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Classic German Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon

classic German potato salad - featured image

A tangy, warm, and savory German potato salad made with waxy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a vinegar-based dressing. This mayo-free side dish is quick to prepare and perfect for BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red), scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 8 to 10 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water by an inch, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain in a colander without rinsing.
  2. While potatoes boil, cook bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned (5-7 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble into pieces, and reserve the grease in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oil, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles slightly.
  4. Transfer warm potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot dressing over the potatoes immediately and toss gently to coat.
  5. Add crumbled bacon and chopped parsley. Toss again, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not rinse potatoes after boiling; they need to stay warm to absorb the dressing. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or Reds to prevent mushiness. The salad is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: German potato salad, bacon potato salad, warm potato salad, vinegar dressing, side dish, BBQ side, gluten-free, dairy-free