Use Baby Red Potatoes For The Best Potato Salad
Potatoes are generally divided into three categories: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose. Red potatoes, which fall into the waxy category, are your best best for potato salads because they hold their shape even after being tossed with add-ins and dressings. All-purpose potatoes, like Yukon Gold, generally hold their shape despite having slightly more starch, so they will also work.
Small, baby red potatoes have the best flavor. Look for potatoes that are uniformly sized so that they cook evenly when boiled. I like the color that the skin adds to the finished potato salad, but feel free to slip off and discard any peels that come off easily after the potatoes are cooked.
Bavarian Potato Salad With Bacon
Bavarian Potato Salad is a tangy vinegar based warm potato salad. Its lighter than the mayonnaise version and is perfect served alongside any German food like bratwurst and sauerkraut!
When were having an off day in the field during harvest, I know its time to whip out the German style potato salad. Its warm, its hearty and its an easy side dish.
It also tends to put a smile on the faces of the farmers Im feeding.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through links in this post.
Is it because German potato salads are served warm??? Do they love potato salad because it has bacon?
Its hard to tell, but it works, so I keep making it because we all like to eat potato salad!
This post was originally published in October 2019. It was updated in May 2021 for enhanced directions and better photos.
German Potato Salad Recipe
- Pin
- 2 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3/4 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Don’t Miss: How To Make 7 Layer Salad
How To Make German Potato Salad
Fill a pot with cold water and whole potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are completely covered by water, then bring it to a boil with a dash of salt. Cook the potatoes until theyre fork tender.
Strain off all of the water, then allow the potatoes to cool.
While they are cooling, make the dressing!
Cook the diced bacon in a pan over medium heat with a little cooking oil, just until the fat begins to render.
Add the shallots and continuing to cook until the bacon is fully cooked and all the fat is rendered.
Next, mix in the chicken broth, vinegar, dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine everything together and allow it to simmer for a minute longer before removing from heat.
Once the potatoes have cooled down enough to handle without burning your hands, cut them into small pieces and toss them into a mixing bowl.
Pour in the warm dressing mixture and stir everything to fully combine. Oh, and dont forget to toss in some fresh parsley, too!
Serve the potato salad right away!
Deutsche Kche Savory Strudel
Hot, cheesy, flaky, melt-in-your mouth goodness will have you wanting more, more, more! Each package serves 2, but honestly, these are so good I could finish one by myself. The savory strudels are available in Spinach & Ricotta and Artichoke & Cheese. Are you looking for something a little sweeter? Then how about
Time for dessert! Pick from three fabulous flavors: Apple, Fruits of the Forest, or Caramel Apple Pecan. Bake these right from frozen in the oven and serve with a side of ice cream. Each box contains 2 strudels .
Don’t Miss: Clear Glass Soup Salad Bowls
How To Make The Smoky Tangy Hot Bacon Dressing That Makes This Salad So Craveable
Its perhaps no surprise that cured meat is the star ingredient in this classic German potato salad, and weve imparted its smoky flavor in multiple ways. After crisping the bacon and cooking an onion in the rendered fat, youll use the remaining fat to whisk up a delicious vinaigrette .
The smoky, tangy vinaigrette is really what makes this potato salad stand out from all others. Youll mix the bacon fat with enough vegetable oil to equal 3 tablespoons, whisk in grainy mustard and white wine vinegar, then pour it over a mouthwatering combination of potatoes, bacon, and herbs. Even if it appears to be too much dressing, youll want to use it all, because the potatoes will absorb its flavor as it sits.
Serve this potato salad warm or at room temperature, as the refrigerator dulls the flavors and aroma.
How To Make This Recipe
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
Don’t Miss: Chicken Salad Chick Job Application
What Is Bavarian Potato Salad
Here in the Midwest we have many ways of making potato salad and theyre all my favorites for different reasons. This is an easy and authentic German potato salad is made with onion, apple cider vinegar, bacon and cooked potatoes.
I like to use apple cider vinegar in my potato salad for some added tang but you can use white vinegar or white wine vinegar if you prefer.
Now, Im not sure what kind of potatoes they use back in the ole motherland in Germany, but my potato of choice for this side dish is Yukon Gold potatoes.
I love that theyre thin skinned, they hold their shape, and you dont have to peel them before cooking. If theyre small yukon gold potatoes, the dicing is even easier!
If you want to up the flavor game you can cook the potatoes in vegetable broth or beef broth instead of water. Its totally up to you.
