Randy Chandler
Potato salad is a classic side dish that can be served at cookouts, church suppers, or family reunions. While there are many ways to make potato salad, a common question arises: do you put cheese in potato salad? Some people enjoy the addition of cheese, particularly Cheddar, to their potato salad, creating a creamy texture and pairing it with bacon for a salty contrast. However, others prefer to omit the cheese, focusing on the traditional combination of tender potatoes, briny pickles, crunchy celery, and hard-boiled eggs. Ultimately, the choice to include cheese in potato salad depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Potato | Red Bliss, Yukon Gold |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Blue Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Bacon, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Green Onions, Eggs, Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Herbs, Relish, Pickle, Vinegar |
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 574mg |
| Potassium | 318mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 629IU |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
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What You'll Learn
Cheesy potato salad recipes
There are many ways to make a potato salad, and adding cheese is one way to put a spin on the classic recipe. Here are some ideas for cheesy potato salad recipes:
Ingredients
- Potatoes ?(russet, red, Yukon Gold, or white potatoes)
- Cheese (cheddar or grated)
- Bacon (freshly cooked or bacon bits)
- Onions (red or green onions)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Chives
- Vinegar
- Yellow mustard
- Parsley flakes
- Sweet pickle relish
Recipe
First, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and rinse them with cold water. Allow them to cool completely.
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and half of the onions and cheese. Gently stir in the cooled potatoes. Top the salad with the remaining cheese and onions, and sprinkle bacon bits over the top.
You can also add other ingredients to taste, such as chives, vinegar, yellow mustard, parsley flakes, or sweet pickle relish. If you have any leftovers, you can pack them into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
Tips
- Some people prefer to omit the sugar from the recipe, as they feel it detracts from the salad.
- If you don't eat bacon, you can leave it out or substitute it with another ingredient.
- Red potatoes are a good option as they hold their shape well and are fairly foolproof.
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Potato salad ingredients
There are numerous variations of potato salad, and cheese is a common ingredient in some of them. Here is a list of ingredients for a delicious potato salad with cheese:
Cheesy Potato Salad Ingredients:
- Red potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
- Bacon grease
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Eggs
- Boil the potatoes with salt until fork-tender, then drain and let them cool.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar (if using), mustard (if desired), half of the onions, and half of the cheese.
- Gently stir the cooled potatoes into the mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheese and onions, then sprinkle with bacon bits.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities and preparation methods to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your cheesy potato salad!
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Potato salad preparation
There are many ways to prepare potato salad, and the addition of cheese is one of the variations. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a delicious potato salad with cheese:
Ingredients
- Potatoes (waxy varieties like Red Bliss or all-purpose types like Yukon Gold are recommended)
- Cheese (cheddar is a popular choice, but you can experiment with other varieties)
- Bacon
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Green onions
- Sugar (optional, as some prefer to omit it)
- Salt and pepper
- Mustard
- Vinegar
- Eggs
Cooking the Potatoes
Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot and covering them with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, bring it to a boil, and cook the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool down.
Preparing the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients based on your taste preferences. Some recipes also include sugar, but this is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a sweet pickle relish.
Mixing the Ingredients
Once the potatoes have cooled, gently stir them into the dressing. Add crumbled or grated cheese, reserving some for topping. Chop the bacon into bits and add them to the mixture, along with chopped green onions. If you're using eggs, hard-boil them separately and include them in the salad.
Serving
You can serve the potato salad immediately, or refrigerate it until it's needed. Some people like to sprinkle extra cheese and bacon bits on top, along with the remaining green onions, just before serving.
Variations and Tips
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. You can also try adding other ingredients such as celery, dill pickles, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you're making a large batch, you can always pack it into a baking dish, top it with extra cheese, and bake it in the oven for a warm and gooey treat.
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Potato types for potato salad
When it comes to making potato salad, there are several types of potatoes that can be used, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the dish. Here are some of the best potato varieties to consider for your next potato salad creation:
- Waxy Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, such as Red Bliss, are an excellent choice for potato salad. They hold their shape well during cooking and won't fall apart when mixed with other ingredients. This variety adds a nice texture and flavour to the salad.
- All-Purpose Potatoes: If you're looking for a versatile option, go for all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold. These potatoes strike a balance between waxiness and starchiness, making them perfect for absorbing flavours while maintaining their structure. They are a great choice if you want a creamy texture in your potato salad.
- Starchy Potatoes: Starchy potatoes, such as Russets, are ideal if you prefer a potato salad with a softer, more mashed potato-like consistency. They absorb dressings and flavours well, resulting in a creamy and flavourful dish.
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are commonly used in potato salads, as they hold their shape and offer a nice texture. They have a slightly waxy texture and a mild, earthy flavour that pairs well with other ingredients in the salad.
When selecting potatoes for your salad, it's important to choose those that are firm, with smooth and clean skin. Avoid potatoes with bruising, wrinkling, or discoloration. Uniformity in size and shape is also desirable, as it ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your final dish.
Additionally, consider whether you prefer to peel your potatoes before cooking or after. Some people like to cook the potatoes with the peels on, removing them after cooking, which adds texture to the salad. Others prefer to peel the potatoes beforehand, creating a smoother consistency. It's a matter of personal preference and the desired texture for your potato salad.
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Potato salad alternatives
While potato salad is a classic, there are many alternatives to this dish. One option is to substitute potatoes with cauliflower, a low-carb alternative that is also gluten-free and nutrient-dense. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed or stir-fried and combined with various ingredients to create a salad.
Another alternative is to use sweet potatoes, which can be cut into chunks, steamed, and combined with ingredients like red onion, celery, dried cranberries, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and avocado to create a fall-inspired salad. This option provides a range of flavors and textures and can be made without mayonnaise for a lighter dish.
For those who enjoy the combination of potatoes and cheese, a baked potato salad with cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and bacon bits is an option. This dish can be served warm, with the cheese melted on top, or chilled, with the ingredients combined and chilled before serving.
Lastly, a simple raw broccoli salad is a healthy and crunchy option. Broccoli florets and stalks can be combined with various vegetables and dressed with mayonnaise or vinaigrette to create a zesty and nutritious salad.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need potatoes, cheese (cheddar or shredded cheddar), sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, green onions, and bacon bits. You can also add mustard, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, pepper, eggs, and parsley flakes.
First, cook the bacon and set it aside to cool. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, add salt, and boil until fork-tender. Drain and let cool. Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add the potatoes, eggs, cheese, and bacon to the bowl and stir well. Sprinkle with green onions and stir again.
Yes, you can. If you have leftovers, you can pack them into a baking dish, top with more shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.
You can use red potatoes or waxy potatoes like Red Bliss. If you prefer your potato salad on the sweeter side, you can add sweet pickle relish instead of sugar. You can also add herbs such as parsley or dill.
