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:Â
- 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
More Picnic Salads
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German Potato Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious potato salad with crumbled bacon served warm
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
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until fork tender
- drain potatoes
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the bacon and onion
- fold in the potatoes
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the water, vinegar, and sugar until sugar is dissolved
- Pour water mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat
- Serve immediately
Notes
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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
