How To Make Classic Southern Style Potato Salad

Introduction

Hey there, fellow foodies! Summer is creeping up on us, which means it's almost cookout season. And what cookout is complete without a delicious side of potato salad? Say goodbye to store-bought versions and confidently declare that you made the potato salad yourself with this foolproof recipe. So grab your aprons and let's head to the kitchen!

The Perfect Ingredients

To whip up this mouthwatering potato salad, you'll need some top-notch ingredients. We recommend using russet potatoes for that classic Southern-style flavor. However, if you're a fan of Yukon Gold, go ahead and use those. Experimentation is the spice of life!

In addition to the potatoes, you'll need some onions, celery, sour cream, mayonnaise, yellow and Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and, of course, boiled eggs. This combination of ingredients guarantees a creamy and tangy potato salad that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Let's Get Cooking

Now that we've gathered our ingredients, it's time to get started. First things first, let's peel and cut our potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Give them a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, then boil them in chicken broth for added flavor and tenderness.

While the potatoes are boiling, it's time to whip up the dressing. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine one cup of your favorite mayo, a heaping tablespoon of yellow mustard, half a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, two tablespoons of sour cream, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

To balance out the tanginess, add some sugar and sweet relish to the mix. If you're not a fan of sweet potato salad, feel free to replace the sweet relish with dill relish. But trust me, a hint of sweetness takes it to another level!

Next, grate your onion with a cheese grater to get that wonderful flavor without the overpowering chunks. Dice two large stalks of celery and sprinkle in some diced chives and white sugar. Give it all a good mix, and it's already looking tempting!

The Flavor Ensemble

Now, it's time to season this bad boy to perfection. I like to start with my all-purpose blend of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and a few secret spices. Since we're all about bold flavors, let's add a little extra garlic powder and a pinch of chicken bouillon powder for that umami punch.

To truly elevate the taste, sprinkle on some smoked paprika and why not a touch of Old Bay? I mean, what can't Old Bay make better? Mix all the seasonings together, and trust me, you won't need any raisins or grapes to jazz up this potato salad. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to greatness!

Let's Bind It All Together

Now that the dressing is seasoned to perfection, it's time to add the star players – the boiled eggs. Dice up about five boiled eggs or add more if you're an egg enthusiast like me. However, if you're not a fan, you can skip this step and customize your potato salad to your liking.

With the eggs in the mix, let's fold everything together. But wait! Before we introduce the potatoes to the dressing, make sure they've cooled down to room temperature. You don't want them to melt the dressing. I like to spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in the fridge to speed up the cooling process. Smart, right?

Lastly, fold the potatoes into the glorious dressing, giving it a good taste test along the way because, let's be honest, who can resist a sneak preview of greatness? Pop it back in the fridge for an hour or two to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

The Moment of Truth

Alright, folks. The moment we've all been waiting for – the taste test! It's time to plate up this masterpiece. Feel free to capitalize on that trademark money shot when you serve it. Add some diced chive for a fresh garnish and sprinkle on a little Old Bay because, let's face it, Old Bay makes everything better.

Now, grab your fork and brace yourself for an explosion of flavors. Tender potatoes, creamy dressing, and that perfect blend of tang and sweetness will have your taste buds in a frenzy. Your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe at your next cookout.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you've just become the master of potato salad! Embrace your newfound culinary prowess and revel in the compliments you'll receive. Don't forget to let me know in the comments what you like to add to your potato salad and any other summer dishes you'd like to see me tackle. Until then, my fellow food enthusiasts, enjoy the warm summer weather and the delightful creations that come out of your kitchen. Cheers!