This old-fashioned German Potato Salad recipe has quickly stolen our family's hearts! Cubed potatoes soak up a sweet and tangy bacon drippings and vinegar dressing, topped with crispy bacon bits for incredible texture.
Flat-leaf parsley and chivesfinely chopped, optional
Instructions
Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with one inch of water. Boil for , until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool, 10-15 minutes.
2 pounds red potatoes
Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Keep the skillet on medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
6 ounces bacon, 1 cup sweet onion, 3 garlic cloves
Peel the potatoes and cut them into ½-inch chunks.
Pour in the broth and vinegar and add the mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. Remove from heat.
¾ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup distilled white vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Add the potatoes to the vinegar mixture along with the oil and toss until they are completely coated. Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter. Finely chop the cooked bacon and then sprinkle it over the potatoes along with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
2 tablespoons olive oil, Flat-leaf parsley and chives
Video
Notes
Potatoes: Waxy varieties, like red or yellow potatoes, are key. They hold their shape best and won’t fall apart when mixed with the sauce.
Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar gives you that classic tangy flavor that sets German potato salad apart. Don’t swap it out unless you’re okay with changing the vibe!
Bacon: A good quality, thick-cut bacon adds a ton of flavor here. Cook it until crispy—you want those salty bites to pop against the creamy potatoes.
Serving Tip: For the best texture and flavor, serve it warm! If making ahead, reheat gently and stir in a little oil or broth before serving to freshen it up.