This Southern German warm potato salad features tender waxy potatoes tossed in a tangy bacon-vinegar dressing with sweet caramelized onions. It is a beloved Bavarian side dish traditionally served alongside schnitzel, sausages, or roasted pork.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings6
Yield6 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 385 kcalCalories
- 18 gFat
- 6 gSaturated Fat
- 45 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 4 gSugar
- 11 gProtein
- 720 mgSodium
- 950 mgPotassium
- 35 mgCalcium
- 2 mgIron
- 18 mgVitamin C
- 85 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 lbs waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), scrubbed
- 1 teaspoon salt, for boiling water
- 6 oz thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
For the Warm Bacon-Vinegar Dressing
- 1/3 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Directions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain, cool just enough to handle, then peel and slice 1/4-inch thick.
- While the potatoes cook, add the diced bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving about 3 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
- Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.
- Pour in the broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the dressing.
- Add the warm potato slices to the skillet in batches, gently folding them with a wooden spoon to coat evenly. Let the potatoes rest in the dressing for 2 to 3 minutes so they absorb the flavors without falling apart.
- Sprinkle in the reserved crispy bacon and most of the parsley, then fold once more. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar as desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with the remaining parsley and sliced scallions, and serve warm.
- Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the dressing.
Cook’s Notes
- Always use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red bliss; starchy russets will fall apart and turn gummy in the dressing.
- Toss the potatoes while still warm so they soak up the bacon-vinegar dressing evenly and deeply.
- For a Northern German version, replace the warm bacon-vinegar dressing with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, yogurt, and mustard, then serve chilled.
- Add a pinch of caraway or celery seeds for an herbal note traditional in some Bavarian households.
- Do not dress the potatoes too early if serving cold, as they will continue absorbing the dressing and can become overly tangy.










