Description
This Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic potato salad, combining creamy potatoes with spicy jalapenos, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a bold, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a tasty family side with vibrant colors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)
Spicy & Cheesy Components
- 2–3 fresh jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Additional Flavorings
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 3 green onions, freshly chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Rinse and chop the baby potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly to avoid melting the cheese in the next steps.
- Cook the bacon and dice jalapenos: While the potatoes cook, fry or bake bacon until crispy, then crumble into bits. Finely dice the jalapenos; remove seeds and ribs if you prefer less heat.
- Mix creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavors.
- Combine ingredients: Add the warm potatoes to the creamy mixture, folding gently to coat each piece without mashing. Mix in the shredded cheddar, bacon bits, jalapenos, and chopped green onions evenly throughout.
- Season and chill: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Notes
- Use firm potatoes like Yukon Gold or red to hold shape and provide creamy texture.
- Don’t over-boil potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust jalapeno heat by tasting first and adding gradually.
- Mix creamy ingredients with warm potatoes for better flavor absorption.
- Chill before serving to enhance taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: potato salad, jalapeno popper, spicy potato salad, creamy potato salad, bacon potato salad, summer salad