German Sour Cream Potato Salad

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: German

A creamy, tangy German potato salad with crispy bacon, soft, chopped eggs, and a bright vinegar‑sugar dressing—perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a comforting side.

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Ingredients

  • 6 medium potatoes, cooked
  • 6 hard‑cooked eggs, chopped
  • small bunch green onions or medium sweet dry onion, chopped
  • 1/2 lb. lean bacon, finely diced
  • 1/2 pt. sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • pepper
  • 6 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. Chop warm potatoes in a large bowl.
  2. Add chopped eggs and green onions or sweet dry onion.
  3. Fry bacon until crisp, then retain the bacon grease.
  4. Place the bacon over the potatoes.
  5. Add salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar, and sour cream to the bacon grease, bring to a boil, stirring to combine.
  6. Pour the mixture over the potatoes.
  7. Serve warm or cold.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a quick substitute. Also, using new potatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Make sure to chop the potatoes while they're still warm to better absorb the flavors from the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This German Sour Cream Potato Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It complements dishes like Hungarian Goulash(Italian Style) and is perfect for summer barbecues. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a microwave or in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If serving cold, allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Sour Cream Potato Salad contains roughly 505 calories, with 10g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1095mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

505 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 16.8g 22% DV
Carbs 79.3g 29% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1094.8mg 48% DV
Potassium 1566.9mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 39.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 62.5mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 31.8mg 35% DV
Calcium 144.1mg 11% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this potato salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Waxy potatoes, like red or yellow potatoes, work best for this salad as they hold their shape after cooking. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, as they can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.

Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, consider adding diced pickles or capers for an extra zing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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