This hearty Bavarian potato salad is warm, tangy, and packed with flavor! Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a sharp vinaigrette, it’s a side dish that steals the spotlight!
I love serving this salad at barbecues or family get-togethers. It’s so good, you’ll find everyone going back for seconds—just don’t forget to save some for yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Waxy Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best for this salad. Their firm texture holds up well. If you’re in a pinch, try using round white potatoes – they’ll work too but may be a bit softer.
Smoked Bacon: This adds a fantastic depth of flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh or mushrooms can provide a similar umami taste, but it will change the overall profile slightly.
Broth: Use beef broth for richness, but vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter, vegetarian version. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor even more!
White Wine Vinegar: This gives the salad a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute. Just adjust the amount slightly as it can be a bit stronger.
How Do I Cook Potatoes Perfectly for My Salad?
Cooking potatoes well is key! You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how:
- Start with cold water – this helps them cook evenly.
- Salt the water well! It seasons the potatoes from the inside.
- Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. Look for tenderness but still firm.
- After cooking, let them cool a bit before slicing. This helps them hold their shape in the salad.
Enjoy making this delicious potato salad! It’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Authentic Bavarian German Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (900g) waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 6 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or vegetable broth, warm
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold salted water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them! Once done, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a little while.
2. Preparing the Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, grab a large skillet and cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, placing it on paper towels to drain the excess fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sautéing the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. This will add a lovely flavor to your salad!
4. Making the Dressing:
Next, stir in the white wine vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Pour in the warm broth and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Preparing the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, you can choose to peel them (if you wish) and slice them into thick rounds or dice them into smaller pieces.
6. Combining Everything:
In a large bowl, place the sliced potatoes and pour the warm dressing with onions over them. Gently toss everything together to combine, allowing the potatoes to soak up the delicious dressing.
7. Finishing Touches:
Add the cooked bacon to the potato mixture and mix well. This will give the salad that signature Bavarian flavor!
8. Garnishing:
Before serving, garnish your potato salad with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
9. Serving:
Serve your authentic Bavarian German potato salad warm or at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with sausages, schnitzel, or any grilled meats!
Enjoy your delicious homemade potato salad—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
FAQ for Authentic Bavarian German Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best, you can also use all-purpose potatoes. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit softer and might not hold their shape as well in the salad.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even red wine vinegar. Just remember that each vinegar has a slightly different flavor, so adjust to your taste!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add some roasted mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar smoky flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, you can serve it cold or gently reheat it on the stove—just be careful not to overcook the potatoes!
