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Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad Recipe

4.7 from 417 reviews

This Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad is a flavorful twist on classic potato salad, combining creamy cream cheese and mayonnaise with spicy pickled jalapeños and crunchy bacon. It’s a perfect side dish for picnics or barbecues, delivering a delicious balance of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dressing

  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Mix-ins & Garnish

  • ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cut red potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add salt to the water for seasoning.
  2. Cook Potatoes Until Tender: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Potatoes with Dressing: Add the warm potatoes into the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly without breaking them up.
  5. Add Flavorful Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend, and crumbled bacon to the potato mixture, distributing the ingredients evenly.
  6. Garnish for Extra Spice: Sprinkle thin slices of fresh jalapeño on top of the salad to add a fresh and spicy garnish.
  7. Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s an excellent side dish for any occasion.

Notes

  • For a milder version, reduce or omit the fresh jalapeño garnish.
  • Cook bacon until crisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Pickled jalapeños add tang and heat, but fresh jalapeños provide a sharper spice.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time for better flavor development.
  • Red potatoes work best as they hold their shape after boiling.

Keywords: potato salad, jalapeno popper, creamy potato salad, spicy side dish, picnic recipe, bacon potato salad