Potato salads are a delightful addition to any meal, particularly in the summer. This Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard brings together the hearty flavors of potatoes and bacon, making it a standout side dish. Its tangy dressing of mustard and vinegar is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even just a cozy dinner at home. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this dish that’s both comforting and refreshingly zesty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of bacon, vinegar, and mustard creates a unique taste that sets this salad apart from traditional options.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have this warm salad ready in no time!
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any occasion—be it a summer cookout or a family dinner—this salad complements many main dishes.
- Healthier Option: Using vinegar instead of heavy dressings keeps the calorie count lower while still delivering bold flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding ingredients like hot sauce for some heat or different types of onions for varied flavor profiles.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of our Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you need to prepare this tasty dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Cooking spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling potatoes evenly without overcrowding them.
- Large pan: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic in bacon grease for added flavor.
- Cooking spoon: A must-have for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Knife & Cutting board: Essential for chopping potatoes, onions, and garlic efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, cubed (optionally peeled)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced or sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Cover the potatoes in water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well after boiling.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside once done but reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Onions
Add the diced onion to the pan with reserved bacon grease. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
Step 5: Prepare Dressing
Add the apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, grainy mustard, and optional sugar to the pan. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste before turning off the heat.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add the boiled potatoes and crumbled bacon into the pan with the dressing mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. Enjoy warm!
This Warm German Potato Salad Recipe is not only flavorful but also adaptable for various tastes. You can serve it warm or allow it to cool to room temperature for later enjoyment!
How to Serve Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
Warm German potato salad is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tangy and savory salad.
With Grilled Meats
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the tartness of the salad perfectly.
- Sausages: Try it alongside bratwurst or kielbasa for a traditional German twist.
At a Picnic
- With Sandwiches: This warm potato salad serves as a great side to hearty sandwiches like pulled pork or turkey.
- Charcuterie Board: Include it on a board with cheeses, meats, and olives for a delightful spread.
As a BBQ Side
- Burgers: It pairs exceptionally well with beef or veggie burgers at your next BBQ.
- Ribs: The acidity in the salad cuts through the richness of barbecued ribs beautifully.
With Vegetables
- Grilled Asparagus: The freshness of grilled asparagus balances well with the hearty potatoes.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the tangy flavors of the potato salad.
How to Perfect Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
To ensure your warm German potato salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh potatoes: Fresh potatoes will yield better texture and flavor than older ones. Opt for waxy varieties for best results.
- Cook potatoes properly: Avoid overcooking; they should be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape in the salad.
- Bacon grease magic: Use freshly rendered bacon grease for an enhanced flavor in your dressing.
- Balance flavors: Adjust the vinegar and mustard according to your taste preferences. A little sugar can mellow out the tartness if desired.
- Add herbs creatively: Enhance your dish by experimenting with different herbs like dill or chives along with parsley.
- Serve warm but versatile: While best enjoyed warm, this salad also tastes great at room temperature or chilled.

Best Side Dishes for Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
This warm German potato salad is versatile enough to complement various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of flavor that pairs nicely with the tangy notes of the salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances well with the warmth of the potato dish and adds crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized flavor provides an excellent contrast to the tartness of the potato salad.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella in a Caprese salad brightens up your meal beautifully.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks offer a comforting touch that complements any summer meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers provide heartiness while being visually appealing on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard! Here are a few tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking Potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long makes them mushy. Boil them until just tender, about 10 minutes, to keep the right texture.
- Skipping the Bacon Grease: The flavor from bacon grease is essential. Always reserve some after cooking the bacon to enhance your dressing.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning enough can lead to bland salad. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for optimal flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Mustard: The type of mustard matters. Choose good-quality dijon and grainy mustard for a tangy kick that complements the salad well.
- Adding Vinegar Too Late: For best results, add vinegar while the onion is still warm. This helps meld the flavors together nicely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
- Not recommended for freezing as potatoes can become watery when thawed.
- If necessary, freeze without the dressing.
Reheating Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1–2 minutes), stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring gently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold hold their shape better than starchy varieties.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used are gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard labels.
How can I customize this Warm German Potato Salad Recipe?
Feel free to add extras like chopped pickles or diced celery for added crunch!
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other mustards like honey mustard for a sweeter flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Warm German Potato Salad Recipe, with bacon, vinegar, and mustard! is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or BBQs. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or herbs to suit your taste. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Warm German Potato Salad Recipe with Bacon, Vinegar, and Mustard
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
This Warm German Potato Salad is a heartwarming side dish that perfectly balances the savory richness of crispy bacon with the tangy brightness of mustard and apple cider vinegar. Ideal for summer picnics, BBQs, or cozy family dinners, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With tender potatoes tossed in a zesty dressing, your taste buds will be treated to a delightful experience. Plus, it’s quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes! Customize it by adding your favorite ingredients to create a unique twist on this classic dish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds potatoes (cubed)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the cubed potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy; set aside and reserve some grease.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion in reserved bacon grease for about 5 minutes until tender. Add chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, both mustards, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Toss the boiled potatoes and crumbled bacon into the dressing mixture until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use waxy potatoes for better texture. Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like hot sauce or different herbs. This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
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