This recipe doesnt need vegetable oil or any other fat because the bacon does double duty, standing in for flavor and fat.
Technical Serving Size Vs Reality
The technical serving size of potato salad is very different from the actual amount that people will eat.
The average serving size of potato salad is one-half of a cup, or one-fourth of a pound, or five ounces. However, potato salad is a crowd favorite and your group is likely to eat more than just one-half of a cup, one-fourth of a pound, or five ounces. Typically, when at an event, people will eat double what the serving size is.
If your guests eat double the serving size, that means the recommended amount of potato salad is one cup, one-half of a pound, or ten ounces per person.
Read Also: Simple Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients For My Bavarian Potato Salad Recipe
Yall know I love using ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. And this recipe follows that rule! Heres what we need:
- bacon acts on behalf of flavor and taste buds
- onion I use white or onion. Either will do.
- apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar actually has antibiotic and probiotic cultures that are great for gut health. Look for the cloudy type of apple cider vinegar, sometimes called with the mother. If you need a substitution, you can use plain white vinegar.
- water
- sugar adds a touch of sweetness
- salt& pepper adjust to suit your own taste
- cooked and diced Yukon Gold potatoes I love using these potatoes because they dont need to be peeled. My estimation is that this will save you at least 15 minutes of prep time!
Deutsche Kche Egg Spaetzle
Mmm! Hot & hearty, this makes a delicious, easy side for any meal! These spaetzle packs are shelf-stable and come in 3 varieties: Mushroom, Cheese, and Onion. If youve never had spaetzle before, you are missing out. They are basically noodle shaped dumplings in a thick, creamy sauce. Read about how I cook mine up!
COO-KIES! These will likely *not* be in my cart, because they are just Too. Damn. Delicious.
Doppel Keks consist of 46% cocoa cream sandwiched between two lightly sweetened biscuit cookies. Perfect for dunking or on their own, but not perfect for the couch. Just be sure Fido is nearby to help you out.
Don’t Miss: Healthy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
Deutsche Kche German Style Pickles
These bad boys are just *slightly* popular among The ALDI Nerd Nation! Unlike any pickle youve probably tried. These guys are a little bit sweet, a little bit dilly, and have a slight kick to them. Buy at least 2 jars, because youre going to polish off the first one on the drive home from the store. **Note** These may not be the best choice for those with a saccharin sensitivity, as it is listed in the ingredients. However, keep reading because I have another delicious pickle for you below!
More Potato Salad Recipes To Make:
Loaded Baked Potato Salad packed soft red potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, sour cream, and dill weed.
Parmesan Dill Potato Salad made with red potatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, fresh dill weed, and a touch of lemon zest.
Southern Potato Salad a delicious combination of potatoes, hard boiled eggs, onions, celery, sweet pickles, mayo, mustard, and seasoning.
Corned Beef Potato Salad delicious potato salad made with tender corned beef brisket and crunchy dill pickles.
Don’t Miss: 72 Inch Sandwich Salad Prep Refrigerator
Deutsche Kche Bavarian Soft Pretzels
And last, but certainly not least, my most favorite soft pretzel on earth! Each package includes 6 HUGE soft pretzels and salt packet. I have yet to find any other store-bought brand that even comes close in comparison. These are also available in Pretzel Sticks. Serve with your favorite spicy mustard or cheese dip. Get to the store early, because these sell out FAST.
German Week only happens a couple of times a year, so be sure not to dilly-dally and stock up for the next few months. Check out my reviews on some of the other Deutsche Küche products ALDI carries. I havent seen these in the ad, but hoping Ill see some of these in stores next week anyway!
How To Make German Potato Salad:
Gather up your ingredients:
- red onion
- fresh dill
To start youll need some 3 lbs of red russet potatoes. You can keep the skins on or off. As you can see here, I did a mixture of both:
Youll boil your potatoes, and start cooking up some crispy bacon at the same time. Once the bacon is finished cooking, set it aside to cool. Youll chop up the fresh dill, red onion, and the bacon.
Now its time to work on the potatoes. Once they are soft, but still a little firm, youll remove the boiling water and dice them up.
This next part is important, so listen up. While the potatoes are still warm, add in the rice vinegar. This allows the potatoes to soak up some of the vinegar to give it the tangy flavor I was telling you about. Allow that to sit for a few minutes, then add the chicken stock.
