fresh deals before you shop.