Description
Spicy jalapeño popper roasted potato salad blends creamy textures with zesty flavors from classic appetizer inspiration. Crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy cream cheese create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) red potatoes, washed, cut into small cubes
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked, diced, reserving some for garnish
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 2 medium jalapeno peppers, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons (1 packet) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing and Oil:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup (116 g) mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons (60 g) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy potato roasting.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly coat potato cubes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor absorption.
- Distribute seasoned potato cubes evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer to promote uniform crispy texture during roasting.
- Roast potatoes for 45-60 minutes, carefully turning them at the 30-minute mark to achieve golden-brown edges and crisp exterior.
- Allow roasted potatoes to cool for at least 15 minutes, which helps maintain their structured texture and prevents dressing from becoming soggy.
- Whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and additional black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Incorporate finely diced red onion, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeno, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy dressing base.
- Gently fold cooled roasted potatoes into the dressing mixture, ensuring each cube is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Sprinkle reserved bacon pieces on top for added crunch and visual appeal before serving warm or chilling in a sealed container.
Notes
- Spice Management Choose mild or remove jalapeño seeds to control heat level for sensitive palates.
- Potato Perfection Par-boil potatoes briefly before roasting for extra crispy exterior and creamy interior.
- Dietary Adaptations Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for lighter version, and gluten-free ranch mix for celiac-friendly option.
- Make-Ahead Magic Prepare dressing and roast potatoes separately, combining just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg