I’ve always believed that no authentic backyard BBQ, cookout, or summer gathering is complete without a rich, creamy, and hearty potato salad. My Whole Hog Potato Salad recipe takes the classic side dish to a whole new level with smoky bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears fast at the table, so don’t be surprised if people come back for seconds ( or thirds!).

This potato salad pairs beautifully with smoked ribs, pulled pork, or even grilled chicken. It’s an authentic Southern-inspired BBQ side dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Instructions – How I Make My Whole Hog Potato Salad

Bake the potatoes to perfection: start by preheating my oven and baking the red potatoes for about an hour, until they’re fork-tender. This makes the potatoes fluffy on the inside while still holding their shape.
Cool and cut the potatoes: Once they’re cooked, I let the potatoes cool just enough so I can handle them. While they’re still slightly warm, I cut them into even cubes. Keeping the pieces consistent in size helps the salad look beautiful and ensures even flavour in every bite.
Season the warm potatoes: I transfer the cubed potatoes into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, salt, sugar, and ranch dressing mix. I like to season the potatoes while they’re still warm because they soak up more flavour this way.
Add the smoky crunch: Next, I fold in the crumbled bacon, fresh green onions, and chives. The smoky crunch of the bacon and the bite of the onions make every bite irresistible.
Whip up the creamy dressing: In a separate bowl, I whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and just a splash of vinegar. This creamy blend is the heart of the potato salad; it’s tangy, rich, and smooth.
Bring it all together: I pour the dressing over the seasoned potatoes and gently mix everything until each piece is evenly coated. I’m careful not to over-mix because I want to keep those potato chunks intact.
Chill and serve: Finally, I cover the bowl and let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 2–3 hours. This step is key because it allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully. When it’s time to serve, the salad is cool, creamy, and bursting with flavour.

Serving Suggestions

When I bring this Whole Hog Potato Salad to a cookout, I love serving it chilled in a big rustic bowl right next to smoked meats and grilled favourites. It pairs beautifully with:

Pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ ribs
Grilled chicken or smoked sausages
Burgers straight off the grill
Fresh corn on the cob or baked beans

For presentation, I sometimes garnish the top with an extra sprinkle of chives, a little paprika, and a few bacon crumbles. It makes the salad look as amazing as it tastes.

Make-Ahead Tips

I almost always prepare this salad the night before a big party or BBQ. It actually tastes better the next day because the potatoes soak up even more flavour as they chill. If I’m tight on time, I’ll at least make the dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to mix everything.

Storage Tips

In the fridge: This potato salad keeps fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze: I never freeze potato salad because the creamy dressing separates once thawed, and the texture isn’t the same.
Meal prep tip: I like to portion leftovers into small containers so I can grab them for a quick lunch side during the week.

Recipe Variations

One of my favourite things about this Whole Hog Potato Salad is how easy it is to customise:

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Healthier swap: Use Greek yoghurt in place of some (or all) of the sour cream for a lighter version.
Egg lover’s style: Mix in a couple of chopped boiled eggs for a more traditional Southern potato salad feel.
Extra crunch: Toss in diced celery or bell peppers for more texture.

Sophia smith

Whole Hog Potato Salad Recipe

My Whole Hog Potato Salad recipe is a smoky, creamy, and flavor-packed side dish made with red potatoes, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and a sour cream–mayo dressing. Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

1 20

Servings: 12 people

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: , Southern, BBQ

Calories: 320

Ingredients Video

Ingredients

3 ½ pounds red potatoes – scrubbed clean
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon parsley (dried)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ranch dressing mix
1 cup bacon – cooked until crispy, then crumbled
½ cup green onions – chopped
⅓ cups chives – finely chopped
2 cups sour cream
2 cups mayonnaise
Splash of vinegar – for tangy balance

Video

Whole Hog Potato Salad – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I boil the potatoes instead of baking them?

Yes, you can boil the potatoes if you prefer. I like baking them because it gives a firmer texture, but boiling works fine. Just be sure not to overcook them, or they may become mushy when mixing.

How long does Whole Hog Potato Salad last in the fridge?e

When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Don’t recommend freezing it, as the creamy dressing will separate.

Can I make potato salad the night before a BBQ?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Chilling overnight lets the flavours blend and makes it even tastier.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

I love using red potatoes because they hold their shape well and have a creamy bite. Yukon gold potatoes are another great choice.

How can I make this potato salad healthier?

For a lighter version, you can swap out some of the mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yoghurt. It still tastes creamy but cuts down on calories.

How do I keep my potato salad from getting watery?

Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and cooled slightly before mixing. Also, avoid over-mixing to keep the texture firm.

What can I add to make it spicier?

I like adding diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a bold, spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Whole Hog Potato Salad recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together at cookouts, family gatherings, and summer celebrations. With smoky bacon, creamy dressing, and perfectly seasoned potatoes, it’s a recipe I always get asked to share. You’re looking for a BBQ potato salad that’s creamy, tangy, and downright addictive. This is the one Akeee it once, and I promise it’ll become your go-to recipe for every cookout.