This Bavarian German Potato Salad is a warm, tangy delight! Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a zesty vinegar dressing, it’s a comforting side dish.
Every bite feels like a hug from Germany! I love serving it at picnics and barbecues where it always gets gobbled up. It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for sharing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my favorite because they hold their shape well when cooked. If you can’t find them, any waxy boiling potatoes like red potatoes will work well.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon substitute to keep that smoky flavor!
Beef Broth: This gives the salad a rich taste. If you prefer, chicken broth or vegetable broth can also be used. For a lighter flavor, try water mixed with a bit of soy sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. White vinegar can be used as a substitute, but apple cider offers a slightly sweeter note that complements the dish well.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Potatoes for Salad?
Cooking potatoes may seem simple, but the method is key to getting a nice texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold water to ensure even cooking. Salt the water well—it enhances the potato’s flavor directly.
- Boil them until they’re just fork-tender. You don’t want mushy potatoes! Check doneness at around 15 minutes.
- Let them cool slightly before cutting; this helps them hold their shape better in the salad.
Taking these steps guarantees great results, making your potato salad simply delicious!
Authentic Bavarian German Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or any waxy boiling potatoes)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
For The Dressing:
- 3/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 20 minutes boiling the potatoes and another 15-20 minutes preparing the dressing and mixing everything together. It’s a quick and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking The Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes, then place them whole in a large pot filled with salted cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are just fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Preparing The Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon slices and drain them on a paper towel. After they’ve cooled, crumble them into small pieces, but be sure to keep around 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet!
3. Sautéing The Onions:
Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!
4. Making The Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give that delightful tangy flavor!
5. Mixing It All Together:
Carefully peel the warm potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Add the potato pieces to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Then, pour the dressing mixture over the potatoes and gently toss everything to ensure the potatoes are well-coated. Allow this to heat on low for about 2-3 minutes; this helps absorb all those flavors.
6. Adding The Bacon:
Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon, saving a little for garnishing later. Give everything a gentle mix to combine.
7. Serving:
Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish with the fresh parsley and reserved bacon pieces for a pop of color and extra crunch. This salad can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—both are absolutely delicious!
Enjoy your hearty, tangy, and comforting Bavarian German Potato Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Another Type of Potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even fingerling potatoes. Just make sure they are waxy, as they hold their shape better after cooking.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Bavarian potato salad a few hours in advance. Just minimize the cooking time, as the flavors will meld together beautifully if allowed to sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to refresh the dressing.
Is This Potato Salad Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add a smoky flavor by using smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the dressing!