Next, add the remaining ingredients with the exception of the dill. Dill gets tossed in last. Youll refrigerate to cool down. This salad actually tastes better after it has set for awhile. If you can make it in the morning to serve at night, awesome. Or make it the night before. I always love the way it tastes the day after I make it!
Just a random side note: I know of several people who assume that German Potato Salad means potato salad served warm. I have never had potato salad in Germany this way. Maybe it happens in another region, but it is mostly served cold.
Hungry for More? delivered straight to your inbox! And be sure to stay in touch on , , and for all of the latest updates.
Read Also: Chicken Salad Chick Rome Ga
Deutsche Kche Cheese Sptzle
No, you are not seeing double. There are 2 different kinds spaetzle at ALDI! This one is found in the freezer section and is even EASIER to cook than its pouch packaged cuz. Its super delish, just be sure to watch it in the microwave so you dont over cook it like I did! You can try the cheesy, roasted onion flavored Cheese variety I did, or test out the Mushroom or Garlic Sage.
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item
Find answers in product info, Q& As, reviews
Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product.
Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question.
Please enter a question.
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer:No
- Package Dimensions :15 x 12.8 x 5.4 inches 1.12 Pounds
- UPC :070672711504
You May Like: Salad Diet To Lose 10 Pounds In A Week
Looking For More German Recipes
- Easy German Spaetzle Recipe
- Bread Dumplings
- Kaiserschmarrn
If you want to try more food from Germany I highly recommend taking a look at my other German Recipes and please leave me a comment if youre looking for a specific German recipe that I havent posted yet!
Never Miss A Recipe! and follow along on , , and for more great recipes and all of the latest updates.
Cutting Potatoes First Vs Cooking Them Whole
Okay, Ive seen it made both ways, but through the personal experience , you only cut potatoes before boiling them when making mashed potatoes. For any potato salad, cook them whole!
Cook the potatoes until theyre fork tender, but do cook them whole. When they are cooked quartered, they will take in a lot more water than needed and become quite mushy. At the end of it all, you will end up with mashed potato salad. When cooked whole, you will be able to cut them, quarter them, chop, or dice them.
Recommended Reading: Soup And Salad Serving Dishes
How Long Does Bavarian Style Potato Salad Last In The Refrigerator
Not long, in our household! But this potato salad will keep for several days in the fridge.
The bold and bright tastes of this German style potato salad really shine through when this potato salad is served warm or at room temperature.
If refrigerated, remove about 30 minutes before serving to allow the salad to lose the chill factor.
If you prefer a cold German potato salad, you can do that, too!
How To Make Bavarian Potato Salad
I have two methods for making this old fashioned potato salad.
You can boil the potatoes on the stovetop or you can cook them in your Instant Pot.
To cook the potatoes on the stovetop:
Wash and scrub potatoes. Cut potatoes into bite size chunks. Why chunks? Theyll shrink as they cook so dont worry about making them perfect.
Fill a large pot with cold water to cover the potatoes.
Bring to a boil, and then reduce temperature to cook over medium heat. Simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 5 to 8 minutes depending on their size. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
To cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot:
Prep the potatoes as outlined above. Dont worry, instructions are in the recipe card below, too!
Add a steamer basket into the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water and the potatoes. Lock lid in place, and pressure cook for 15 minutes.
Do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then a quick release and drain the potatoes.
To make the dressing:
In a large skillet or in your Instant Pot, fry the bacon until crisp, remove and set aside to drain on a paper towel.
Farm Girl Tip: You can also make bacon ahead of time and freeze it!
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Add onion to the pan with the drippings and cook until tender.
Add vinegar and water, cook until bubbly and slightly reduced. Add sugar, salt and pepper and stir to dissolve. Remove from heat.
Place cut potatoes in a large bowl. Pour warm dressing over the potatoes and bacon and parsley and stir to combine.
Also Check: What To Put In Pasta Salad
How Do You Serve Potato Salad
As a general rule, you should serve American potato salad cold since they are mostly mayonnaise based. Before serving, refrigerate potato salad in an airtight container so it is cold. When serving, you can keep potato salad cold by simply placing it in a large bowl on top of another bowl filled with ice. Check out this Dip-On-Ice Stainless Steel Serving Bowl on Amazon. You can also use a freeze chilled bowl like this one on Amazon to keep it cold. You just need to put the bowl in the freezer before you serve the potato salad in it. Cover the potato salad with aluminum foil or plastic wrap when it is not being served. German potato salad can be served hot or cold because the base is made of vinegar and bacon drippings.