German Fried Potatoes With Bacon (Bratkartoffeln)

Learn how to make these no-fail German fried potatoes with bacon otherwise known as Bratkartoffeln from scratch. Made with raw potatoes, bacon and onions in under 35 minutes.

My husband, Jo is an ”okay” cook. But when it comes to making Bratkartoffeln he is the BEST. This is the one and only recipe that I’ve learned from Jo. Today I’m proud to say that I’m as good as him, even though he hates admitting it.

My mum and oma in law often use cooked potatoes to make their fried potatoes. This recipe however uses raw potatoes. In my opinion they taste way better. They also don’t break easily and become mushy.

This recipe is flavorful, easy and quick to make and uses only 4 ingredients: potatoes, onions, bacon and oil. Jo always adds caraway seeds, to his fried potatoes. This recipe however omits them.

But hey, feel free to add a half a teaspoon caraway seeds if you wish. You can make this recipe vegetarian too. Simply leave out the bacon.

The secrets to making the best Bratkartoffeln from scratch is soaking them in cold tap water, using less fat when frying and turning the potatoes occasionally.

You can eat Bratkartoffeln just like that or serve them as side dish to any dish of your choice, ranging from Schnitzel to beef stew. Jo enjoys eating them with fried eggs.

What you’ll need to make Bratkartoffeln

• 800 g / 28 oz potatoes
• 150 g/ 5 oz bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 medium onions
• salt and pepper to taste, OPTIONAL
• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil, for frying

*This fried potato recipe requires only few tablespoons of oil. You can either use margarine or sunflower oil or mix both.

You’ll also need:

• 1 large skillet/ pan
• bowl
• tap water for soaking potatoes
• wooden spoon
• knife
• cutting board

How to make German fried potatoes with bacon and onions

First peel the potatoes, cut them into thin slices and soak them in cold tap water for few minutes.

• Soaking potatoes is important so that the starch will be removed, to prevent the potatoes from sticking together and becoming mushy.

In the meantime peel and finely cut the onions. Next, heat the oil at a medium – high heat. Using your hands remove the potatoes from the soaking water, shake off the excess water and add them to the skillet. Fry the potatoes for 5 minutes on one side.

• You could also pat dry the potatoes with paper towels or strain them.

After, turn the potatoes for the first time and cook them for another 5 minutes . Then turn the potatoes, add bacon and mix well. Let cook for another 5 minutes, turning occasionally!

After add the onions to the skillet. Give everything a good turn and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the temperature to medium – low and let cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if necessary and serve. Enjoy!

Season with salt and pepper if necessary and serve. Enjoy!

Did you make this Bratkartoffeln recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Simply write a review and add rating to it.