Zesty German Potato Salad with Bacon and Mustard
This Zesty German Potato Salad is a delightful twist on a classic dish, featuring tender potatoes coated in a tangy dressing made from bacon, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. This warm salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, along with the crunch of cooked bacon and tender onions, creates a mouth-watering experience. Whip it up for your next event and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6-8 (medium, boiled or microwaved, sliced)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Chicken Stock
1/2 (cup)
Bacon
1/2 (lb, chopped)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 (cup)
Sugar
1/4 (cup)
Mustard Seeds
1 (tablespoon)
Prepared Brown Mustard
1 (tablespoon)
Flour
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling or microwaving the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
2
While the potatoes are cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces and sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through but not crispy. The rendered fat will add great flavor to the salad.
3
Once the bacon is cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue to sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Avoid draining the bacon fat, as it will enhance the flavor of the dressing.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, prepared brown mustard, and mustard seeds until the sugar is dissolved.
5
In a small bowl, combine the flour with the chicken stock until smooth. Then, add this mixture to the skillet with the bacon and onions, stirring well.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the balance of sugar and vinegar according to your preference; you may want a sweeter or more tangy dressing.
7
Carefully fold the sliced potatoes into the warm dressing in the skillet, ensuring they are well coated. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty German Potato Salad?
It is a warm potato salad featuring a tangy dressing made with bacon, apple cider vinegar, and mustard, perfect for barbecues and picnics.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 medium potatoes.
What is the best way to cook the potatoes?
You can either boil or microwave the potatoes until they are fork-tender before slicing them.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe suggests slicing them after cooking; peeling is optional based on your personal preference.
How much bacon is used in this salad?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of chopped bacon.
Should I drain the bacon fat after cooking?
No, do not drain the fat as it is used to sauté the onions and provides essential flavor to the dressing.
What type of onion should I use?
One medium onion, chopped, is recommended for this dish.
What kind of vinegar is used for the tangy flavor?
Apple cider vinegar is used to provide the classic tangy taste.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What types of mustard are included?
The recipe uses both 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds and 1 tablespoon of prepared brown mustard.
Why is flour included in the ingredients?
Two tablespoons of flour are mixed with chicken stock to help thicken the warm dressing.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
Can I adjust the sweetness or sourness of the salad?
Yes, you can taste the dressing as it thickens and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your preference.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a warm salad and should be served immediately while warm for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the flour from clumping?
Whisk the flour with the chicken stock in a separate small bowl until smooth before adding it to the skillet.
What is the final step in the assembly?
Carefully fold the sliced potatoes into the warm dressing in the skillet until they are well coated.
Should the bacon be crispy?
The instructions suggest sautéing it until cooked through but not necessarily crispy to keep it tender.
How long do I cook the onions?
Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent.
What size should I slice the potatoes?
Slicing them into bite-sized pieces is recommended for even coating and ease of eating.
What occasions are best for this salad?
It is ideal for barbecues, picnics, or any casual social gathering.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, vegetable stock could be used as a substitute.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
The primary seasonings come from the bacon fat, mustard, and vinegar, but you can season to taste.
Is this a traditional German dish?
It is a zesty twist on a classic German warm potato salad style.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: potatoes, onion, chicken stock, bacon, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, brown mustard, and flour.
Can I prepare this in advance?
While best served warm, it can be reheated, though the texture is best when fresh.
Does the dressing need to boil?
Yes, bring the mixture to a gentle boil so that the flour can thicken the sauce.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The cooked bacon and mustard seeds provide a pleasant texture and crunch.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is preferred for its fruitier tang, but white vinegar can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be fork-tender, meaning a fork slides in and out easily without the potato falling apart.
What is the prep time like?
Preparation involves boiling potatoes and sautéing bacon/onions, making it a relatively quick side dish.