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Cozy Slow Cooker German Potato Salad with Bacon – Easy & Best

slow cooker german potato salad with bacon - featured image

This cozy slow cooker German potato salad with bacon is a warm, tangy, and smoky comfort food that’s perfect for potlucks and holidays. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy and forgiving recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional crispy bacon for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Prepare the potatoes: While the bacon cooks, scrub your potatoes clean. No need to peel them. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
  3. Sauté the onion: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, celery seed, and smoked paprika (if using). Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  5. Layer in the slow cooker: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with half of the sautéed onions and half of the cooked bacon. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and bacon. Pour the dressing evenly over everything. Do not stir yet.
  6. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. About halfway through, gently stir the potatoes to redistribute the dressing.
  7. Check for doneness: The potatoes are done when they’re tender all the way through but still hold their shape. A fork should slide in easily but the potato shouldn’t fall apart.
  8. Finish and serve: Once the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes and thick-cut bacon. Layer ingredients rather than dumping to ensure even flavor. Let the potato salad rest on WARM for 30 minutes after cooking to meld flavors. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker German potato salad, bacon potato salad, warm potato salad, potluck recipe, easy potato salad