German-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Bacon, aka Bratkartoffeln, is a traditional Oktoberfest side-dish that is crispy, comforting and jam-packed with flavor!
When friends Milena and Chris from Craft Beering invited me to partake in their Oktoberfest Round-Up this year, I was psyched! I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to contribute a potato dish. Why potatoes? Because potatoes rock! And, when their invite came in, I’m pretty certain that at that very moment I was craving potatoes. Now, I do tend to crave potatoes a lot, so it’s a safe bet that if their invite came in the day before or the day after, this would still be my dish. I got real lucky that Bratkartoffeln happens to be a popular side-dish in Bavaria, especially this time of year!
Who can resist a fried potato mélange that includes caramelized onions and bacon anyway? Tender, mouth-watering, buttery-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside tiny fried potatoes, co-mingled with sweet fried onions and crumbled bacon? Are you kidding me? German-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Bacon {Bratkartoffeln} was a no brainer!
I’ve made gnocchi with crispy bacon and sautéed scallions, and smashed potatoes with bacon and herbs, amongst other potato-focused treats, so this beauty falls right into my potato wheelhouse!
Do you want to know the secret to my perfectly tender yet crispy potatoes? (You may want to write this down, I’ll wait while you grab your pencil…)
Peel. Dice. Soak. Dry.
Soak those cute little peeled potato cubes in cold cold water. This will help to remove starch. After 30 minutes or so (as long as it takes for you to fry up your bacon and caramelize your onions) drain the water they’re soaking in and pat them dry. Fry them in the remaining bacon fat that’s left in the pan, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a pat of butter, and cook them ever. so. slowly.
BAM!
Perfect potatoes!
Now if my memory serves me, the closest we’ve ever been to attending ‘Oktoberfest’ was during a trip many many years ago to Busch Gardens Bier Fest in Oktoberfest Village in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Hmmm, waitttt, now that I think about it, we were there in April, so maybe it’s just the buildings and decorations that I remember… (#headscratch)
Oktoberfest is without a doubt on my long and getting longer everyday bucket list! I’d love to get to Munich for this world famous beer festival. This year the event runs from September 22 – October 7. Are you going?
Okay – as wonderful as these German-Style Fried Potatoes are, I am thrilled to be sharing with you the bigger picture, the best part….
I have happily joined forces with a bunch of foodie friends who have contributed the ultimate beer-inspired goodies! (Linked below.)
ANDDDD – Are you sitting? You might want to be sitting…. We are doing an exciting giveaway with Prost Brewing! To be entered into the drawing for a case of Prost Brewing Co. Märzen Oktoberfest Style Lager, follow the directions below for your chance to win! You won’t want to miss it!!
Cheers & Good Luck!
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German-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Bacon {Bratkartoffeln}
- Category: Side-Dish
- Cuisine: German
Description
German-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Bacon, aka Bratkartoffeln, is a traditional Oktoberfest side-dish that is crispy, comforting and jam-packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russett potatoes (about 4 cups diced)
- 1 large Spanish onion, chopped
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 – 2 Tbsp. (each) butter & olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Minced chives for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and dice potatoes and place them in a bowl of cold water while the bacon is frying.
- In a large non-stick frying pan, over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon from the pan and place on a paper-towel lined plate, reserving the bacon fat. When the bacon is cool, crumble and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove onions and set aside.
- Remove potatoes from the water, pat completely dry, add them along with butter and olive oil to the pan.
- Cook over low heat until the potatoes are tender and golden.
- As they cook, season with salt and black pepper.
- When ready, add the chopped onions and crumbled bacon back to the pan with the potatoes and give them a gentle stir.
- Place on a serving platter and top with minced chives.
Schnitzel Platter made by Milena from Craft Beering
Hot Cheese Dip with Onions and Gruyere made by Julie from Cooks with Cocktails
Bratkartoffeln (German-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Bacon) made by Annie from Ciao Chow Bambina
Bratwurst Burger made by Brittany from Beyond the Bayou
German Pan Fried Trout made by Amanda from Burrata and Bubbles
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins with Hefeweizen Drizzle made by Kelly from Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats
Gebrrante Mandeln (Roasted Candied Almonds) made by Dawn from Dawn the Gourmand
Danube Waves Cake made by Kelsie from The Itsy Bitsy Kitchen
Bavarian Cream Donuts made by Camila from Pies and Tacos
Aromatic Currywurst made by Marvellina from What to Cook Today
Prost Brewing GIVEAWAY!
