Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that’s brimming with bold flavors and heartfelt comfort, look no further than this Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe. It transforms simple baby red potatoes into a luscious, tangy experience kissed by crisp bacon and sharp green onions. The magic lies in the warm vinegar-based dressing that wraps every tender slice — making it a perfect companion to any meal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy family dinner night or bringing it to a potluck, this dish promises warmth, zest, and that homemade touch you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential, each one playing a vital role in building the characteristic taste, texture, and inviting color of this Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe. From the velvety red potatoes to the sharp punch of apple cider vinegar, every element contributes to the soulful harmony in this dish.

• 3 pounds baby red potatoes: Small, tender, and waxy potatoes that hold their shape beautifully and soak up the dressing well.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps with the initial flavor base of the potatoes.
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt: Brings a perfect balance of savory and garlicky depth without overpowering the salad.
• 8 slices bacon: Cut into small pieces, these provide irresistible smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 medium onion: Chopped and sautéed to add sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• 2–3 green onions: Thinly sliced to sprinkle on top for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates a light roux with the bacon grease to thicken the dressing just right.
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar: The soul of this recipe providing tanginess and a slightly fruity brightness.
• 1/2 cup water: Balances the acidity and helps create a luscious sauce consistency.
• 3 tablespoons white sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness to counterbalance the vinegar.
• 2 teaspoons celery seed: Adds a hint of earthiness and the classic German potato salad aroma.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and spice.

How to Make Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by washing the baby red potatoes well — no need to peel since their skins add texture and nutrients. Place them whole in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork. Drain and let them cool just enough to handle, as you’ll slice them soon.

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

While the potatoes cook, chop your bacon into small pieces and fry them in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until they are golden-brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease—it’s that flavorful bacon fat you’ll use next, so keep it in the skillet!

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Into the same skillet with the bacon grease, add your chopped onion. Cook it over medium heat until it softens and takes on a light golden color. This step caramelizes the onion slightly, unlocking the sweet and savory notes that form the backbone of your salad’s dressing.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour slowly, stirring constantly to combine with the bacon grease and onion mixture. Let this cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and to thicken the base of your sauce slightly. This roux creates the perfect texture for the dressing.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Slowly pour in the apple cider vinegar, water, white sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed to the skillet. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. This sauce comes together beautifully with a tangy-sweet kick that’s the hallmark of the Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe.

Step 6: Combine Potatoes and Sauce

Slice your cooked potatoes into roughly quarter-inch thick rounds. Gently add them to the skillet, spooning the warm tangy dressing over every slice. Heat the whole mixture through carefully, turning the potatoes as you do this to make sure each piece is tenderly coated in the savory sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Salad

Turn off the heat. On a serving dish, layer half of the coated potatoes, then sprinkle half of the crispy bacon pieces over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and bacon. This layering builds texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finally, scatter the thinly sliced green onions evenly over the salad. These add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of the bacon and vinegar dressing. Serve this Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe immediately while it’s still invitingly warm or let it cool to room temperature for an equally tasty experience.

How to Serve Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can elevate this salad with fresh herbal notes. If you love a little zing, adding a few whole celery seeds on top adds an aromatic hint. Thinly sliced radishes can also provide a crisp, colorful touch that’s just as charming as the green onions.

Side Dishes

This potato salad is a stellar side that pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or pork dishes, honoring its German heritage. It’s also a fantastic partner to smoky BBQ ribs or even alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Don’t forget crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the tangy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the salad in small mason jars or decorative bowls for easy portability and charm. Layering the potatoes, bacon, and sauce visibly adds appeal. You can also toss it with fresh arugula or baby spinach just before serving to introduce a peppery freshness and a splash of vibrant green.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the flavors bright and the potatoes tender but not mushy.

Freezing

This potato salad is not ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of the potatoes and dressing. Freezing can make the potatoes mushy and alter the sauce’s consistency, so refrigerate instead for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat just until it is heated through. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the potatoes. If the salad seems a little dry after reheating, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or water to revive the dressing’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for the Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe?

While baby red potatoes are preferred for their waxy texture and flavor, you can use small yellow potatoes as an alternative. Avoid starchy varieties like russets, as they tend to fall apart and won’t hold the dressing well.

Is this potato salad served warm or cold?

This recipe shines served warm or at room temperature. The warmth helps the potatoes absorb the tangy dressing better, but it’s equally delicious cooled for a few hours.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the salad fully and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove and add fresh green onions right before serving to maintain their crunch and color.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is key for authentic tang and subtle fruitiness, but if you don’t have it, white wine vinegar is the closest substitute. Avoid white distilled vinegar as it’s too harsh and sharp for this recipe.

How do I make the salad less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to 1 or 2 tablespoons instead of 3. You can always adjust the sweetness after tasting the sauce while it simmers.

Final Thoughts

This Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through love and technique into something remarkable. Each forkful bursts with vibrant flavor and cozy warmth that feels like a big kitchen hug. I can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering or comforting meal at home. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite potato salad for life!