Potato salad has been a beloved staple at family gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks for generations. Originating in Germany as Kartoffelsalat, it evolved across Europe and North America into countless regional variations. Our World’s Best Potato Salad stands out for its perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and sweetness—making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re pressed for time, craving comfort food, or seeking a side dish that complements grilled meats and sandwiches, this recipe delivers.
Recipe Details & Difficulty
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Additional Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 3 hours chilling | 3 hr 45 min | 6 | Moderate |
Cook Mode Reminder: Keep your screen awake while you’re cooking for quick reference to each step!
Ingredients for World’s Best Potato Salad (1×, 2×, & 4× Yields)
Original recipe (1×) yields 6 servings.
| Ingredient | 1× Yield (6 servings) | 2× Yield (12 servings) | 4× Yield (24 servings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium potatoes | 6 | 12 | 24 |
| White sugar | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Large eggs, beaten | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 4 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste | To taste | To taste |
| Evaporated milk (5 oz can) | 1 can | 2 cans | 4 cans |
| Vinegar | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Prepared yellow mustard | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 4 teaspoons |
| Butter | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Hard-cooked eggs, diced | 6 | 12 | 24 |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Salt (additional) | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 4 teaspoons |
Notes:
- Use unsalted butter to control sodium, and always measure your flour and cornstarch with a spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
- Choose russet or Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture when boiled.
How to Make World’s Best Potato Salad
Cooking the Potatoes
Step 1: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water seasoned with a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).
Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Dressing for World’s Best Potato Salad
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, beaten eggs, and cornstarch; season with salt.
Stir in evaporated milk, vinegar, and mustard.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
Transfer to the refrigerator and chill until cool (about 30 minutes).
Once cooled, stir in mayonnaise until smooth.
Assembling Your World’s Best Potato Salad
Step 3: Peel and dice the cooled potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
Add diced hard-cooked eggs, chopped onion, celery, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Pour the chilled dressing over the potato mixture.
Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Local Offers & Featured Products
- Whole Foods 365 Organic Russet Potatoes: fresh, sustainably grown.
- Walmart Great Value Mayonnaise: budget-friendly and creamy.
- Trader Joe’s Dijon Mustard: a flavorful premium alternative to yellow mustard.
- Budget Tip: Swap evaporated milk for half-and-half diluted with water to save.
Chef’s Notes, Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations: Stir in a swirl of pesto, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley) for color and aroma.
- Common Mistakes:
- Overmixing leads to mashed potatoes—toss gently.
- Underbaking potatoes result in a crunchy core; always test with a fork.
- Storage Methods:
- Room Temperature: Not recommended if left more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not advised for best texture; dressing may separate.
- Medical Advisories:
- Contains eggs and dairy—substitute vegan mayo and plant-based milk for egg-free/dairy-free needs.
- Reduce sugar by 25% for a lower-glycemic option.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving for Each Yield Size)
| Yield Size | Servings per Batch | Calories (per serving) | Fat (per serving) | Carbs (per serving) | Protein (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1× (Original) | 6 | 555 | 46 g | 27 g | 11 g |
| 2× (Double) | 12 | 555 | 46 g | 27 g | 11 g |
| 4× (Quadruple) | 24 | 555 | 46 g | 27 g | 11 g |
Team’s Personal View
“We love this World’s Best Potato Salad because it strikes the ideal sweet-tangy balance. Our favorite add-in? A handful of crispy bacon bits for extra texture—and a dash of chopped dill for freshness!”
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Our World’s Best Potato Salad combines tradition, tang, and creamy richness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving nostalgia, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.
Looking for other classic sides? Our creamy recipe pairs beautifully with dishes like Jen’s Heavenly Egg Salad or tangy Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe—both are quick, fresh, and make excellent additions to any picnic spread.
If you’re a fan of potato-based sides, don’t miss these buttery Roasted New Red Potatoes or comforting Easy Funeral Potatoes, perfect for larger gatherings.
Try your own variations, share your photos, and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy discovering why this really is the World’s Best Potato Salad.
