Southern Fried Potatoes with Onions: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside
I am so glad you are here. This recipe for Southern Fried Potatoes delivers shatteringly crisp edges and a velvety interior. We use simple ingredients and smart techniques to create this comfort food side dish that is perfect for breakfast or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 small sweet onion, diced small
- 1/2 cup bacon grease (or substitute with butter and oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve a crispier exterior. Drain the potatoes well and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Heat the fat: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the bacon grease and let it heat until it shimmers.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the dried potatoes to the hot skillet in a single layer if possible. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip and continue cooking: Gently flip the potatoes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until they are tender throughout and golden brown on most sides, about another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty space and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir the onions into the potatoes.
- Finish the dish: Sprinkle the potatoes and onions with kosher salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning. Stir everything together one last time. Cook for 2 more minutes to let the seasonings adhere.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish for breakfast or dinner.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can par-boil the drained potatoes for 5 minutes before drying and frying. Cool them completely before frying.
- If you do not have bacon grease, use a combination of butter and a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- This recipe makes excellent Diner Style Potatoes when seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20