POTATO SALAD 3 Ways

POTATO SALAD 3 Ways is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Brian Lagerstrom on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 30 min

Cost: $22.30 total, $2.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Fingerling Potatoes (waxy, cut into chunky coins)
  • 1 kg Red Potatoes (diced for German salad)
  • 1 kg Russet Potatoes (peeled partially, medium dice for baked salad)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature for mayo)
  • 20 g Water (for mayo emulsification)
  • 25 g White Distilled Vinegar (for mayo)
  • 5 g Salt (for mayo; plus extra for potatoes)
  • 325 g Neutral Oil (light olive oil or vegetable oil for mayo)
  • 80 g Yellow Mustard (classic yellow mustard for classic salad)
  • 60 g Whole Grain Mustard (for German salad)
  • 225 g Bread and Butter Pickles (chopped; sweet and tangy)
  • 15 g Fresh Dill (chopped; plus extra for garnish)
  • 15 g Fresh Parsley (chopped for German salad)
  • 0.25 Red Onion (thinly sliced for German salad)
  • 50 g Apple Cider Vinegar (for onion marination)
  • 20 g Granulated Sugar (for onion marination)
  • 500 g Bacon (8 slices per batch, diced; total for two salads)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for roasting russet potatoes)
  • 75 g Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded on feather side of box grater)
  • 150 g Sour Cream (for loaded baked salad)
  • 100 g Scallions (thinly sliced for loaded baked salad)
  • 3 g Black Pepper (cracked, for German and loaded salads)

Instructions

  1. Prep Fingerling Potatoes

    Rinse the fingerling potatoes, then cut them into chunky coin‑shaped pieces about 1‑1.5 inches thick.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Homemade Mayonnaise

    In a high‑sided container combine 1 large egg, 20 g water, 25 g white distilled vinegar, and 5 g salt. Pulse briefly with the immersion blender, then slowly drizzle in 325 g neutral oil while blending until thick and glossy.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Boil Fingerling Potatoes

    Place the cut fingerlings in a heavy‑bottom pot, cover with water by about 1 inch, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium‑low and simmer 25‑30 minutes until tender but not falling apart.

    Time: PT30M

  4. Cool and Assemble Classic Mayo Salad

    Drain the potatoes and spread them on a sheet tray to steam‑dry for 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, add 175 g homemade mayo, 80 g yellow mustard, 225 g chopped bread‑and‑butter pickles, and 15 g chopped fresh dill. Using gloved hands or a spatula, gently crush about 20 % of the potatoes, then fold everything together. Garnish with extra dill and a pinch of black pepper.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Prep Red Potatoes for German Salad

    Dice the red potatoes into 1‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Slice and Marinate Red Onion

    Thinly slice ¼ red onion using a mandolin or sharp knife. Rinse briefly in a strainer, then toss with 50 g apple cider vinegar and 20 g granulated sugar. Let sit while potatoes cook.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Render Bacon (First Batch)

    Place 250 g diced bacon in a 10‑inch sauté pan over medium‑low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until the fat is rendered and the pieces are crisp and golden.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Boil Red Potatoes

    Add the diced red potatoes to a pot, cover with water by 1 inch, add a strong pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer 15‑25 minutes until just tender.

    Time: PT20M

  9. Assemble Warm German Potato Salad

    Drain the hot potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the rendered bacon with its fat, 60 g whole‑grain mustard, 15 g chopped fresh parsley, 3 g ground black pepper, and 3 g salt. While the mixture is still warm, fold in the marinated onions. Stir vigorously to create a light emulsion.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Prep Russet Potatoes for Loaded Baked Salad

    Peel off any thick papery skin from the russet potatoes, then dice them into ½‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Roast Russet Potatoes

    Toss the diced russets with 2 tbsp olive oil and two generous pinches of salt. Spread on a sheet tray and roast in a pre‑heated 450°F oven for 25‑35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crisp and interiors are creamy.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 450°F

  12. Render Bacon (Second Batch)

    While the potatoes roast, render another 250‑300 g diced bacon in a sauté pan over medium‑low heat until crisp, about 15 minutes. Set aside bacon pieces and keep the rendered fat.

