Cheesy Potato Salad Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting, creamy goodness of Cheesy Potato Salad on a sunny picnic afternoon or a cozy family gathering. This delicious, hearty side dish marries tender potatoes with a rich, tangy dressing, all tied together with pockets of gooey, melted cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

this Recipe

I first created this dish when looking for a fun twist on classic potato salad, and it quickly became a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors, it's a must-have for any potluck or barbecue.

Get ready to bring smiles to your table with this irresistible recipe.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Potato Salad

Get ready to fall in love with this Cheesy Potato Salad that turns any meal into a memorable experience. Here’s why it stands out from the rest.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep work and a quick assembly, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something special in no time. You'll have a delectable side dish ready in under an hour.

The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable. The potatoes are perfectly cooked to stay tender but firm, while the creamy dressing seeps into every crevice. Meanwhile, melty cheese adds a rich, decadent twist, making each bite irresistibly satisfying.

Not only is this salad family-friendly, but it’s also customizable. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or friends with more adventurous tastes, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit everyone's preferences.

Lastly, it's a great make-ahead dish. This potato salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just prepare it in advance, and you'll have one less thing to worry about during your gathering.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Potato Salad comes from a thoughtful combination of classic ingredients and simple but delicious flavors.

Potatoes are the heart of this dish, and I recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well after cooking and have a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cheese and dressing. Be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Cheddar cheese is what gives this salad its indulgent, cheesy flavor. I suggest using sharp cheddar for a bold taste, but you can use a milder variety if you prefer. Grate the cheese yourself for the best texture, as pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents that prevent melting.

The dressing is a simple yet flavorful blend of creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, and a hint of mustard. The yogurt lightens up the dressing and adds a subtle tang, while the mustard gives a little extra kick. Feel free to adjust the mustard to taste if you want more or less tang.

Green onions and fresh herbs like parsley add a pop of freshness and color to this rich salad. They brighten the overall flavor profile, making the dish feel vibrant and well-rounded. If you’re not a fan of green onions, you can use finely diced chives for a milder onion flavor.

For a touch of crunch, celery is a must. It provides a satisfying contrast to the soft potatoes and creamy dressing. Chop the celery into small, even pieces to make sure it distributes evenly throughout the salad.

How To Make This Cheesy Potato Salad

Creating this Cheesy Potato Salad is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through each step to ensure success.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, wash and peel your potatoes (if preferred) and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they're tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes well and set them aside to cool slightly.

While the potatoes cool, prepare your dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl of dressing, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. It’s important that the potatoes are still warm, as they’ll better absorb the flavors of the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the potatoes too much.

Next, fold in grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped celery, and sliced green onions. The cheese should start to melt slightly from the warmth of the potatoes, creating delicious pockets of gooey goodness. Toss everything together until well mixed, ensuring each bite has a bit of every ingredient.

Finally, sprinkle in chopped fresh parsley and give the salad one last gentle toss. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time is crucial for the best taste and texture.

Storage Options

Cheesy Potato Salad is perfect for making ahead, and storing it properly will keep it tasting fresh for days.

To store, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. Be sure to give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and cheese.

If you're looking to make the salad ahead of time, consider keeping the cheese separate until just before serving. This will prevent the cheese from becoming too soft or absorbing too much moisture from the dressing.

Unfortunately, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture of the potatoes and the creamy dressing can become watery and grainy once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

To reheat (if you prefer a warm version), you can briefly warm the salad in the microwave or a nonstick skillet. Keep in mind that this will melt the cheese more and soften the potatoes further, changing the texture slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

This Cheesy Potato Salad is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

For a different cheese experience, try using Monterey Jack or gouda instead of cheddar. Both melt beautifully and bring a unique flavor twist to the salad.

If you want to lighten up the dressing even more, use low-fat mayonnaise or swap out some of the mayo for additional Greek yogurt. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of brightness.

Looking for a touch of heat? Dice up a jalapeño and add it to the mix, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You could also use spicy mustard in the dressing to amp up the flavor.

To make this salad vegetarian-friendly and protein-packed, toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans. They add a hearty element without overpowering the other ingredients.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Dill, cilantro, or even basil can be wonderful additions, depending on the flavor profile you’re going for. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste.

Enjoy the freedom of customizing your new favorite side dish and savor every bite!

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