Print

Creamy Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad

Creamy Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad - featured image

A creamy, spicy, and smoky potato salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh jalapeños, and a rich cream cheese dressing. Perfect for gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds baby Yukon gold or red potatoes, washed and halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place the halved potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender but still firm when pierced with a fork, about 12-15 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in finely chopped fresh jalapeños, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and optional pickled jalapeños. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Add the warm (not hot) potatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat every piece with the creamy, spicy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or jalapeños if desired. Chill in the fridge at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushiness. Cook bacon low and slow for even crispiness. Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Chill salad at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Reserve some bacon and green onions for garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, jalapeño popper, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, spicy potato salad, summer side dish, BBQ side