German Potato Salad with Bacon

This warm German potato salad with bacon leans into tangy apple cider vinegar, smoky bacon, and tender red potatoes for a flavorful twist on the classic mayo-based version. It’s quick, cozy, and the perfect side for weeknights, picnics, or cookouts. If you’re into comforting potato dishes, you’ll also love my French potato salad with green beans and crispy smashed fried potatoes, which make great companions on the table.

	Why You’ll Love This Recipe
	Warm + tangy flavors – the vinegar-mustard dressing gives it a bright, savory punch.
Smoky bacon richness – rendered bacon fat adds depth without feeling heavy.
Perfect warm side – great for cookouts, weeknights, or anytime you want something cozy but not creamy.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

Red potatoes – Red potatoes are a medium size potato with thin, red skin and white insides. They don’t have to be peeled prior to serving since the skin is so thin. They are a waxy potato (less starchy than russet potatoes).
Bacon – The bacon is added to a cold pan so that it cooks evenly and the fat has rendered. The rendered bacon fat is used as a flavorful and rich base for cooking the vegetables. I like the smokiness the applewood smoked bacon adds, though it can easily be substituted with pancetta in this recipe.
Apple cider vinegar – The vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It’s combined with dijon vinegar for a light, yet acidic dressing on the salad.
Dijon mustard – Dijon is made from finely ground mustard seeds with a spicier flavor than whole mustard seeds. It helps to round out the flavor of the apple cider vinegar in the dressing.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Pro Tip

Toss the potatoes while they’re still warm — they soak up the dressing better and get extra flavorful.

Swaps and Substitutions

Red Potatoes: Swap with Yukon Golds or baby Dutch potatoes.
Bacon: Use pancetta or thick-cut turkey bacon.
Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar or rice vinegar work in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard: Stone-ground or spicy brown mustard also works.
Parsley: Try chives or dill for a fresh twist.

How to Make German Style Potato Salad (Step-by-Step)

boiled red potatoes. — **Step 1: Boil the potatoes.**
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and cook until they are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and quarter the potatoes then set aside in a large mixing bowl.

crispy bacon bits in pan cooking. — **Step 2: Cook the bacon.**
Set a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until the fat has rendered and the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

sautéed onions and celery in bacon fat. — **Step 3: Sauté vegetables.**
Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan and discard the rest or reserve for another use. Return the pan to heat and add the onion and celery, sautéing until tender and translucent, about 6 minutes.

apple cider vinegar dressing for potato salad. — **Step 4: Make the dressing.**
In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, Dijon, salt, sugar and garlic powder.

German potato salad with bacon and parsley. — **Step 5: Assemble and serve.**
Add the cooked onions and celery, bacon and parsley to the potatoes. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and toss to combine. Serve warm.

How to Serve German Style Potato Salad

Serve warm with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or bratwurst
Add to a backyard BBQ spread with ribs or pulled pork
Pair with burgers for an easy cookout side
Serve at room temperature for picnics or potlucks

How to Store German Style Potato Salad

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Refresh: Add a splash of warm water or a little extra dressing if the potatoes seem dry.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make German potato salad without bacon?

Yes — sauté mushrooms in olive oil to replace the richness bacon adds.

Can I make German potato salad ahead of time?

Yes — prep the potatoes and bacon/veggies in advance, then toss with the dressing before serving.

Do I have to serve German potato salad warm?

Nope! It’s great warm, room temp, or chilled.

Why does it taste too acidic?

Add a pinch more sugar or a small splash of bacon fat to balance the flavors.

Can I use other potatoes?

Yukon Golds work great; russets will work but tend to break apart more easily.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this warm German potato salad recipe, try one of these potato-forward options next:

Tried it? Loved it? Tweaked it? Leave a review below and tell me how it went – I’m all ears (and always hungry).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe