There's something irresistible about a creamy, Cheesy Potato Salad, perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or as a hearty side for any weeknight dinner. This crowd-pleaser is a delightful twist on a classic, blending tender potatoes, rich cheese, and tangy dressing into one unforgettable dish.

I first whipped up this recipe when experimenting with ways to make traditional potato salad more indulgent. The addition of cheese brought a comforting, savory flavor that quickly became a family favorite. Let’s get into why you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Salad
This isn’t your average potato salad. The Cheesy Potato Salad takes things to the next level with a creamy texture and bursts of cheesy goodness in every bite.
First off, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this dish shines at casual gatherings, holiday meals, or as a make-ahead lunch option.
It’s also easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a bowl in no time – no fancy equipment needed.
The addition of cheese makes it irresistibly indulgent. Shredded cheddar melts into the potatoes for a creamy consistency, while cubes of cheese add pops of flavor throughout.
Finally, it’s a recipe that’s easy to customize. Swap out cheeses, add veggies, or adjust the dressing to suit your taste – it’s a blank canvas for your creativity!
Ingredients Notes

This Cheesy Potato Salad relies on fresh, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well when cooked, ensuring a salad that’s creamy without falling apart.
- Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds richness, while small cubes of cheese provide bursts of flavor. Feel free to use other varieties like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
- Bacon (Optional): Crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty element that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and cheese.
- Green Onions: These provide a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation.
- Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: A mix of these two creates a tangy, creamy dressing that coats the potatoes perfectly.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that balances the richness of the cheese and dressing.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika brings everything together.
You’ll also need a large mixing bowl and a sharp knife for prepping your ingredients.
How To Make This Cheesy Potato Salad

This recipe is as easy as boiling, mixing, and chilling (or serving warm!). Here’s how to make the ultimate Cheesy Potato Salad:
- Cook the potatoes. Begin by boiling 2 pounds of potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the cheese. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup cubed cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the dressing.
- Combine the ingredients. Gently toss the cooked potatoes with the dressing until fully coated. Add ¼ cup chopped green onions and, if desired, ½ cup crispy bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy. You can serve this potato salad warm for a comforting side dish or chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Storage Options
One of the best things about this Cheesy Potato Salad is how well it stores, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Freezer: While potato salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing.
- Reheating: If you prefer it warm, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid separation.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients and flavors:
- Veggie Additions: Add diced celery, bell peppers, or chopped pickles for extra crunch and brightness.
- Cheese Swaps: Try smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack, or crumbled blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Protein Boost: Mix in shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even flaked salmon to turn this side dish into a main course.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives make fantastic additions, adding freshness to the salad.
- Dressing Variations: Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option or add a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
This Cheesy Potato Salad is a delicious upgrade to the classic dish that everyone will love. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
PrintCheesy Potato Salad Recipe
This Cheesy Potato Salad recipe combines tender potatoes, creamy dressing, and plenty of shredded cheese for a delicious twist on the classic side dish. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this easy-to-make potato salad is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
This Cheesy Potato Salad recipe combines tender potatoes, creamy dressing, and plenty of shredded cheese for a delicious twist on the classic side dish. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this easy-to-make potato salad is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering!
Instructions
- Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Gently fold in the cooled potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon (if using). Mix until evenly coated.
- Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers for a crunchier texture.
- This salad is best served cold but can also be enjoyed slightly warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (⅙th of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
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