Hey there, fellow home cooks! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you today: classic german potato salad. This isn’t your average cold, creamy version. Oh no, this is a warm, tangy, bacon-studded dream of a side dish! Growing up, a big bowl of this warm german potato salad was always on the table at family gatherings, picnics, and just about any time we needed something comforting and utterly delicious. It’s got that perfect balance of savory bacon, sharp vinegar, and a touch of sweetness that just makes your taste buds sing.
Making this german potato salad is surprisingly simple, which is exactly what we’re all about here at 911Recipes. Clara and Savana founded this site because they know life gets busy, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavorful, homemade meals. This recipe fits right in – quick to pull together, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, once you try this warm version, you might just find yourself making it all the time, just like I do!

Why You’ll Love This Classic German Potato Salad
Let me tell you why this german potato salad recipe holds such a special place in my heart, and why I think you’ll fall in love with it too. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a little bit of culinary comfort. Here are just a few reasons:
- It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
- The warm, tangy dressing is absolutely irresistible.
- Bacon makes everything better, right? And this salad has plenty!
- It’s super versatile – perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home.
- It’s a wonderful change of pace from creamy potato salads.

Ingredients for Authentic German Potato Salad
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing german potato salad. The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients, but when they come together, magic happens. Starting with fresh, good quality stuff really makes a difference in the final flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your German Potato Salad
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness! For this warm german potato salad, you’ll want:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed. I like using Yukon Golds myself.
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped into pieces. Crispy bacon is key!
- 1 cup of yellow onion, finely chopped.
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar for that signature tang.
- 1/4 cup of water to help make the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon of salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, for a burst of freshness at the end.
Preparing Your Delicious German Potato Salad
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Making this german potato salad is a breeze. The steps are simple and straightforward, promise. You’ll have this warm, comforting side dish ready to go in no time at all.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making German Potato Salad
Ready to get cooking? Just follow these easy steps:
- Grab a big pot and put your cubed potatoes in it. Cover them with cold water.
- Bring that pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water when they’re done and set the potatoes aside.
- While the potatoes are cooking, get a large skillet going over medium heat. Cook your chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to take the bacon out of the skillet. Put it on a plate for later. Leave about 2 tablespoons of that yummy bacon grease in the pan.
- Add your chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook the onion until it’s soft, which takes maybe 5 minutes.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up and let it simmer for just about 2 minutes.
- Now, gently add the cooked potatoes and the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Carefully toss everything together so the potatoes get coated in that delicious dressing.
- Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve your warm german potato salad right away!

Tips for Perfect German Potato Salad
Making this german potato salad is pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make it even better. I’ve learned these over the years, and they really help get that perfect flavor and texture.
First off, choose the right potatoes. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold are your best friends here. They hold their shape and don’t get mushy when you toss them with the warm dressing. Starchy ones like Russets can fall apart.
Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the dressing. The vinegar and sugar are key to that tangy balance. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a pinch more sugar. If you prefer more tang, a little extra vinegar does the trick. It’s all about making it perfect for you!
Variations on German Potato Salad
One of the fun things about cooking is making a recipe your own! While this classic german potato salad is fantastic as is, you can easily switch things up. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can skip it or use smoked sausage instead. Sometimes I add a little bit of Dijon mustard to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh chives or even some thinly sliced celery can add a nice crunch too. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist!
Frequently Asked Questions About German Potato Salad
I get a few questions often about this wonderful german potato salad, so I thought I’d tackle them here! It’s natural to wonder about things like making it ahead or what kind of potatoes work best. Let’s clear things up so you feel confident making this delicious dish.
Can I Make German Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
You absolutely can! While I think this german potato salad is best served warm right after making it, you can definitely prepare it ahead. Just make the dressing and cook the potatoes separately. When you’re ready to serve, gently warm the dressing in a skillet and toss it with the cooked potatoes and bacon. Add the parsley right before serving.
What are the Best Potatoes for German Potato Salad?
For german potato salad, you want potatoes that will hold their shape and not turn into mush when you mix them with the warm dressing. That’s why waxy potatoes are the go-to. My favorites are Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They have less starch than something like a Russet, which means they stay firm and lovely in the salad.
Serving Suggestions for German Potato Salad
This warm german potato salad is such a versatile side dish! It pairs beautifully with so many things. I love serving big scoops of it alongside grilled sausages or bratwurst. It’s also fantastic with roasted chicken or pork chops. If you’re having a BBQ, it’s a perfect alternative to cold sides. Honestly, anything that goes well with bacon and tangy flavors is a winner!
Storing and Reheating German Potato Salad
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious german potato salad, just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for a few days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, or just give it a quick zap in the microwave.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note on the nutritional info for this german potato salad. The numbers I’ve included are just estimates. Things like the specific type of bacon you use, the brand of vinegar, or even the size of your potatoes can change the final values. So, think of this as a general idea, not an exact science! It’s always best to calculate based on the specific ingredients you use if you need precise figures.
Share Your German Potato Salad Experience
Have you tried making this warm german potato salad? I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add any fun variations? What did you serve it with? Leave a comment below and share your german potato salad adventures. Happy cooking!
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Secret Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad from 911Recipes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A classic German potato salad with a tangy vinaigrette, bacon, and onion. This warm salad is perfect for picnics or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While potatoes are cooking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add onion to the skillet with bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add cooked potatoes and reserved bacon to the skillet. Gently toss to coat with the dressing.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold for best results, as they hold their shape well.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to your preference for a sweeter or tangier dressing.
- This salad is best served warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Skillet
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
