Golden-brown perfection awaits with this irresistible pairing of crispy fried potatoes and caramelized onions. This dish embodies the ultimate comfort of Southern soul food that's both simple to make and bursting with flavor. This pan-fried skillet dish is often served for breakfast alongside crunchy bacon and buttery biscuits.
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Growing up we often had country potatoes and sauteed onions for weekend breakfast or as a side dish for weeknight dinners. It's such a simple dish to whip up and it's cheap! All you really need are potatoes, onions, oil, and spices.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Taste and Flavor: The combination of fried potatoes and onions offers a delightful taste. The crispy texture of the potatoes complements the soft, caramelized onions, creating the best blend of flavors.
- Easy Prep: This dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Potatoes and onions are commonly found in most kitchens, making them a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Versatility: This can serve as a standalone dish, a side to accompany other main courses, or even be part of breakfast.
- Comfort Food: For many, this dish represents comfort food. Its simplicity and familiar taste can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding people of home-cooked meals or cherished memories.
- Customization: This dish can be customized to suit individual preferences. From adding different herbs and spices to incorporating additional ingredients like bell peppers or bacon, there's room for creativity to tailor the dish to personal tastes.
What Type of Potatoes to Use
Russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes will work best. Russet potatoes are best for crisping, Yukon gold is medium-starch and results in super creamy potatoes.
Do You Have to Peel the Potatoes
Peeling the potatoes is a matter of preference. You decide. Russet potato skins have lots of nutrients and contain B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, and other nutrients. Potato skin also provides lots of fiber, about 2 grams per ounce. You will get more fiber from the potato by eating the skin.
What Type of Pan to Use
I love to use a 12-inch cast iron skillet. It's also what I was taught to use growing up and making this recipe. Cast iron will cook the potatoes at an even and consistent temperature. You can use any pan that retains heat well and is good for crisping.
How to Make Southern Soul Food Fried Potatoes
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil, sliced potatoes, onions, green peppers, and spices to the pan.
- Saute.
- Place the lid on the skillet and simmer the potatoes.
- Remove the lid from the skillet and flip the potatoes.
Additional Options for Spices and Seasoning
Texture/Are They Crispy
The potatoes will have a slightly crisp outside with a soft interior. These are not meant to be crispy, crunchy potatoes.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan and cook the potatoes in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will increase your cook time and some potatoes will cook faster than others. If you end up with some potatoes that are hard and aren't cooked through, it's likely because you had too many potatoes in the pan. Use a larger pan or cook in batches.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers will last tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze the cooked potatoes tightly covered and sealed for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat
Reheat the dish on the stove in a pan with a little oil or in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until warm. You can use the microwave if you wish.
Pair with these Recipes
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Healthy Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast Crunchwrap
Healthy Breakfast Salad
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Broccoli Au Gratin
Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots
Roasted Okra
Fried Corn Recipe
More Popular Recipes
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Pork Neck Bones
Cajun Dirty Rice
Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Southern Soul Food Fried Potatoes
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil See notes.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes Sliced into 1 inch rounds or diced into 1 inch cubes. Ensure the potatoes are dry.
- 1 cup sliced onions I used white onions
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. I use a 12-inch cast iron. Add the olive oil, sliced potatoes, onions, green peppers, and spices to the pan.
- Saute for 3-4 minutes until the onions are fragrant.
- Adjust the heat on the stove to medium. Place the lid on the skillet and allow the potatoes to simmer, steam, and soften for 10-15 minutes (or however long it takes for the potatoes to soften). Take a look from time to time and flip/turn the potatoes with a spatula as necessary to avoid charring.
- Remove the lid from the skillet and flip the potatoes. Avoid stirring because stirring will result in the potatoes falling apart. I use a silicone spatula and a careful hand.Allow the potatoes to cook for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
- Cool before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Flip halfway through.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Shelby says
Love this easy and delicious side dish for breakfast or dinner!
staysnatched says
It works for either! You're right.
Colleen says
These potatoes are delicious with eggs and bacon. Thanks for adding the air fryer instructions!
staysnatched says
Always for the air fryer instructions.
Dana says
This was so good! Such a great cozy side for this time of year and it goes with SO many different mains!
staysnatched says
Absolutely! I agree.
Vanessa says
Yum! So good! We served them with bacon and fried eggs.
staysnatched says
The perfect pairing.
Sara Welch says
This was such a quick and easy recipe that does not disappoint! Was the perfect side dish with dinner; even my picky eaters gobbled them up!
staysnatched says
I love to hear that.
Bonnie C. says
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I enjoy receiving (& cooking/eating) the recipes you send. It's particularly nice that you take the time to offer detailed instructions for different cooking methods (air-fry, oven/stove, etc.).
staysnatched says
You're welcome! That's so good to hear.