If you have a craving for a comforting, crispy, and flavorful side dish, look no further than the Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe. This classic combination brings together tender, golden potatoes with sweet caramelized onions, delivering a harmony of texture and taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in a skillet until irresistibly crispy on the outside while tender on the inside, this recipe is an all-time favorite that transforms humble ingredients into a standout dish. Whether you’re pairing it with breakfast or dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating the magic of the Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe. The russet potatoes provide the hearty base, the onions add sweetness, and the spices elevate every bite with flavor and warmth.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for perfect even cooking and crispiness.
- 1 large yellow onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize beautifully alongside the potatoes, adding natural sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease: The cooking fat of choice that promotes crunch and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle kick of savory aroma that melds effortlessly with the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and a touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the onions.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish that brings a fresh, herby brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into even 1/4-inch rounds. To get that satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess, soak the slices in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is the secret to achieving golden, crisp edges later on. After soaking, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry completely with a clean towel to avoid oil splatter in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the potatoes
Heat your vegetable oil or bacon grease in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes in a single layer (working in batches if necessary) and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. This initial sear seals in moisture and creates that glorious golden crust. Once the bottoms are perfectly browned, flip them over and continue cooking for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from burning while allowing every side to crisp up evenly.
Step 3: Cook the onions and season
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet with the potatoes, then sprinkle on garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often so the onions caramelize slowly and soften perfectly without scorching. This final stage creates a beautiful balance between the tender, slightly sweet onions and crispy, flavorful potatoes.
Step 4: Final taste and garnish
Taste your skillet fried potatoes and onions, adjusting the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt can make all the difference! Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes just before serving.
How to Serve Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh parsley is perfect for brightening the dish visually and flavor-wise. You might also consider a dash of smoked paprika on top for extra color, or a few crispy bacon crumbles if you’ve gone with bacon grease for a savory boost. Lemon zest or a spoonful of sour cream on the side can add an unexpected zing or creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a versatile side dish. Serve alongside eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast, pair with grilled chicken or steak for a satisfying dinner, or add it next to sautéed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Its crispy yet tender texture complements many main courses, making it a staple to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style meal, pile the potatoes and onions onto a large platter for sharing. Alternatively, you can layer them in a shallow casserole dish, top with cheese and bake for a gratin-like twist. Mini skillet servings make charming individual portions for brunch or dinner parties, turning this humble recipe into something impressively elegant yet still comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll want to cool them completely before storing to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy, you’ll find the flavors have melded even more deliciously overnight.
Freezing
Although you can freeze leftover potatoes and onions, be aware that the texture of the potatoes might soften after freezing and reheating. If you want to freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and keep for up to 2 months. For best results, avoid seasoning too heavily before freezing and add fresh herbs when reheating.
Reheating
To revive that perfect skillet crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent a soggy texture. Gently pressing the potatoes against the pan while reheating will help restore crunch and warmth, making it taste almost as good as freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for the Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give you a crispy exterior and fluffy inside, Yukon gold or red potatoes also work nicely. Just remember Yukon golds don’t require peeling and tend to hold their shape well, adding a slightly creamier texture.
Is bacon grease necessary, or can I use other oils?
Using bacon grease adds incredible savory depth, but vegetable oil or olive oil work perfectly fine, especially if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version. Just pick an oil with a high smoke point to get the best crispiness without burning.
How thin should I slice the potatoes for this recipe?
The ideal thickness is about 1/4 inch. Slicing thinner will cause them to cook too quickly and risk burning, while thicker slices might take longer to cook through and won’t crisp up as nicely.
Can I add other seasonings or vegetables?
Yes! While the classic spices of garlic powder and smoked paprika really shine here, adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be wonderful. You could also toss in bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the onions for extra flavor and color.
What’s the best type of skillet to use?
A heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and helps create that sought-after crispy crust on the potatoes. However, a non-stick or stainless steel skillet can work too—just watch the heat closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
The Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe is a timeless, simple, and utterly delicious dish that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. It takes just a handful of common ingredients and turns them into something truly special—crispy, caramelized, savory, and total comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe never fails to deliver. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to sides!
Print
Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe for Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions delivers crispy, golden potatoes paired with caramelized onions seasoned perfectly with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Made in a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil or bacon grease, this classic American side dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Ideal as a hearty accompaniment for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Onions
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Cooking Fat
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10–15 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure crispiness during cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat the vegetable oil or bacon grease in a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Flip and continue cooking while stirring occasionally for 10–12 minutes until golden and partially tender.
- Add Onions and Seasoning: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Caramelize and Finish Cooking: Cook the mixture for an additional 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the potatoes develop a crispy exterior while becoming tender inside.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, use bacon grease for cooking and crumble cooked bacon over the finished dish.
- Red or Yukon gold potatoes can be substituted; they do not require peeling and offer a slightly different texture.
- Make sure potatoes are completely dry before cooking to maximize crispiness.
- Cook in batches if your skillet is not large enough to fit all potatoes in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
