Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite! This BBQ Cheddar Cheese and Potato Salad is not just your average side dish; it’s a flavor-packed delight that combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you’ll want to make this dish the star of your next meal. Dive into this delicious recipe and discover why everyone is raving about it!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Place diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water, bringing to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Drain potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, preventing them from becoming too soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
- Add cooled potatoes to the sauce mixture, gently folding to coat each potato piece evenly without breaking them.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it's distributed throughout the potato salad.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top of the salad for added freshness and color.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish for barbecues, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well when cooked.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the cooking time! You want the potatoes to be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. A fork should easily pierce them without falling apart.
- Cool the Potatoes Properly: Allow the drained potatoes to cool at room temperature to avoid sogginess. This step is crucial for maintaining the right texture in your salad.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find the flavor profile that suits your taste—whether you prefer tangy, sweet, or smoky!
- Add Extra Flavor: For an added kick, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the BBQ flavor even further.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your potato salad with additional chopped green onions or even some crispy bacon bits for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg