Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
If you’ve ever longed for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this one. The Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe brings together crispy, golden potatoes with sweet, caramelized onions in a way that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re pairing it with breakfast, dinner, or just craving some old-fashioned comfort food, this dish ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and that nostalgic home-cooked charm. It’s simple, yet bursting with heartwarming goodness you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right comes down to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful in every bite.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for crisping up beautifully on the skillet.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced to add a natural sweetness as they caramelize.
- Vegetable oil or bacon grease: For frying—choose bacon grease for an extra smoky touch, or vegetable oil for a neutral base.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps those potatoes get a deliciously golden crust.
- Garlic powder: A subtle boost of savory flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a warm, mild smokiness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and onions.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prep your potatoes
Begin by peeling and slicing your russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. To get that perfect crispy texture, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. This removes excess starch that can cause them to clump and prevents sogginess. After soaking, drain and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this part is crucial for achieving that golden crust.
Step 2: Heat the skillet
Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil (or bacon grease) along with butter. The combo of oil and butter gives the potatoes a beautiful, rich flavor and helps with browning. Let the fats melt together and get hot before you add your potatoes.
Step 3: Cook the potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in a single, even layer in the skillet. Resist the urge to stir too soon—let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes so the bottoms can crisp up nicely. After the first side is golden, flip the potatoes carefully. Now stir occasionally for another 10 to 12 minutes, allowing each piece to cook through and develop that irresistible crisp edge.
Step 4: Add onions and seasonings
Once your potatoes are getting tender and lightly crisp, add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine, and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. The onions will slowly caramelize, turning soft and sweet, while the potatoes continue to crisp up. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Step 5: Final touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving. That little pop of green makes your skillet fried potatoes and onions look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds not only color but a fresh herbal brightness that balances the rich fried potatoes. For a little extra flair, you could also add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality hot sauce to amp up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with just about anything! Think crispy fried chicken, juicy grilled steaks, or a sunny side up egg for breakfast. It’s also incredible alongside roasted vegetables or a simple garden salad, making it a versatile comfort food staple on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes and onions stuffed inside warm pita pockets or as a bed under sautéed mushrooms and scrambled eggs. You can even top them with melted cheese or a dollop of sour cream to transform this comfort dish into a delicious loaded skillet meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover skillet fried potatoes and onions into an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick reheats or as a stellar addition to next-day meals.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh for that crispy texture, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Flash freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then move to a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 to 2 months and be aware they may lose some crispiness after freezing.
Reheating
The best way to reheat and revive that crispiness is to warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the edges crunchy. A quick toss in the pan with a bit of oil will have them tasting almost as good as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use potatoes other than russets for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russets offer the ideal starchy texture for crispiness, Yukon gold or red potatoes work nicely too. They have a creamier texture and can add a little color variation, though the final crispiness may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to soak the potatoes in water?
Soaking slices in cold water helps remove excess starch, which prevents the potatoes from sticking together and helps them crisp up better. Skipping this step isn’t a deal-breaker, but your potatoes may turn out a bit less crispy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative, and use vegetable oil instead of bacon grease. The potatoes and onions will still be deliciously flavorful and comforting.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Feel free to experiment by adding bell peppers, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs like thyme. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper adds warmth and complexity. For a smoky twist, bacon bits or pancetta folded in at the end are fantastic additions too.
What skillet is best for cooking this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed skillet, like a cast iron pan, is ideal. It retains heat evenly and helps develop the crispy golden crust on the potatoes. Non-stick pans can work but may not give quite the same texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe is truly a beloved classic that brings simple ingredients together into something magical. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and never fails to impress at the dinner table. Next time you want a side that’s easy, tasty, and satisfying, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes and onions.
Print
Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions – A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe offers a comforting, crispy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Featuring golden fried russet potatoes and caramelized onions seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, this classic southern-style comfort food is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or brunches.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Fats and Oils
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10–15 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispier potatoes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent oil splatter and ensure even frying.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil (or bacon grease) and butter in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and beginning to foam.
- Fry the Potatoes: Add the potatoes in an even layer to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Avoid stirring to allow proper browning.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the potatoes carefully and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 10–12 minutes to brown the other sides evenly and cook through.
- Add Onions and Seasonings: Add the sliced onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are nicely caramelized and the potatoes are tender and crisp at the edges.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the potatoes and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure the potatoes fry crisp instead of steaming; work in batches if needed.
- For variety, you can add bell peppers during the onion cooking stage or substitute red or Yukon gold potatoes.
- Using bacon grease instead of vegetable oil adds extra smoky flavor.
- Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried after soaking to avoid oil splatters and sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