Contest open to residents of the 48 contiguous states only. Must be 21+ years old to enter.
I love all potato recipes, Annie – and especially fried potatoes – nice and crispy! This would be great as a breakfast or lunch side dish. Happy Oktoberfest!
Potatoes get the job done! 🙂 Thanks, my friend! Happy Oktoberfest!
I’ve been to Oktoberfest (in Munich) four times. I can tell you, these potatoes would go over pretty well with the typical fare.
That is nice to hear! I can’t believe you’ve been there 4 times! Wow!
These potatoes really look hearty and flavourful! The perfect dish to enjoy for the beginning of fall!
It really is! So comforting and yummy! Thanks, Leanne!
Potatoes do rock! Especially when paired with bacon and onions!! This ode to Oktoberfest dish looks just perfect to me, Annie! Putting this on our fall menu!
Ahhh! Wonderful! Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
Bratkartoffeln was one of my most favourite things to eat during my days in Germany!! Amazing recipe. Trying this super soon.
I love that! I hope to get there one day! Thank you!
This sounds so good! This is a great side dish for dinner or breakfast in my book! And that is a great giveaway you have!
Thanks, Kevin!! 🙂
I do love potatoes! These look perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or maybe all three in the same day! 🙂 I love the crispy edges and sides of the potatoes! These look delicious!
These potatoes make every meal a delicious one! Thanks, Kathy! 🙂
Looks so good! I’m hungry now!
I’m hungry now, too! Thank you!! 🙂
Perfect side…or I could eat them as a meal! Nom!!!
Yep! Give me a plat of these potatoes and I’m a happy lady! Thanks!
Perfect potatoes indeed! I could eat a whole skillet of these beauties 🙂 Perfect to celebrate Oktoberfest!
This is a fun one! Thanks, Jennifer!
These are mouth watering goodness! I crave spuds to and truth be told I don’t buy into the whole “no white potatoes “ trend!! Loved your tip on getting them crispy. Take care ?
What would we do without our fries and creamy mashed potatoes? I never bought into it either! 🙂 Thanks, friend!
These potatoes look amazing! Love this recipe! Pinning to make for my husband!
Music to my ears! Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
These potatoes look to die for! Potatoes and bacon are a match made in heaven. Love how you’ve got them all crispy!
The crisp factor is everything(!) and these guys really cooperated! Thanks so much!! 🙂
I don’t even try to resist when it comes to potatoes! This bratkartoffeln looks simply amazing!
You and me both, my friend! Can never resist a good crispy fried potato! Thank you!
I’m really feeling the Oktoberfest spirit, and these potatoes look like the perfect way to celebrate. Can’t wait to give these a try!
They sure are! We have the making of a perfect Oktoberfest celebration! 🙂
I love me some fried potatoes….but add bacon?!?! I would eat the whole pan!! Happy Oktoberfest! PINNING!
Oh yes – this is not a dish that lasts long in our house!! Thank you, Kelly Lynn!
These are divine! I could happily eat them as my main dish a for a few days in a row. I bet they smell so good too:) There is something about crispy potatoes, bacon and beer that captured my heart years ago and I am always happy to indulge! Pinned! Prost, Annie!
Yes! It captured my heart too! A winning combination….a trifecta if you will! 😉 Thanks again for organizing this delicious celebration! Prost, Milena!
Who could say no to a crispy potato? These look PERFECT! I’ve never been to Oktoberfest either, but I’ll gladly sit down with a plate of these and pretend I’m there 🙂
I have yet to meet the person who could say no to a crispy potato! I don’t believe s/he exists! Thanks, my friend! Prost!
I know I definitely can’t resist potatoes and bacon! I could legit make a meal out of these alone…though, I would imagine it would also be lovely for breakfast or brunch with a poached egg. Hope you have an awesome weekend, my friend! XOXO
I love the idea of adding a poached egg – that sounds terrific! Thank you, friend! Have a nice weekend! XOXO
I haven’t been to the celebration in Germany yet but we have been to the year-round celebration in Busch Gardens Williamsburg! Sitting in the big hall near the band playing and our little one (at the time, 22 now) sleeping through it all :). This particular dish is a German classic that brings back memories. As I remember, Grandma served it at least once a week. Sometimes sliced, sometimes cubed. All of the beer dishes look good too, thanks for the heads up.
Ahhh! Yes! That is what we did! Thank you!! Our youngest was 8 at the time, and 23 now….so it’s been a minute! I grew up eating a lot of fried potatoes too! Thanks for stopping by with a kind word! 🙂