Potato salad is a classic dish that is loved by many. It’s versatile, delicious, and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a tasty dish to bring to a potluck, potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll explore a unique and flavorful recipe for potato salad that incorporates the smoky goodness of bacon in every bite. Your friends will be begging you to make this dish over and over again!
Gathering the Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering potato salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 6 slices |
| Baby potatoes (halved) | 16 |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Medium red onion (diced) | 1 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp (optional) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (minced) | 1 cup |
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before diving into the cooking process, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your bacon becomes perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a single layer on a cooling rack, which should be placed on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cook the bacon in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
While the bacon is cooking, it’s time to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing and halving the baby potatoes. In a saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until a fork easily pierces through the potatoes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 4: Hard-Boil the Eggs
While the potatoes are cooking, you can begin preparing the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 9-12 minutes, depending on how well-cooked you prefer your eggs. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel the eggs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
By now, the bacon should be crispy and ready to be crumbled. Remove it from the oven and chop it into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, chopped bacon, and diced eggs.
Step 6: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar (if desired), salt, and pepper. This tangy dressing will add a burst of flavor to the salad.
Step 7: Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the potatoes, bacon, and eggs in the large bowl. Gently toss to ensure that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Sprinkle the minced green onions over the top of the salad.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your potato salad with bacon is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it while it’s still warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the refrigerator. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavor-packed potato salad!
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
- For added crunch, you can include diced celery or pickles in your potato salad.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Fresh dill, chives, or parsley can add a refreshing twist.
- If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste preferences and the number of servings needed.
Now that you have the ultimate potato salad recipe in your arsenal, it’s time to get cooking! Whether it’s for a summer gathering or a simple weekday meal, this bacon-infused potato salad is sure to be a hit. So, grab your apron and start creating a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
