Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic German Potato Salad with Bacon?
It is a traditional side dish featuring tender sliced potatoes and crispy bacon tossed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing, adapted for quick preparation in the microwave.
How long does it take to cook the potatoes in the microwave?
The potatoes should be microwaved on high for 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized potatoes, which will yield approximately 4 cups of slices.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking them?
No, you should wash and pierce them first, then microwave them. You can peel them after they have cooled slightly following the cooking process.
How thick should the potato slices be?
The potatoes should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick.
How do I prevent the potatoes from bursting in the microwave?
Thoroughly pierce the potatoes in several places with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape.
What is the best way to cook the bacon for this salad?
Cut the bacon into small pieces, place them in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish covered with a paper towel, and microwave on high for about 6 minutes.
Do I need to keep the bacon fat?
Yes, after removing the crispy bacon pieces to drain, leave the bacon fat in the casserole dish to use as the base for the dressing.
What ingredients make up the tangy dressing?
The dressing is made from a mixture of bacon fat, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, celery seed, black pepper, water, and vinegar.
How do I thicken the potato salad dressing?
After adding water and vinegar to the flour and spice mixture, microwave it on high for about 4 minutes until it boils and thickens.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Should I serve German Potato Salad hot or cold?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to serve this dish warm or at room temperature.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this German Potato Salad contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 8g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 1.3g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar, which results in 2.7g of sugar per serving.
How many slices of bacon are used?
The recipe requires 6 slices of bacon.
What seasonings are used for the authentic flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much vinegar is needed for the dressing?
You will need 1/2 cup of vinegar.
Is there water in the dressing?
Yes, 1 cup of water is added to the vinegar and flour mixture.
Can I use a microwave for the entire cooking process?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be prepared entirely using a microwave.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish is ideal for cooking the bacon and the dressing.
How do I ensure the potatoes don't break when mixing?
Gently fold the sliced potatoes into the thickened dressing rather than stirring vigorously.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from a cherished 1977 microwave cookbook.
Why do I need to let the salad stand before serving?
Letting the dish stand allows the flavors of the tangy dressing, bacon, and potatoes to meld together properly.
What tags define this recipe?
It is categorized under german potato salad, microwave recipe, side dish, bacon, and comfort food.
Is this a good dish for barbecues?
Yes, its hearty and tangy profile makes it a perfect side dish for barbecues and family gatherings.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.