Potato Salad fix

PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

It doesn't make sense to make potato salad from scratch for over 100 people and I have two catering jobs in a row with over 100 each so I am trying to find a good potato salad that I can fix up. Tried Costco and a few others but the problem seems to be the mayo they use because I just can't get rid of that taste. I added celery slices, olives and diced onion but still that nasty industrial mayo taste. Any one have a good suggestion? The best so far out of the container is Wal Mart red bliss.

Jerk Pit Master · Posted: May 04 2010 Post subject:

Can't remember the brand, but I like the red potato one at Sam's & Costco. The white potato one I do not like anymore as they changed the recipe a few years ago.

PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

I'll try the red, thanks.

SoEzzy · Posted: May 04 2010 Post subject:

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=132165
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valleypigs · BBQ Fan Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 267 Location: Virginia

find a good local deli shop and have them make it for you. For large quantities, they will likely even use your deisred brands and recipe once you develop a relationship with them and they get to know you. That way you get fresh made and a custom dish...not just another potato salad that your guests can go buy themselves...make it unique to your services!

Jerk Pit Master · Posted: May 04 2010 Post subject:

PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

Smokn Hawg · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

I have been using the Costco brand I doctor it up with some pickles and a little juice from the pickles, I have found the Bicks Polorski Ogorski works best has a nice flavour.

PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

Update. I tried the Wal-Mart deli and the gal there recommended their "Red Bliss". It was rather good so I checked with my food dist. and they have Will's red bliss in 10# containers. I figure that is the same that wallyworld is using so I will order some and doctor it up since the base doesn't have that industrial mayo flavor.

Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

Not that there's anything wrong with your plan, but what is keeping you from making it yourself? It's one of those things where the price differential (and quality) between purchased and scratch made is so great that I find it worth the effort.
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CrazyChef · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

To get rid of the mayo flavor, mix in some cold mashed potatoes. Works every time.

I like to make it from scratch, so I always squeeze about 1/3 of the potatoes while mixing to get the potato flavor into the mayo.
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PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

I used to think it was trouble too, until I got one of those spiral peelers and a french fry maker (both were relatively inexpensive). They make peeling and getting consistently sized pieces of potato a snap. I also can cook the potatoes in the smoker and serve it as a warm potato salad, which is better to me anyway.

PS I also get to use Duke's, which is the only mayonnaise to use anyway Very Happy

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PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

Good idea, thanks. I don't have anyidea what Duke's is. We have Best's Real Mayo here on the west coast.

daddywoofdawg · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

Hellman's is what mayo is suppose to taste like.
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Harry Nutczak · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

I try to avoid working with potato salad on-site due to the concerns with C. Botulinum bacteria and it's spores.
Potatoes are a very high-risk product without proper mechanical refrigeration readily available.
Without a licensed kitchen to make it in, I have a local producer make it for us using our recipe. What I save on labor cost easily makes up for the increased product cost.
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Frosty · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

I've always made it myself,too. A 'full' pan is enough for 80 for me,but,I have other sides too. I have kinda pushed Mac Salad where I can, less labor intensive.
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PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

BBQMAN · Posted: May 08 2010 Post subject:

How timely....................................

If you are interested in routinely offering scratch made potato salad to large groups this is the way to go (along with Poppa PTLs dicer):

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=390660#390660

I have family business to attend to early next week, then it will go up on E-Bay.

Figured I would give the ringers first chance for a nice piece of equipment.
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bigpaguy · Newbie Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 25 Location: Midland, PA

FWIW...
I did a charity cook this week and was faced with the same problem...I bought potato salad at Sam's and knew that I needed to do something to it to improve it....so what I ended up doing was to add about 1/2-3/4 cup of the rub I used on the pork butts right into the potato salad. It was the second star of the cook, second only to the pork and mustard sauce combo
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