German Tater Tot Potato Salad Recipe

Name: German Tater Tot Potato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: canola oil cooking spray; 1 (28 ounce) package frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®); 1 (8 ounce) package bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste; 0.33333334326744 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Cook Time: 40 minutes

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a simple, yet delicious dish that combines the crispy texture of tater tots with the savory flavor of bacon dressing. It's quick to make and requires minimal effort, but the end result is absolutely mouthwatering.

Ingredients

1 (28 ounce) package frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots)
1 (8 ounce) package bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Canola oil cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a sheet pan with foil and spray generously with cooking spray.

Step 2: Spread the frozen potato nuggets evenly on the prepared sheet pan and spray the tops with additional cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the nuggets are well browned and extra crispy. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes longer than the package instructions suggest. Make sure they are extra crispy, as this will prevent them from falling apart during tossing and improve the overall texture of the salad.

Step 3: While the tater tots are baking, prepare the bacon dressing. Place the bacon pieces in a cold, dry pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the bacon until the fat has rendered and the bacon becomes foamy and almost crisp. Once this happens, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion.

Step 4: Stir the onion occasionally until it softens and turns translucent, which will take about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and continue cooking until the sugar starts to caramelize on the bottom of the pan, which should take about 1 minute.

Step 5: Deglaze the pan by adding the apple cider vinegar. Stir well to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat once the vinegar has been fully incorporated into the dressing.

Step 6: When the tater tots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 7: Pour the warm bacon dressing over the crispy tater tots and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 8: Mix in the chopped parsley and chives. Taste the salad and adjust the salt as needed before serving.

Chef's Notes

For best results, choose potato nuggets with the fewest ingredients listed on the package just potatoes, salt, and oil are ideal.
The bacon dressing can be used for other dishes as well. It makes a great warm dressing for spinach salad or can be drizzled over grilled chicken breasts or pork chops. For the adventurous, it could even be tried over vanilla ice cream!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 242
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 852mg
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 9mg
Iron: 0mg
Potassium: 353mg

Origin and History

The concept of German potato salad is deeply rooted in Germany's culinary history, with recipes dating back hundreds of years. Traditionally, the dish features boiled potatoes dressed with a vinegar-based sauce, often served warm. The warm dressing typically includes ingredients like bacon, mustard, and onions. While the German version is most common in southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, many other regions have their own variations. The modern twist of using tater tots in place of traditional potatoes is a more recent innovation, likely born out of a desire to simplify the recipe and add a crispy, fun element to the dish.

Regional Variations

In Germany, the classic potato salad is known for its tangy dressing made with vinegar, mustard, and oil. In southern Germany, it's often served warm, while in the northern regions, it's served cold, featuring mayonnaise-based dressings. The addition of tater tots, which are an American convenience food, is not typical in Germany but reflects the fusion of American fast food culture with traditional European recipes. The crispy texture of the tater tots adds an unexpected and delightful crunch, giving this version a modern spin.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

What sets this German Tater Tot Potato Salad apart from its traditional counterparts is the use of frozen potato nuggets, or tater tots, instead of freshly boiled potatoes. While classic German potato salad can be a little more rustic with chunks of boiled potatoes, this version offers a lighter, crispier texture thanks to the tater tots. The crispy exterior of the tots contrasts wonderfully with the warm, smoky bacon dressing. Additionally, the use of apple cider vinegar and sugar in the dressing creates a sweet and tangy balance, which is a hallmark of the traditional German recipe but with a contemporary twist.

Where It's Typically Served

German Tater Tot Potato Salad is a perfect side dish for casual gatherings, cookouts, and barbecues, especially in America. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled meats, roasted chicken, or bratwurst. Due to its simple ingredients and ease of preparation, it is often served at potlucks and family meals. The warm bacon dressing makes it a comforting dish, perfect for cooler months, although it can also be enjoyed at room temperature during summer events.

Fun Facts

The iconic Tater Tot, invented in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company, was a way to use leftover potato scraps, turning them into crispy, bite-sized pieces that quickly became a beloved snack in American households.
While traditional German potato salad is usually made with mustard and sometimes includes eggs, the German Tater Tot Potato Salad relies on the flavors of bacon and vinegar to create its distinct taste.
This dish is a great example of culinary fusion, combining the hearty, comfort food appeal of German potato salad with the easy-to-love crunch of American tater tots.

FAQ about German Tater Tot Potato Salad Recipe

This potato salad is best enjoyed immediately while warm, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the dish before serving, and if needed, you can warm the bacon dressing separately and toss it with the salad.

Yes, the bacon dressing can be made ahead of time. After cooking, allow it to cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dressing before tossing it with the baked tater tots.

While the recipe is specifically designed to use tater tots, you can substitute them with boiled or roasted potatoes. However, using tater tots gives the salad a unique texture and flavor that regular potatoes might not replicate.

Yes, you can adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the vinegar to 1/4 cup. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.

If you like a spicier version of this potato salad, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the bacon dressing. You can also experiment with adding a small amount of diced jalapeños or other hot peppers to the dressing.

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and replace it with a vegetarian-friendly alternative like smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon. You could also try adding sautéed mushrooms to bring in a savory umami flavor.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the tater tots may lose their crispiness and the bacon dressing may separate when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days after preparation.

To reheat the potato salad, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each. You can also reheat the bacon dressing separately and toss it with the potatoes before serving. Avoid reheating the salad multiple times to preserve the texture.

If the salad turns out too salty for your liking, you can try adding more diced potatoes or tater tots to balance the flavor. You can also reduce the amount of salt in the dressing and adjust the seasoning to taste.

This potato salad pairs well with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even as a standalone dish for a casual gathering. It complements a variety of hearty main dishes, such as sausages, pork chops, or burgers.

Comments

Jack Moore

12/09/2022 11:45:24 PM

Absolutely love this! Feel free to cook the tater tots for even longer - they turn out amazing!

Gary Nguyen

12/08/2023 02:12:10 AM

I love watching C. Johns' videos, they are so helpful! I tried out one of their recipes, halving the ingredients and using mini tater tots, and it turned out amazing. You have to be a tater tot fan (which I am) to truly enjoy it. Simply delicious!

David Hill

09/11/2024 08:52:02 AM

The guys thoroughly enjoyed these! I followed the recipe exactly as written. I made a half batch for two servings, which turned out to be perfect. They paired wonderfully with fried chicken. I will definitely make these again once we have tater tots in the house to finish off the bag!

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes