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Budget-Friendly German Potato Salad with Bacon

Budget-Friendly German Potato Salad with Bacon - featured image

A warm, tangy German potato salad with crispy bacon and a simple vinegar dressing. Quick, affordable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes (about 67 medium)
  • 8 ounces bacon (regular cut, not thick cut)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water by 1 inch, and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  2. While potatoes boil, cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a cold skillet, then heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 8-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels, leaving fat in skillet (about 3-4 tablespoons).
  3. Add diced onion to the hot bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened, 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and mustard powder to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust if needed.
  5. Add warm potatoes to the skillet with the dressing. Gently fold together until well coated.
  6. Sprinkle most of the crispy bacon over the potatoes and fold in gently. Reserve a handful for garnish. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with reserved bacon and parsley if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep potatoes warm before adding dressing for best absorption. Use apple cider vinegar for authentic tang. Bacon can be cooked ahead; reheat salad gently in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: German potato salad, bacon, budget-friendly, warm potato salad, side dish, easy, quick