Name: German Potato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6-8 medium to large red potatoes; 1 small onion – chopped – Vidalia makes a great choice; 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon; 5 Tbsp. of water; 5 Tbsp. of vinegar; 2&1/2 tsp. of granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp. table salt

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This recipe for German Potato Salad is a classic recipe from the 1970s and is delicious served warm at summer BBQs and potlucks. A great side dish to serve at any get-together.

German Potato Salad

When Americans think of potato salad, it’s either a version of this German Potato Salad which is served warm or a mayonnaise based potato salad that is served cold.

This recipe for German Potato Salad is from the 1970s and served warm. I can imagine that it is a recipe that was handed down and quite the hit at church potlucks in the 70s. It’s full of flavor and the perfect side to take to any outing.

I’m sure there are many variations and versions of the German potato salad. My grandfather on my mom’s side was from Germany, my grandmother from the south which made for a delicious combination of heritage recipes.

What I love about this recipe:

It is an old-fashioned tried and true recipe
This recipe is a unique potato salad to bring to summer cookouts as most are probably the mayo version served cold
It’s tasty
With bacon crumbles, it is a hearty side dish
Easy to make

FAQs

Make Ahead and Storage:

Can I Make German Potato Salad ahead of time?

It is not recommended to make this potato salad too far in advance

This potato salad is best served right away and warm, but you can make it ahead of time. It will absorb some of the dressing if stored for too long.

Storage: Store, covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days

Reheating: If you want to reheat leftover potato salad, cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350 until just warmed through

Should I serve German Potato Salad Hot or Cold?

German Potato Salad is meant to be served warm or hot. However, if you need to store it in the refrigerator, it is still delicious as a cold side

Do I Need to Peel my potatoes for German Potato Salad?

No. Most recipes leave the skins on which makes for easier prep. However, it is just fine to serve this potato salad with peeled potatoes. Some recipes even require a peeled potato

What Type of Potato is Best in German Potato Salad?

My personal preference is a red potato. They hold up well when boiled and have fewer carbs which make them less starchy

How long Should I Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad?

Boil until fork-tender but not falling apart

I’m serving a crowd? Can I double this recipe?

Yes! You can double or triple this recipe to serve more

What Goes well with Potato Salad?

grilled hamburger
hot dogs
grilled steaks
pasta salad
bean salad
ramen noodle salad
grilled chicken
fried chicken

Tips and Tricks:

serve this potato salad right away as a hot dish
use pre-cooked bacon to speed up prep time
for any even easier prep – leave the skins on the potatoes

What do I need to make German Potato Salad?

Ingredients:

red potatoes – cubed. This recipe mentions peeling them first, but it is ok to leave the skins on
small onion – chopped
bacon – cooked and crumbled
water
vinegar
granulated sugar
parsley for garnish

How do I make German Potato Salad?

Instructions:

In a large pot halfway filled with water, boil the potato cubes until fork tender
Drain potatoes
In a medium bowl, add onion and bacon
Fold in the potatoes
Mix the vinegar, sugar and water in a saucepan and cook on a stovetop until sugar is dissolved
Pour the vinegar mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat
serve hot

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3 Bean Salad

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