If you’re looking for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with sweet caramelized onions mingling beautifully throughout, this dish brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels anything but ordinary. It’s the perfect companion for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each plays a vital role to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Using high-quality oil, starchy yet creamy Yukon gold potatoes, and aromatic onions ensures that every bite is a delight.
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skin make for the ideal base that crisps up and tenderizes beautifully.
- 1 medium onion (yellow, white, or sweet): Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes to enhance flavor complexity.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that lets the potatoes crisp without burning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and depth that complements the sweetness of the onions.
How to Make Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Potatoes
Start by cutting the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Soaking them in cold water removes excess starch, which is the secret behind that coveted crispy exterior. Peeling is optional depending on your potato choice—Yukon gold skins are thin and add a nice texture if left on. After soaking, be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess when frying.
Step 2: Slice the Onion Thinly
While the potatoes soak, peel and slice your onion as thinly as possible. Thin slices will cook evenly and caramelize nicely alongside the potatoes, creating pockets of sweet flavor in every forkful.
Step 3: Heat and Add Oil to the Skillet
Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy frying pan to ensure even heat distribution. Heat the pan over medium and add the avocado oil. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering—this means it’s perfectly ready for those potatoes to sizzle and crisp up.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the pan; do not overcrowd or stir them immediately. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Then stir every couple of minutes for 6 to 8 more minutes until they’re beautifully golden on all sides. This careful process builds a perfect texture contrast essential to this recipe.
Step 5: Add Onions and Seasonings
Once the potatoes are mostly golden, add the sliced onions along with the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine flavors. Lower the heat slightly and let this mixture cook for another 5 minutes. During this time, the onions will soften and caramelize, turning the dish into a fragrant, savory masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
After the onions have caramelized and potatoes are cooked through, your Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe is ready to serve! Enjoy it hot for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of grated parmesan cheese can elevate this humble dish with layers of smoky or cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This skillet fried potatoes and onions recipe pairs beautifully with a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon, or as a side to roasted meats and grilled vegetables for dinner. It also works well alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small cast iron skillets individually to keep them warm at the table. You can layer them atop a bed of sautéed greens or stuff them inside baked potatoes for a loaded skillet potato experience. There’s also something special about topping them with a fried egg, letting the yolk create a natural sauce as it breaks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes taste great cold or can be quickly reheated, making them perfect for easy meal prep or snacks.
Freezing
While you can freeze these skillet fried potatoes and onions, the texture might soften a bit upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a container. This helps preserve their shape and reduces clumping.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This revives the golden crust and caramelized texture that makes this dish special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon gold is preferred for its creamy texture and thin skin, but russets or red potatoes work well too. Just keep in mind russets may crisp up more, while reds hold their shape nicely.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional, especially with thin-skinned varieties like Yukon gold. Leaving the skin on adds rustic texture and nutrients, but feel free to peel if you prefer a smoother bite.
What oil is best for frying the potatoes?
Avocado oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can substitute with other oils suited for high heat like canola, grapeseed, or light olive oil.
How do I make sure the potatoes get crispy?
Soaking the potato cubes removes starch and patting them dry prevents steaming. Also, cooking without overcrowding the skillet and allowing the potatoes to brown undisturbed helps develop a crispy crust.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or garlic can be delicious additions. Add them in stages based on their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly caramelized and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it up for a family meal or craving a cozy side to brighten your day, this recipe offers irresistible flavor and comforting textures every time. Give it a try—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions delivers a flavorful and comforting side dish with crispy, golden potatoes and caramelized onions. Using Yukon gold potatoes and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, the dish is cooked in a cast iron skillet for perfect texture and taste, making it an ideal accompaniment for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (or other potatoes of your choice)
Onions
- 1 medium onion (yellow, white, or sweet)
Seasoning & Oil
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and soak them in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture. Peeling is optional, especially for Yukon gold or thin-skinned varieties. After soaking for about 10 minutes, drain and pat the potatoes dry thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice Onions: Peel the onion and slice it thinly to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize nicely alongside the potatoes.
- Heat Skillet and Oil: Place a cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the avocado oil and heat until it is hot and shimmering, ready to cook the potatoes efficiently.
- Add Potatoes: Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the hot skillet to promote even browning. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to form a golden crust.
- Cook Potatoes: Stir the potatoes gently and continue to cook for another 6-8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Add Onions and Season: Mix in the sliced onions with the potatoes, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir until the onions and potatoes are well combined.
- Caramelize Onions: Reduce the heat slightly and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, adding a rich flavor to the dish. Serve warm as a delicious side.
Notes
- Soaking potatoes helps remove extra starch for crispier texture.
- Use a cast iron skillet or heavy pan for best heat distribution and browning.
- You can use any high-heat oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Peeling potatoes is optional depending on your preference and potato type.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, and add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor if desired.
