Skillet potatoes which I am going to make are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, a hearty lunch, or a side dish for dinner, skillet potatoes are a great choice. Here I will explore the benefits of cooking with a skillet, the different types of potatoes to use, and a simple recipe that you can make at home.
Skillet potatoes are a popular dish that can be found on menus at many restaurants. They are also easy to make at home, making them a favorite among home cooks. Here I am telling you how to make skillet potatoes using a simple recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences.
Benefits of cooking with a skillet
When I cooked this recipe for the first time, a question came to my mind which might have come in yours as well. The question was that what are the benefits of using a skillet?
The answer to that question is that one of the main advantages is that it allows you to cook food evenly. Skillets distribute heat evenly across the surface, ensuring that your food cooks at the same rate. Additionally, skillets are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from stir-fries to pancakes.
How to Make Them
In order to make the skillet potatoes, I will suggest you to have the following ingredients available with you:
- Potatoes
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Now have a look at my recipe below which can be made either if you are a beginner at cooking or an expert cook:
- Begin by washing and drying your potatoes. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter and allow it to melt.
- Add the potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown.
- Serve the skillet potatoes hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Best Potatoes for Frying
I recommend you fry Yukon Gold Potatoes. Anyhow, there are many different types of potatoes that can be used to make skillet potatoes. Some of the most popular varieties include Yukon Gold as I suggested above, red potatoes, and russet potatoes. Each type of potato has its own unique texture and flavor, so it’s important to choose the right one for your recipe. Yukon Gold potatoes are buttery and have a creamy texture, making them a great choice for skillet potatoes. Red potatoes have a thin skin and a slightly sweet flavor, while russet potatoes are starchy and hold their shape well when cooked.
Pro Tips
I can give you some tips. If someone follows my tips, it will result in some extra cheesy and awesome taste than the normal one
- Use a large skillet to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet – this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of fry.
- Cut the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
- Use a combination of olive oil and butter for the best flavor.
- Season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Below are a few ideas:
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor. You can also swap out the seasonings for your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary or cumin. Top the skillet potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives. If you need more nutrients, you can add crumbled bacon or diced ham for a heartier dish.
Serving Ideas
I tried many ideas while serving these potatoes in breakfasts or Bruch. I am presenting all the ideas to you so that you can also get the benefit of it. Skillet potatoes make a great accompaniment to many main dishes, such as grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Simply season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like (such as garlic or rosemary), and cook them in a skillet with some oil or butter until they're golden brown and crispy. Skillet potatoes are a classic component of a hearty breakfast skillet, along with eggs, bacon, and other breakfast foods.
Skillet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon dried sage
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Optional
- 1 yellow onion,, thickly diced
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
Instructions
Par Cook the Potatoes
- This creates a soft, creamy interior while still allowing the outside to become nice and crispy.
- Method 1: Microwave: Slice the potatoes into thirds. Place them on a large plate and microwave them for 3 ½ minutes under a microwave cover, until just fork tender. Cut into small squares.
- Method 2: Gently Boil. Slice the potatoes into small squares and place them in cold water. Slowly bring the water to a gentle boil. Cook the potatoes for a few minutes, until just fork tender. Drain and pat completely dry.
Season
- Combine seasoning ingredients and sprinkle over the potatoes. Use your hands to toss to combine.
Cook Onions Separately
- Onions should be cooked in a separate pan with butter and olive oil as they'll require a different cooking temperature than the potatoes. Let them soften over medium-low heat with smashed garlic cloves and fresh thyme. Reduce as much as you like, even letting them caramelize if possible.
Fry Potatoes in Batches
- Add the oil and butter to a large skillet, (preferably cast iron), over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes in a single layer. Try to leave space around each one, the airflow will allow the edges to get crispy. (Otherwise they’ll steam which can make them soft.) Cook them in batches if needed.
- Once they start to get crispy and golden, (3-4 minutes), use a silicone spatula to toss them around. Not all sides need to be equally crisp, alternative textures is what makes them interesting. Reduce heat if needed as they continue to cook.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet and proceed with frying remaining batches. Add a little more oil/butter if needed.
- Once all batches are fried, add all potatoes back to the skillet along with the onions. Toss to combine, remove from heat. Taste and season with additional salt/pepper if needed and serve!
Notes
Pro Tips
- If preferred, you can skip microwaving or boiling and slice baby potatoes into ¼ inch circles and fry for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can clean, slice and microwave the potatoes a few days ahead of time. Cover them and place them in the fridge until ready to fry.
- For even crispier results, cut the uncooked potatoes into thirds and soak them in cold water in the refrigerator overnight. Then rinse, pat completely dry, and proceed with cooking them. This rids them of excess starch and makes them extra crispy.
- For added flavor, fry bacon or sausage in the skillet first and fry the potatoes in the drippings.
- You can add a few drops of maple syrup for additional flavor as well.
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