Name: Hot German Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (Precooked bacon works fine.); 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, cut thinly; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 2 Tablespoons sugar; 6 Tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup sliced green onions

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I bet this tasty hot German potato salad recipe is unlike any other potato salad you’ve ever tried. It’s got tons of flavor thanks to bacon and a vinegar dressing, and it’s cooked in the microwave!

It is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and as a simple side dish for family dinner any night.

A family favorite for decades!

I got the recipe for this warm German potato salad from my younger brother Aaron. He got the recipe in a high school cooking class and then brought it home and made it for our family.

I loved it so much that I took the recipe to college with me and made it for my roommates. Years later, I am still making it for my family.

The tangy sweet dressing and the salty bacon are a perfect flavor combination. If all you’ve ever tried are creamy potato salads, you need to give this recipe a try!

It might not be the most authentic German potato salad recipe, but it’s ridiculously easy, and so delicious!

Is German potato salad supposed to be hot?

Unlike American potato salad, which is served cold because it’s mayonnaise-based, traditional German potato salad is usually served warm, hot, or at room temperature.

How to make hot German potato salad

BACON – Cook the bacon until it is very crispy, then crumble.
VEGGIES – Slice the green onions. Scrub or peel the potatoes and slice 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Place potatoes in a large bowl that is microwave-safe. Set aside about a third of the onions and bacon; add the rest to the potatoes.
VINEGAR DRESSING – Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper. Stir into the potatoes.
COOK – Place the bowl in the microwave. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the potatoes are fork tender. Add the reserved onions and bacon.

Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Leftover German potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

PRO TIPS:

If you are using large potatoes, cut them in half or quarters before slicing them.
Cooking time will vary depending on how thick you cut your potatoes, so just check the cooked potatoes with a fork. They are done when they are tender.
Sometimes 6 tablespoons isn’t enough water, so you can add more if the potatoes seem dry.
Using precooked bacon makes this salad even easier. Just crisp them up a bit before adding them to the potatoes.

VARIATIONS:

You can use red onion or yellow onion in place of the green onion, but because they have a stronger flavor, you can use less.
If desired, you can add some of the bacon fat to the dressing.
For a different flavor profile, you can try apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
I like to set aside a bit of green onion and bacon before cooking so the hot potato salad has some crunchy bacon in it. But you can add it all at first if you prefer.
For a lower fat dish, you can use turkey bacon.
Use small red potatoes, yellow potatoes, russets, or any potatoes you have on hand. They are all tasty.

What to serve with warm potato salad

Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each)