grandma’s german potato salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grandma’s german potato salad recipe

I am so excited to share my grandma’s German potato salad recipe with you. This dish has been a family favorite for generations, and I just can’t get enough of it. The first time I had it was at my grandma’s house, where it was always a staple at family gatherings.

It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a weeknight meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.

My grandma learned this recipe from her mother, who brought it from Germany, and it’s been passed down through our family ever since. One of the things I love most about this recipe is the combination of tangy vinegar, sweet onions, and creamy potatoes. It may sound strange, but trust me when I say it’s absolute perfection.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and letting the flavors meld together for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making each bite even more delicious. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to use the food processor to chop the onions and potatoes, and they love watching me carefully mix all the ingredients together.

When we serve it at family gatherings, everyone always asks for the recipe, and I’m happy to share it with them.

Grandma’s German Potato Salad

4.8 from 734 votes

A classic German potato salad featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing. This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light meal on its own.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tsp salt

For the Dressing

1/2 cup bacon drippings
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

For Garnish

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the cubed potatoes and reduce heat to medium.
3Boil potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the potato cubes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup bacon drippings, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
6Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
7Add the cooked potatoes to the bowl and gently toss to coat evenly.
8Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9When ready to serve, transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl.
10Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped chives over the top as a garnish.
11Serve chilled or at room temperature.
12Enjoy the tangy, creamy flavors of Grandma’s German Potato Salad!

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Serving bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, use bacon drippings from cooked bacon. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped onion to the dressing for extra flavor.

This German potato salad recipe is a staple in our household, and I know it will become one in yours too. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quick weeknight meal.

And don’t even get me started on how well it stores – simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. When reheating leftovers, I like to toss them with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s German Potato Salad

Q1: What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

For this German potato salad recipe, you’ll want to use high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.

Q3: Do I have to use German mustard?

No! While traditional German potato salad recipes do call for German mustard, you can substitute with Dijon mustard if you prefer.

Q4: How long should I let the salad sit before serving?

The longer the better! Letting the salad sit for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Q5: Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?

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