This Pioneer Woman German Potato Salad is a warm and tangy recipe, which is made with bacon and red potatoes. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour.
Pioneer Woman German Potato Salad Ingredients
- 4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 3 1/2 lb. medium-sized red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-1 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 lb. smoky thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. coarse whole-grain mustard, or more to taste
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Pioneer Woman German Potato Salad
- Boil the potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of kosher salt to a large pot of boiling water. Add the potatoes and cook until they are just easily pierced with a fork, about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to let them get mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the bacon: In a large skillet with tall sides, fry the bacon over medium heat until chewy-crisp. You may need to do this in batches. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop it into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces.
- Make the warm dressing: Leave the bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the chicken stock, vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the dressing has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet and fold to coat them with the warm dressing. Add the chopped bacon and fold again. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the fresh chives and parsley. Serve warm, straight from the pan.

Recipe Tips
- What potatoes are best for this salad? The recipe calls for red potatoes, which are an excellent choice because they are waxy and hold their shape well after boiling. Baby Yukon Golds would also work wonderfully.
- How to avoid mushy potatoes? It is crucial not to overcook the potatoes. They should be just tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Test them frequently as they cook and drain them as soon as they are ready.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. While this salad is traditionally served warm, the recipe notes that it is also delicious served at room temperature or even cold. You can make it a few hours ahead and let it sit, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- What makes German potato salad different? The key difference is the dressing. Unlike classic American potato salad, which has a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, traditional German potato salad features a warm, tangy dressing made with vinegar and bacon grease.
What To Serve With German Potato Salad
This classic salad is the perfect side dish for a variety of hearty meals.
- Grilled bratwurst or other sausages
- Pork schnitzel
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled pork chops
- Hamburgers
How To Store German Potato Salad
- Refrigerate: Let the potato salad cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. You can serve the leftovers cold or gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat.
German Potato Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 10g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is German potato salad always served warm?
Traditionally, yes, it is served warm, which allows the potatoes to absorb the delicious bacon dressing. However, it is also very tasty when served at room temperature or chilled.
Can I use a different kind of vinegar?
Yes, if you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a very common and delicious substitute that complements the other flavors in the dressing perfectly.
My dressing seems very thin. Is that normal?
The dressing will start out thin, but the recipe specifies cooking it for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Don’t skip this step. The starches from the potatoes will also help to thicken the dressing as you toss everything together.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Deviled Egg Potato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cobb Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Citrus Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman German Potato Salad Recipe
Description
A classic warm and tangy potato salad with a savory bacon and vinegar dressing, perfect for any barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just fork-tender; drain.
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crisp; remove bacon and chop, but leave the grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in the bacon grease until soft.
- Stir in the chicken stock, vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken the dressing.
- Add the cooked potatoes and chopped bacon to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the warm dressing.
- Stir in fresh chives and parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- u003cliu003eBe careful not to overcook the potatoes, or they will fall apart when you toss the salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing a smoky, thick-cut bacon will provide the best flavor and texture for this salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe tangy dressing is the star of the show; feel free to adjust the mustard and sugar to your personal taste.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad is fantastic made a few hours ahead of time, as the flavors will continue to meld as it sits.u003c/liu003e
