Description
A warm, tangy, and savory German-style potato salad featuring crispy bacon, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This beginner-proof recipe is mayo-free, forgiving, and perfect for crowds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, for boiling water and seasoning
Instructions
- Peel and cube potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water by an inch, and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender but holding shape. Drain immediately without rinsing; keep warm.
- While potatoes boil, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove bacon to a paper towel, reserving 3-4 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper to the skillet. Whisk to combine and simmer for 1 minute until sugar dissolves.
- Place warm potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot vinaigrette over the potatoes and toss gently to coat.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl. Toss again.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not overcook the potatoes; they should hold their shape. Keep potatoes warm when adding the dressing to ensure proper absorption. This salad does not freeze well. It is best served warm or at room temperature, not chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Oktoberfest, German potato salad, bacon vinaigrette, warm potato salad, side dish, crowd pleaser, gluten-free, dairy-free