German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (2024)

Jump to RecipeRate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.Please read our disclosure policy.

My German Potato Salad is made with vinegar, bacon, and onion and can be served warm or cold. A perfect hearty side dish for any occasion, from holiday dinners to BBQs!

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (1)

I’m German and I love potato salad! I took my Grandmother’s recipe and tweaked it a little bit to make it easier for you to make an authentic German potato salad that tastes like the one you get in a Bavarian restaurant or at the Oktoberfest. It’s tangy and loaded with bacon and onions.

A Bavarian potato salad should be moist but not wet, the dressing will have an almost creamy consistency that coats the potatoes. It should definitely not be dry!

The hot potatoes soak up the flavor of the delicious dressing and the added bacon makes this simple recipe so finger-licking-good. Sprinkle the salad with chopped chives or parsley and voila: German potato salad perfection!

Why make this recipe

  • Uses only a few, simple ingredients
  • So easy to put together
  • Authentic German recipe from my grandmother in Germany
  • Tastes great with everything
  • Perfect to make ahead

Ingredient Notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (2)
  • Potatoes – The potatoes you can get in Germany are different from North American potatoes. For the most authentic potato salad, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Charlotte, or New Red potatoes because of their waxy flesh and firm texture. This varietymost closely replicates the potatoes used in Germany for this salad. Don’t use russet or other very starchy potatoes, they will crumble and make the salad dry!
  • Vinegar – I like to use German seasoned vinegar for salads (you can get it in German stores or the international aisle at the grocery store) but you can also use white vinegar or white wine vinegar. Do NOT use balsamic or apple cider vinegar!
  • Sugar – Authentic recipes are usually made with a little bit of sugar, but not more than 1 tsp! The sugar balances the flavor, it should not sweeten the salad.
  • Mustard – The best choice would be mild German mustard, you can often find it in the international aisle in the grocery store. The next best thing is Dijon mustard, it tastes a little stronger but similar enough. Don’t use American mustard!
  • Beef Stock – You need a quality beef stock with lots of flavor for this recipe. I like to use Better than Boullion (affiliate link) because it lets me make a more concentrated stock.

How to make this recipe

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (3)
  1. Boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot covered with an inch of water over high heat until tender, about 20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
  2. Make the dressing: Meanwhile, make the dressing. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Take out the bacon and set it aside, leave the rendered fat in the pan. Add the onion to the pan and saute until translucent but not browned, about 3-4 mins (Image 1). Add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Turn down the heat and add vinegar, mustard, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper (Image 2).
  3. Prep potatoes: Let the potatoes cool slightly so you can handle them. Peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices or cubes and put them in a large bowl. (Image 3)
  4. Combine: Pour the hot dressing over the potatoes. Mix the salad gently then fold in the bacon pieces (Image 4). Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving so that the potatoes can absorb the flavor of the dressing.

What to serve with German Potato Salad

  • German Schnitzel
  • Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
  • German Pork Hock (Schweinshaxe Recipe)
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Expert Tips

  • The type of potato makes all the difference! I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Charlotte, or New Red potatoes because of their waxy flesh and firm texture. Don’t use starchy potatoes like russet!
  • Potato salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold. The salad should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons.
  • The potatoes are cooked unpeeled and are peeled while they’re still hot because this way the potatoes will better soak up the salad dressing.
  • The vinegar gives the salad its authentic taste, don’t use apple cider or balsamic vinegar!
  • Sprinkle the salad with chopped chives or parsley before serving but don’t use more than 2 Tbsp. The potatoes should be the star of the dish!
  • There are many variations of potato salad throughout Germany and each region makes it a bit differently. Some are made without bacon, some are made with a mayonnaise-based dressing, but this is the version I grew up with in Bavaria.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between American and German potato salad?

American potato salad is usually mayonnaise-based, German potato salad, especially in Bavaria, is made with bacon drippings and vinegar dressing. What Americans typically think of as “German Potato Salad” (unpeeled red potatoes, lots of parsley, sometimes garlic, lots of sugar) is not actually found in that form in Germany.

