Add some spicy flair to your usual potato salad with this Smashed Buffalo Potato Salad—a bold and creamy side dish packed with tangy buffalo sauce, crispy bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and crunchy celery. This flavorful twist on a classic potato salad is perfect for game days, summer barbecues, picnics, or whenever you’re craving a dish that’s full of zesty flavor and satisfying texture. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, this vibrant salad is guaranteed to be the star of the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and flavorful with tangy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese
Packed with texture—crispy bacon, crunchy celery, and tender smashed potatoes
Perfect for meal prep, as it can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled
A fun twist on classic potato salad, making it a hit for BBQs, picnics, and game days
Easily customizable with extra toppings or spices to suit your taste
Quick and easy to make in just 35 minutes
Kid-friendly, with a creamy texture and balanced flavors
Ideal for those who love a bit of heat and savory flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Optional: extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 390 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to kick up the heat.
Vegan version: Use plant-based mayo and blue cheese, and swap crispy tofu or tempeh for bacon.
Herb-infused: Add fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Tangy kick: Stir in a bit of Dijon mustard or lemon juice for an extra layer of tanginess.
No bacon: Skip the bacon for a lighter option or use crispy chickpeas for crunch.
Make it creamy: Add a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

For best results, keep the crispy bacon separate and sprinkle it on top just before serving to maintain its crunch. Reheat gently if desired or enjoy as a cold salad straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use any type of potatoes for this recipe?

Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their waxy texture, which holds up well after smashing. You can also use any small waxy potatoes like fingerling potatoes.

Is the buffalo sauce very spicy?

The spice level of the buffalo sauce depends on the brand you use. You can adjust the amount based on your personal spice tolerance. If you’re looking for a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the mayo for more creaminess.

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes! This potato salad is perfect for make-ahead meals. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld beautifully as it sits.

Can I skip the bacon?

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian or lighter version, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with roasted chickpeas or crispy tempeh for a bit of crunch.

Can I add more cheese?

Yes, adding more crumbled blue cheese or even sharp cheddar can enhance the cheesy flavor. You can adjust to your taste preferences!

How do I store leftover potato salad?

Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can store the crispy bacon separately and sprinkle it on top just before serving.

Can I use a different type of sauce instead of buffalo?

Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can swap the buffalo sauce for a tangy ranch dressing or a honey mustard sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your breadcrumbs (if using) and buffalo sauce are gluten-free, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

For best texture and flavor, fresh potatoes are recommended. Frozen potatoes might not hold up well during the smashing and may become too mushy.

Conclusion

This Smashed Buffalo Potato Salad is a crowd-pleasing, bold twist on the classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy texture of the potatoes, combined with the heat of buffalo sauce, the savory crunch of bacon, and the tang of blue cheese, makes this a dish that everyone will want to dig into. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a game day party, or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this flavorful, hearty potato salad is sure to be a hit. Try it today, and bring a little heat to your next gathering!

Smashed Buffalo Potato Salad

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Smashed Buffalo Potato Salad is a bold twist on a classic side dish—creamy, tangy, and packed with spicy buffalo sauce, crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy celery. It’s the perfect side for summer barbecues, game days, or anytime you want a flavorful dish that will wow your guests. Easy to make, full of bold flavors, and completely irresistible!

Instructions

Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
Smash the potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a fork or the bottom of a glass, lightly smash each potato—just enough to flatten them without breaking apart completely.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the salad: Gently fold the smashed potatoes into the dressing, ensuring they are well coated. Add in the chopped celery, sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, and most of the crumbled bacon.
Finish the dish: Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon, a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce (if desired), and additional blue cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Serve: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on preference.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier salad, feel free to drizzle more buffalo sauce on top or mix in extra sauce while folding in the potatoes.
Make this ahead for easy meal prep or a stress-free BBQ side.
Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish, BBQ
Method: Boiled, Assembled
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food