My German grandma first made this recipe for me. Been fixing it for years!

German Potato Salad Made in a Slow Cooker
6 Servings

As the golden wheat fields rustle in the brisk winds and the cool air settles in, you know it’s time to gather for a hearty, comforting meal. The aroma of classic German potato salad fills the air, evoking memories of family gatherings around the table, filled with laughter and the sharing of stories. This recipe, passed down through generations of German immigrants in the Midwest, offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and smoky richness. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, it’s the perfect dish for fall and winter meals, making it an ideal side or a stand-alone dish.

With its creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes, this German potato salad pairs beautifully with juicy pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or even as part of a light meal with a fresh green salad. Add a thick-crusted bread to soak up the rich dressing, and you have a meal that will make everyone feel right at home. Top it off with a surprise pie from a dear friend, and the memories are sure to flow.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds red potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 bacon strips, chopped
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Place the cubed red potatoes into the slow cooker. These small red potatoes will hold their shape and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the other ingredients as they cook.

2. Add Bacon and Onion:

   • Top the potatoes with the chopped bacon and diced yellow onion. As the potatoes cook, the onions will soften and sweeten, while the bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This tangy dressing will coat the potatoes and elevate the dish.

4. Combine and Stir:

   • Pour the dressing over the potatoes, bacon, and onions in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a fork. This slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the potatoes are soft and the flavors are well blended, give everything a good stir. Transfer the potato salad to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Suggestions & Variations:

• For Crunch: Add some finely chopped celery to the onions for extra crunch and freshness.
• Vinegar Substitute: If you’re low on apple cider vinegar, white vinegar works as a quick substitute.
• Lighter Option: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup if you’re looking for a lighter version. For a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery soup.
• Pickle Lovers: For an added tang, toss in a handful of diced pickles toward the end of cooking.
• Leftovers: The flavors in this potato salad continue to develop and intensify overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

This German potato salad is simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as the main event, it’s a hearty, flavorful recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table. Enjoy!