Looking to elevate your next cookout? This authentic German potato salad combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a tangy vinegar dressing that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
What Makes German Potato Salad Special?
Unlike its American cousin, German potato salad embraces a warm, vinegar-based dressing that’s both punchy and rich. The magic lies in the bacon drippings, which infuse the entire dish with a smoky depth while crispy bacon pieces add wonderful texture. Fresh parsley and celery seeds bring an herbaceous note that perfectly complements the savory elements.
Ingredients Play a Pivotal Role
The success of this dish relies on selecting the right ingredients:
- Waxy potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes) maintain their shape and provide the perfect creamy texture
- Regular-cut bacon offers the ideal balance of meat and fat
- Yellow onions, sautéed in bacon drippings, create a flavorful base
- White vinegar delivers the signature tang
- Celery seeds contribute an essential earthiness that shouldn’t be skipped
Creating Your German Potato Salad
The preparation method ensures every bite is infused with flavor:
Start by boiling your potatoes in well-salted water until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. While they cook, crisp your bacon in a large skillet, reserving those precious drippings.
The magic happens when you sauté diced onions in the bacon fat until they’re perfectly golden. This creates the foundation for the tangy dressing, which comes together with vinegar, a touch of sugar for balance, and aromatic celery seeds.
Gently toss your sliced potatoes in this warm dressing, allowing them to absorb all the flavors. A final garnish of crumbled bacon and fresh parsley adds both visual appeal and textural contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the beauties of German potato salad is that it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days, reheating gently with a splash of water either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Perfect Pairings
This versatile dish shines alongside:
- Grilled bratwurst or pork chops
- Roasted chicken
- Crusty German bread
- Fresh summer salads
- Grilled fish
Whether served warm or at room temperature, this German potato salad brings a taste of authentic European cuisine to your table, offering a delicious alternative to traditional potato salads that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hot German Potato Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 6 cups waxy potatoes (Yukon gold or red), about 2-2½ pounds
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and slice into thick discs.
- Cook bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Remove, crumble, and reserve 2 tablespoons drippings.
- Sauté onions in bacon drippings until golden, 5-8 minutes.
- Add vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, celery seeds, and mustard. Bring to boil.
- Add potatoes, parsley, and half the bacon. Toss to coat.
- Transfer to serving dish. Top with remaining bacon.
Storage:
Keep refrigerated in airtight container up to 5 days. Reheat with splash of water over medium-low heat or in microwave.
Notes:
- Best served warm or room temperature
- Can be made ahead – flavors improve overnight
- No need to peel potatoes unless using russet
- Bacon drippings are essential for authentic flavor