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut up for potato salad?

It’s better to boil potatoes whole and with the peel on. They are peeled while they’re still hot because this way the potatoes will better soak up the dressing and the salad will be more flavorful.

What does German potato salad go with?

In Germany, Potato Salad is often served as a side dish with Schnitzel, sausages, pork chops, or breaded fish. It’s also a popular dish to bring to a BBQ or potluck! Fun fact: Many Germans eat potato salad on Christmas Eve.

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (8)

Leftovers

This salad keeps for about 2 days in the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Looking for more German Recipes?

  • Easy German Spaetzle Recipe
  • Black Forest Cake
  • Bread Dumplings
  • Kaiserschmarrn

If you want to try more food from Germany I highly recommend taking a lookat my other German Recipes and please leave me a comment if you’re looking for a specific German recipe that I haven’t posted yet!

Never Miss A Recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more great recipes and all of the latest updates.

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (13)

SavePinPrint

4.97 from 92 votes

German Potato Salad

By: Julia Foerster

My German Potato Salad is made with vinegar, bacon, and onion and can be served warm or cold. A perfect hearty side dish for any occasion, from holiday dinners to BBQs!

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds waxy potatoes
  • 6-8 slices bacon, finely diced
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup beef stock
  • 6 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard, Dijon or mild German mustard
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, sunflower or avocado oil work best
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt, or more to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, or chives

CupsMetric

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes in a large pot covered with an inch of water over high heat until tender, about 20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

  • Meanwhile, make the dressing. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Take out the bacon and set it aside, leave the rendered fat in the pan. Add the onion to the pan and saute until translucent but not browned, about 3-4 mins (Image 1). Add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Turn down the heat and add vinegar, mustard, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper (Image 2).

  • Let the potatoes cool slightly so you can handle them. Peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices or cubes and put them in a large bowl. (Image 3)

  • Pour the hot dressing over the potatoes. Mix the salad gently then fold in the bacon pieces (Image 4). Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving so that the potatoes can absorb the flavor of the dressing.

Notes

  • The type of potato makes all the difference! I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Charlotte, or New Red potatoes because of their waxy flesh and firm texture. Don’t use starchy potatoes like russet!
  • Potato salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold. The salad should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons.
  • The potatoes are cooked unpeeled and are peeled while they’re still hot because this way the potatoes will better soak up the salad dressing.
  • The vinegar gives the salad its authentic taste, don’t use apple cider or balsamic vinegar!
  • Sprinkle the salad with chopped chives or parsley before serving but don’t use more than 2 Tbsp. The potatoes should be the star of the dish!
  • There are many variations of potato salad throughout Germany and each region makes it a bit differently. Some are made without bacon, some are made with a mayonnaise-based dressing, but this is the version I grew up with in Bavaria.

Cooking potatoes in the Instant Pot

Place a trivet in the instant pot, add one cup of cold water, and place the potatoes on top of the trivet. Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 9-12 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Quick-release the pressure.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 813mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

German Potato Salad recipe originally published in 2017. New photos, updated recipe, and updated post in December 2020.

Categorized as:
German Recipes,

About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

Read More About Me

You May Also Like:

German Recipes

Pfannkuchen

Sauces, Dressings, and Spreads

Clarified Butter

German Recipes

Radler Beer

German Recipes

German Red Cabbage

German Potato Salad (Authentic Bavarian Recipe) - Plated Cravings (2024)

FAQs

Who makes canned German potato salad? ›

You can eat the Read potato salad straight from the can or heat it up before serving. Eat it alone, prepare it with bratwurst and onions, or use the delicious and easy recipe right on the label to create German potato and bacon pockets.

