30-Minute Bacon Pimento Cheese Potato Salad
A Southern-inspired potato salad that combines creamy pimento cheese flavors with crispy bacon and tender potatoes. The tangy mayo-sour cream dressing gets a kick from buffalo hot sauce and apple cider vinegar, while sharp cheddar and sweet pimentos create the signature pimento cheese taste. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and summer gatherings where you want to serve something familiar yet distinctive. The bacon adds smoky richness, though it can be omitted for vegetarians. Best served chilled after the flavors have had time to meld together overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds potatoes, diced (optionally peeled)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled(optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon buffalo hot sauce, or to tastesriracha1:1spicy
different heat profile
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 7 ounce jar pimentos, chopped and drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup onion, grated
- ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Place potatoes in large pot and cover with water
- 2
Add pinch of salt and bring to boil
- 3
Reduce heat and simmer until just tender, about 8-10 minutes
- 4
Remove potatoes from water and let cool
- 5
Cook bacon and crumble
- 6
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper
- 7
Combine potatoes, bacon, pimentos, cheese, onions and green onions
- 8
Toss with dressing
- 9
Serve immediately or chill in fridge overnight
Tips
Let the potato salad chill overnight for best flavor development as the dressing melds with all ingredients
Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture that holds together without becoming mushy
Drain pimentos thoroughly and pat dry to prevent watery salad
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days covered
Can be made 1 day ahead, flavors improve overnight
Serve chilled as side dish
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture
Drain pimentos well to prevent watery salad
Let potatoes cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting other ingredients
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, simply omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. The pimento cheese flavors will still be delicious and you can add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein if desired.
What if I don't have buffalo hot sauce?
You can substitute with any hot sauce you prefer, sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start with less and adjust to your heat preference.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
This potato salad will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight as they have time to meld together.