Old Fashioned Potato Salad with Bacon




Potato salad is ever present at picnics, potlucks and fish fries, and one of my favorite versions is Old Fashioned Potato Salad with Bacon. It’s “old fashioned” because it is sauced with a cooked sweet and tangy dressing. Eggs, sugar, mustard, salt and apple cider vinegar are simmered together until thickened for the dressing base, and then whipping cream is added to thin the dressing slightly.

When making potato salad it is important to season the cooked, diced potatoes well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures that the potatoes themselves are not bland before being tossed with the dressing. Chopped green onion and bacon add extra crunch and saltiness here, and you also can add several chopped hard-cooked eggs. This potato salad can be made a day ahead, and it feeds a crowd.

  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 3 pounds red potatoes, boiled and diced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 12 strips bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
Whisk the eggs, sugar, mustard, salt and vinegar together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until thickened. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes and then whisk in the whipping cream.

Place potatoes in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently stir. Add green onions and bacon. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.