What is German salad made of? ›

German Potato Salad Ingredients

Bacon: Bacon (and its grease) adds tons of meaty flavor to the hearty German potato salad. Onion: An onion, cooked in bacon grease, lends even more complexity and flavor. Vinegar: White vinegar adds tanginess that cuts through the richness from the potatoes and bacon.

What are the most popular potatoes in Germany? ›

40% of all potatoes in Germany come from Lueneburg Heath. Everyone loves the "terrific tuber": in fact, Germany consumes more than 60 kg of potatoes per person and year.

What is the history of German potato salad? ›

“Where did the German potato salad originate?” American style “German Potato Salad” originated from German immigrants based upon the German Kartoffelsalat. But the true origin of this recipe may be southern Poland.

Where is Mrs Gerry's potato salad made? ›

Mrs. Gerry's now sells more than 50 million pounds of product a year and employs 250 at our 214,500 square foot facility located in Albert Lea, MN.

What do Germans eat for vegetables? ›

As far as vegetables go, green beans, broccoli, peas and cabbage are staples at the German dinner table. Vegetables are often boiled, stir fried or come from the oven, to keep them slightly chewy.

What is Germany's national dish made of? ›

A popular German dish is Sauerbraten which is considered one of the country's national dishes. It is essentially a German pot roast and is made with beef, veal, or venison as the main meat.

What are the key ingredients in German food? ›

Whilst there are regional variations in food culture, most German recipes focus heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat, especially pork, as well as plenty of greens such as types of cabbage and kale. Cake, coffee, and beer are all highly popular elements of German cuisine too - which will be good news to most!

What is the most consumed vegetable in Germany? ›

Tomatoes are by far the most consumed vegetable in Germany
  • Tomatoes (31.3 kg)
  • Carrots, beetroots (11.5 kg)
  • Onions (9.0 kg)
  • Cucumbers (7.5 kg)
  • Lettuce (5.7 kg)
  • White cabbage, red cabbage (4.7 kg)
  • Savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi (2.5 kg)
  • Beans (2.2 kg)
Jan 16, 2024

What is the main potato dish in Germany? ›

Bratkartoffeln is a German food that people often want to recreate at home. This beloved dish that's hard to pronounce (brat-kah-toff-len) translates as "fried potatoes," and it's indeed that: pan-fried potatoes, bacon, onions, and seasonings.

How do Germans eat their potatoes? ›

Pan-fried potatoes are a classic, versatile German dish that is easily adapted with additional ingredients and comes in different flavor combinations. The potatoes are traditionally diced or sliced, then combined with bacon, ham, onions, vegetables, and a variety of fresh herbs and spices.

What is amish potato salad made of? ›

This Amish Potato Salad starts off with a sweet, creamy dressing that gets drizzled over all the potato salad classics – celery, boiled eggs, onions, and sweet pickle relish. This is a great summer side dish and a nice change from the usual. That sweet dressing is a bit different, but oh so good!

Where did Russian potato salad originate? ›

What food is Germany known for? ›

Top 5 foods in Germany
  • Schnitzel. You can find these everywhere in Germany from classy restaurants to street food vendors. ...
  • Spätzle. For a country that is big on their meat, one of the most famous German dishes is Spätzle; which is completely vegetarian. ...
  • Bratwurst. ...
  • Stollen. ...
  • Kartoffelpuffer.
Oct 17, 2016

What is the German potato chip company? ›

Intersnack Group GmbH & Co.

Intersnack is a major manufacturer of potato chips and Snacks in Europe, with headquarters in Germany.

Where is Reser's potato salad made? ›

Product Line Expansion

Lines include salads, sausages, tortillas, stuffing, and pudding made at the Allen Avenue facility in Beaverton, OR.

What type of potato is German Butterball? ›

German Butterball potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family along with tomatoes and peppers. They are considered an heirloom variety even though they are relatively new, having been introduced in 1988.

Is Read Ready to Eat German Potato Salad gluten free? ›

German Potato Salad is low in fat and cholesterol. All READ Salads are gluten-free.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6697

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.