Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

potatoes -- 1 bag red potatoes

butter

heavy cream (or milk if you have to)

milk

sour cream

salt & pepper

toppings:

crumbled bacon

green onions, chopped thin

Monterrey jack cheese, shredded

My oh my!  These potatoes seem to always get raved about...especially from the men & children.   They are so easy & can be substituted however you like.  At this point, I need to stop & confess!  I actually rarely measure things, unless I'm baking.  So, when creating this website came about, I had to really stop & think.  Now with this one, there is just no measuring required.  I'll explain.

First, you boil your red potatoes with the skins on.  (Now, you could use any potatoes, and I have, but I like the skins on with the red ones best).  Make sure not to over boil them, just to fork tender.  Drain off ALL the water.

Next, you are now creating everything you like about a loaded baked potato.  So, you can use the list above or substitute in your families favorites!  Here is what I do... YOU ARE NOT MASHING the potatoes, rather chopping them & allowing some to smash along the way.  I simply but 2 knives in the pan & go at it until they are falling all apart.  So, it's kind of like chunky mashed potatoes!

Now, while they are hot, add in butter (about 1/2 a stick) and your sour cream (start with 1/2 a cup). Then,  slowly add equal parts of your heavy cream & milk until you have a nice thick consistency.  Because no bag of potatoes is the same, we simply can't give measurements for this.  Just go slow, starting say with 1/2 a cup at a time. Then, salt & pepper to taste.  Add more sour cream too, until it suits your family. (Yes, you can use margarine & skim milk, but I promise it will not be the same!)  Next, stir in 1/2 of your shredded Monterrey jack cheese, reserving 1/2 for the top.

If you are not yet ready to serve, simply cover with foil & wait to add the toppings. You can keep this warm in a very low oven or use the microwave to reheat.  When you are ready to serve, smother the top with cheese, crumbled bacon & green onions!  It's just amazing!  It has a wonderful crowd appeal & it's perfect for a cookout too.