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German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad is a warm and comforting classic dish featuring a tangy vinegar-based dressing with crispy bacon and onions. This recipe blends a perfect balance of acidity, savory richness, and hearty texture, making it a versatile and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Rooted in German tradition, it is loved worldwide for its unique flavor profile and simple, fresh ingredients.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Start by boiling your potatoes whole with the skins on until just tender—about 15 to 20 minutes depending on size. This keeps them firm and prevents mushiness when you mix the salad later. Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling and slicing.
  2. Prepare the Bacon and Onions: While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then reserve most of the rendered fat in the pan. Into the fat, add thinly sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
  3. Make the Dressing: To the onion and bacon fat mixture, stir in apple cider vinegar, mustard, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors blend for 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine the Salad: Add the sliced potatoes and crumbled bacon back to the pan with the warm dressing. Gently toss to coat all the pieces, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors while still warm. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.
  5. Serve Warm: Unlike many potato salads, this one shines best served warm, so plate it right away to enjoy the full flavor and comforting texture that makes German Potato Salad so beloved.

Notes

  • Choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for ideal texture and shape retention.
  • Do not overcook the potatoes to avoid mushiness; slightly undercooked potatoes absorb dressing better.
  • Reserve and use bacon fat for sautéing onions to add authentic smoky richness.
  • Serve the salad warm to experience the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust vinegar levels to taste but always include it for signature tanginess.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: German potato salad, warm potato salad, vinegar potato salad, bacon potato salad, traditional German recipe, gluten free side dish