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Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad

Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
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Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad is a creamy, spicy, and tangy side dish that combines tender Yukon gold or red potatoes with fresh jalapenos, gooey cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and a luscious creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, this vibrant and flavorful salad offers a delightful balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch that will elevate your summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks

Fresh Vegetables

  • 2–3 fresh jalapeno peppers, finely diced (adjust to taste)
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Dressing

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Add-Ins

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Boil and Prep Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Boil in salted water for 12-15 minutes, until just tender but firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Cook the Bacon: While potatoes cool, cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small bits. Optionally reserve some bacon grease for a smoky drizzle.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste for a creamy and tangy balance.
  4. Mix Ingredients Together: Once potatoes have cooled, gently toss them with the dressing, diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix carefully to evenly distribute ingredients without breaking the potatoes.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Before serving, gently stir and garnish with extra cheese or jalapeno slices for added spice if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overboil the potatoes to avoid mushy texture.
  • Use fresh jalapenos for the best heat and flavor; avoid pickled jalapenos.
  • Cool potatoes before mixing to prevent the dressing from melting.
  • Reserve some bacon grease and drizzle on top for extra smoky flavor.
  • Chill the salad well for optimal flavor blending.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno popper potato salad, spicy potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, summer side dish, picnic potato salad

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/jalapeno-popper-potato-salad/