    Time: PT15M

  13. Assemble Loaded Baked Potato Salad

    Allow the roasted potatoes to cool briefly (1‑2 minutes). Transfer to a large bowl, roughly chop half of them for texture, then add the remaining roasted pieces. Fold in the rendered bacon and its fat, 200 g homemade mayo, 150 g sour cream, 75 g shredded medium‑sharp cheddar, 100 g thinly sliced scallions, and 3 g cracked black pepper. Mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten‑free, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Mustard

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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POTATO SALAD 3 Ways

Recipe by Brian Lagerstrom

A complete guide to three standout potato salads—creamy classic mayo with dill, tangy warm German style with bacon and mustard, and indulgent loaded baked potato salad with cheddar, sour cream, and crispy bacon. Perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
2h 30m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$22.30
Total cost
$2.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Emulsifying the homemade mayonnaise without breaking.
  • Testing potato tenderness to avoid over‑cooking.
  • Rendering bacon slowly to achieve crispness without burning.
  • Roasting russet potatoes to a golden crisp while keeping the interior fluffy.
  • Crushing a portion of potatoes in the classic salad to create a creamy binder.

Safety Warnings

  • Homemade mayonnaise contains raw egg; use pasteurized eggs if concerned about salmonella.
  • Hot oil and bacon fat can cause burns—handle with care.
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot sheet trays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of classic mayo potato salad in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Classic mayo potato salad became a staple of American picnics and barbecues in the early 20th century, reflecting the influence of German‑American immigrants who popularized potato dishes with creamy dressings. It symbolizes comfort, nostalgia, and the communal spirit of outdoor gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of German potato salad in German cuisine?

A

In Germany, warm potato salad (Kartoffelsalat) varies by region: the southern style uses broth, vinegar, and mustard with bacon, while the northern version often includes mayonnaise. The recipe shown follows the southern tradition with bacon fat, mustard, and a vinegar‑onion glaze.

cultural
Q

How is classic mayo potato salad traditionally served in the United States?

A

In the United States it is typically served chilled or at room temperature as a side dish alongside grilled meats, hot dogs, or fried chicken. It is often garnished with fresh herbs like dill and a sprinkle of black pepper.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is loaded baked potato salad traditionally associated with in American cuisine?

A

Loaded baked potato salad is a modern twist often featured at summer barbecues, tailgate parties, and holiday potlucks where indulgent, comfort‑food side dishes are welcomed. Its rich cheese and bacon make it a crowd‑pleaser for festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does classic mayo potato salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?

A

It exemplifies the American love for creamy, tangy salads that balance starches with acidity and herbs. Alongside coleslaw and macaroni salad, it provides a cool, texturally varied accompaniment to grilled proteins.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for German potato salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic German potato salad uses red potatoes, bacon, bacon fat, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley. Acceptable substitutes include using smoked turkey bacon for a leaner version or swapping mustard with a milder Dijon, but the core flavor profile should remain tangy and smoky.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with the three potato salads from Brian Lagerstrom’s YouTube channel?

A

Grilled bratwurst, smoked chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and a crisp green salad all complement the creamy classic, the tangy German, and the cheesy loaded baked potato salads respectively.

cultural
Q

What makes the loaded baked potato salad special or unique in American cuisine?

A

It combines the comfort of a baked potato with the convenience of a salad, adding cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon for a rich, layered texture that feels like a casserole in a bowl.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making classic mayo potato salad?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the potatoes, which makes them fall apart, and over‑mixing the mayo, which can cause a heavy, greasy texture. Also, using dill pickles instead of sweet bread‑and‑butter pickles can throw off the intended sweet‑tangy balance.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use an immersion blender for homemade mayo instead of a food processor?

A

The immersion blender allows for precise control of oil flow and creates a stable emulsion with less mess. Brian Lagerstrom prefers it because it avoids the extensive cleaning required for a food processor and gives a smoother texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the German potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the German potato salad up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; re‑heat gently on the stovetop or serve at room temperature, stirring to re‑emulsify the mustard‑bacon dressing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom focuses on practical, technique‑driven cooking tutorials for home cooks, emphasizing classic comfort foods, detailed equipment usage, and step‑by‑step explanations to achieve restaurant‑quality results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom's approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Brian Lagerstrom emphasizes precision—such as exact timing for potato doneness and homemade emulsions—while many other channels rely on shortcuts. He also shares behind‑the‑scenes tips like chilling equipment and using specific knife techniques, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the why behind each step.

channel

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