Hoosier Potato Salad
A hearty and creamy potato salad with melted American cheese, topped with crispy bacon, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients—sliced cooked potatoes, diced American cheese, milk, mayonnaise, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and bacon—together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Top with 6 to 8 slices of crumbled bacon.
- Bake at 325° to 350°F for about 1 hour until heated through and bacon is crispy.
- The recipe can be doubled and actually improves with reheating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more mayonnaise or using sour cream as a substitute. If American cheese isn't available, you can use cheddar or a cheese blend. To enhance flavor, try adding diced pickles or mustard for a tangy twist. Ensure potatoes are cooled before mixing to prevent them from becoming mushy. This dish is excellent served warm or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hoosier Potato Salad as a hearty side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like burgers or hot dogs, and complements dishes like Marie's Favorite Meat Loaf. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the potato salad in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hoosier Potato Salad contains roughly 728 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this potato salad?
Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well. Mixing different cheeses can add a unique flavor profile to the dish. Just ensure the cheese is diced or shredded for even distribution throughout the salad.
Is this potato salad suitable for making ahead of time?
Absolutely! This potato salad can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and cover it well. If you prefer a colder dish, you can serve it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this Hoosier Potato Salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative or add sautéed mushrooms for a savory touch. The rest of the ingredients are inherently vegetarian, making it easy to modify to suit different dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).