Fried potatoes and onions are a simple yet delicious side dish that goes well with just about anything. The combination of crispy potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions makes for the perfect comfort food that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s an easy recipe that shows you how to make this classic dish at home.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onions
Start by peeling the potatoes and onions, then slicing them thinly. Thin slices help everything cook evenly and give you that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
2. Preheat the Skillet
Heat the vegetable oil or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium heat. It’s best to use a skillet that’s big enough to lay the potatoes in a single layer—this helps them cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
3. Cook the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, translucent, and start to caramelize—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich flavor that really complements the potatoes.
4. Add the Potatoes
Once the onions are caramelized, add the sliced potatoes to the skillet. Spread them out evenly so that they cook uniformly.
5. Seasoning
Sprinkle the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika if you want a bit of extra flavor. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—just make sure every slice gets a bit of that goodness.
6. Cook Until Golden Brown
Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for a few minutes to let the bottom layer turn a golden brown. Once they’re nicely browned, flip them over to cook the other side. Continue flipping until all the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside.
7. Check for Doneness
Use a fork to check the potatoes—if they’re tender inside and crispy outside, they’re ready to go. The combination of crispy edges and soft insides is what makes this dish irresistible.
8. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked potatoes and onions to a serving dish. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of added freshness.
9. Serve Warm
Enjoy the fried potatoes and onions right away while they’re hot and crispy. They’re a fantastic side dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Tips for the Best Fried Potatoes and Onions
- Add Extra Flavor: If you want to switch things up, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs while the potatoes are cooking. This will enhance the flavor and make the dish your own.
- Bacon Twist: For a smoky, rich twist, cook some bacon in the skillet first and use the rendered bacon fat to fry the potatoes and onions. Once everything is cooked, crumble the crispy bacon over the top before serving.
Versatile and Delicious Side Dish
This fried potatoes and onions recipe is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with a wide variety of main courses—think scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or grilled meats for a satisfying dinner. The combination of crispy potatoes and sweet caramelized onions is a timeless favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast side dish or alongside a savory dinner, these fried potatoes and onions are always a hit. Enjoy!
