Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar

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Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar

Cooking has a special way of bringing people together. When I think about summer barbecues and family gatherings, the sight of a hearty potato salad often comes to mind. It’s a dish that spans generations, carrying nostalgia with every bite. This Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar takes that beloved classic and elevates it with bold flavors and crunchy textures.

The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty horseradish, and crispy bacon creates a delightful harmony that dances on the palate. Each ingredient plays a specific role, ensuring that this potato salad not only pleases the eye but also satisfies the taste buds. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a potluck dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Preparing a potato salad doesn’t have to be a laborious process. With just a few steps, you can create a flavorful dish that friends and family will eagerly reach for. Let’s dive into the essentials of mastering this Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar.

The Essential Elements of Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad

Fundamentals

Potato salad serves as one of those timeless recipes that can quickly adapt to personal tastes. Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad utilizes simple yet impactful ingredients to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. You can choose either peeled russet potatoes for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on red or Yukon Gold potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

The secret to an unforgettable potato salad lies in the sauce. With a mix of heavy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and an unexpected kick of horseradish, the dressing ties the dish together beautifully. Not to forget the inclusion of chopped celery and hard-boiled eggs adds a refreshing crunch.

Preparation and Setup

Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding sea salt to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. For two pounds of potatoes, allow them to cook until tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Once done, shocking the potatoes in ice water stops the cooking process instantly, preserving their perfect texture. Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

While the potatoes cool, prepare the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine heavy mayonnaise, pickle juice, sugar, apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, and spices such as celery salt and horseradish. Stir well until all components blend harmoniously. This mixture forms the foundation of your salad.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorsome Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad:

  • 2 lbs. potatoes (peeled russets or unpeeled red/Yukon Gold)
  • 1/2 Tbl. sea salt (for boiling water)
  • 2 cups heavy mayo (such as Hellmann’s)
  • 2 Tbl. juice from sweet bread and butter pickles
  • 2 Tbl. sugar
  • 1 Tbl. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbl. spicy brown mustard
  • 1 Tbl. dried minced onion
  • 2 tsp. extra hot horseradish
  • 1 tsp. regular table salt
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. celery seeds
  • 1/8 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/16 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 small ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 extra-large hard-boiled egg, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 strips crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled (divided)

Directions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix all sauce ingredients, excluding cheese and bacon. Ensure everything incorporates well.
  2. Fold in the cheddar cheese and three strips of crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture.
  3. Cover the bowl and chill the sauce for one hour.
  4. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then cover them with ice water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Once cooled, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
  6. Gently stir the potatoes into the chilled sauce mixture. Mix carefully to maintain the integrity of the potato chunks.
  7. Cover the salad and chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
  8. When ready to serve, transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
  9. Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped celery leaves or fresh parsley.

Add a finishing touch with a light sprinkle of sweet smoked paprika and cracked black pepper for an eye-catching appearance, making it the star of any picnic table.

Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar

Elevating Potato Salad with Technique

Technique

Perfecting the Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad requires using the right technique, particularly when incorporating the ingredients. Start with potatoes that have been cooked to the ideal tenderness. Undercooking isn’t just a mistake but can result in a mushy mess once mixed with the sauce.

Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors, allowing time for the ingredients to meld together. This step is crucial, and although it might be tempting to skip, patience pays off.

Tips and Tricks

The versatility of this potato salad allows for personalization. If you’re looking to spice things up even further, consider adding diced pickles or extra bacon for an even bolder flavor. Fresh herbs, like dill or chives, can elevate the dish and introduce new dimensions of taste.

Make sure to prepare the salad ahead of time. It can sit beautifully in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Fine-Tuning Your Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad

Perfecting Results

To achieve the perfect Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad, balance flavors carefully. Each bite should combine creaminess, a punch from the mustard, and delightful crunch from celery. Adjust seasoning according to your preferences; taste the sauce before adding it to the potatoes.

If you find the salad a bit too tangy after chilling, fold in a bit more mayonnaise or a dash of sugar to round out the flavors.

Troubleshooting and Variations

If your potato salad turns out too dry, don’t hesitate to add more mayonnaise or a splash of pickle juice to juice it up. Conversely, if it feels overly creamy, include a bit more celery or pickles for texture and freshness.

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have available. For a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise, or adding diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

Serving and Storing Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad

Serving and Presentation

Serve the Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad immediately after garnishing for maximum visual appeal. Presentation makes a difference; consider adding a few fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika to make the dish inviting and vibrant.

The salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side at family gatherings. Its bold flavors will surely make it a crowd-pleaser.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Remember, the flavors will continue to develop during this time, often making the potato salad even tastier.

If planning to make this dish ahead of time, consider holding off on adding any garnishes until just before serving to keep everything looking fresh.

Creating a Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar transforms ordinary ingredients into a festive dish that highlights flavor and texture. This recipe becomes a cherished staple on any occasion, making the joy of cooking and sharing meals a much-loved experience.

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Mustard Horseradish Potato Salad with Bacon & Cheddar


  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A flavorful twist on a classic potato salad, featuring mustard, horseradish, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, perfect for summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs. potatoes (peeled russets or unpeeled red/Yukon Gold)
  • 1/2 Tbl. sea salt (for boiling water)
  • 2 cups heavy mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbl. juice from sweet bread and butter pickles
  • 2 Tbl. sugar
  • 1 Tbl. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbl. spicy brown mustard
  • 1 Tbl. dried minced onion
  • 2 tsp. extra hot horseradish
  • 1 tsp. regular table salt
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. celery seeds
  • 1/8 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/16 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 small ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 extra-large hard-boiled egg, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 strips crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled (divided)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix all sauce ingredients, excluding cheese and bacon. Ensure everything incorporates well.
  2. Fold in the cheddar cheese and three strips of crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture.
  3. Cover the bowl and chill the sauce for one hour.
  4. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then cover them with ice water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Once cooled, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
  6. Gently stir the potatoes into the chilled sauce mixture. Mix carefully to maintain the integrity of the potato chunks.
  7. Cover the salad and chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
  8. When ready to serve, transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
  9. Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped celery leaves or fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add diced pickles or extra bacon for a bolder flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can enhance the dish. Prepare ahead of time for best results.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling and Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Potato Salad, Summer Salad, Barbecue Side Dish, Mustard Potatoes, Bacon Salad


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