Jalapeno Cheddar Bacon Potato Salad Recipe
Creamy potato salad with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and pickled jalapenos bound in a tangy cream cheese dressing. Scallions and fresh jalapeno slices provide brightness and heat. Served at room temperature or chilled, this side dish balances rich dairy with acidic vinegar and smoky bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- kosher salt, to taste
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ¾ cup shredded cheddar
- 4 scallions, chopped
- ¾ cup pickled jalapenos, thinly slicedfresh jalapenos1:1
pickled adds vinegar tang; fresh adds heat
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise, Duke's brand
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cover potatoes with 2 to 3 inches of water in a large pot and season generously with salt.
- 2
Bring water to a boil and cook potatoes until tender, about 18 minutes.
- 3
Drain potatoes and let cool slightly.
- 4
While potatoes cook, whisk cream cheese with mayonnaise, vinegar, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
- 5
Season dressing with salt and pepper.
- 6
Transfer slightly cooled potatoes to a large bowl.
- 7
Add three-quarters of the bacon, one and one-half cups cheddar, scallions, and pickled jalapenos to potatoes.
- 8
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- 9
Garnish with additional scallions, jalapenos, remaining bacon, and remaining cheese.
Tips
Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly into the dressing without lumps.
Let potatoes cool slightly before dressing so they absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
Reserve some bacon and jalapenos for garnish to preserve texture and visual appeal.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Flavors meld overnight.
Prepare through step 6 and refrigerate. Add dressing and garnish up to 2 hours before serving.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side to barbecue, grilled meats, or casual dinners.
Common Mistakes
Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture that falls apart when tossed.
Do not use cold cream cheese to avoid lumps in the dressing.
Do not omit salt in cooking water to avoid bland potatoes.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Duke's is tangier; standard mayo works
pickled adds vinegar tang; fresh adds heat