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Cozy German-Style Potato Salad Recipe with Easy Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

german-style potato salad - featured image

A comforting German-style potato salad featuring waxy potatoes tossed in a warm bacon vinaigrette, perfect for cozy gatherings and simple meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) small to medium waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or fingerlings)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900 grams) of waxy potatoes under cold water. Place them whole in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork but they’re not falling apart. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of chopped thick-cut bacon. Cook until crisp but not burnt, about 5–7 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1 small finely diced yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
  4. To the onions and bacon fat, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Slice the warm potatoes into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm bacon vinaigrette over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.
  6. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve warm or at room temperature. If making ahead, gently reheat before serving or enjoy chilled after resting in the fridge for several hours.

Notes

Slice potatoes while still warm to prevent crumbling. Simmer the vinaigrette to deepen flavors and soften vinegar sharpness. Use turkey bacon and smoked paprika for a milder, non-pork version. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste better after resting overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: German potato salad, warm bacon vinaigrette, cozy potato salad, waxy potatoes, bacon salad, easy potato salad, side dish, comfort food