Fried Potatoes and Onions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and Slice the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes (if desired) and slicing them into thin, even rounds or half-moons. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly. If you like a bit of skin on your potatoes, feel free to leave the skins on for added texture and flavor.
2. Soak the Potatoes: To remove excess starch and help the potatoes crisp up when fried, soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the better they’ll crisp up.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

3. Slice the Onions: While the potatoes are soaking, slice your onion into thin rings or half-moons. The thinner the slices, the quicker they’ll caramelize and soften during cooking.
4. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil (and butter, if using) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. At this point, you can add a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture and speed up the caramelization process. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown and have a sweet, caramelized flavor. Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Fry the Potatoes

5. Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dried potato slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Fry the potatoes for 5-7 minutes on one side, or until they begin to turn golden and crispy. Flip the potatoes and cook the other side until golden and crispy as well.
6. Season: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

7. Add the Onions: Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, return the caramelized onions to the skillet and toss everything together. Allow the flavors to meld for another minute or two, making sure the potatoes are well-coated with the sweet, savory onions.
8. Garnish and Serve: For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle the fried potatoes and onions with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fried Potatoes and Onions

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: For crispy potatoes, it’s important to not overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many potatoes at once, they’ll steam instead of fry. If necessary, cook them in batches.
• Use the right oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying since they have a high smoke point. For an extra flavorful twist, you can also fry the potatoes in bacon drippings or add a spoonful of lard to the oil.
• Be patient with the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time—don’t rush the process. Cooking them over medium-low heat allows the natural sugars in the onions to slowly brown and become sweet. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
• Add some extras: While this recipe is a classic, you can make it your own by adding extras like bell peppers, crumbled bacon, or even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

How to Serve Fried Potatoes and Onions

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside just about any main course. Here are a few ideas:

• With Eggs: Fried potatoes and onions are perfect with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelets for breakfast or brunch.
• As a Side Dish: Serve them as a side to grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a simple roast.
• With Gravy: Top your fried potatoes and onions with a ladle of rich brown gravy for an indulgent comfort meal.
• For a Quick Snack: It’s also delicious served on its own with a dollop of sour cream or ketchup for dipping.

Why We Love Fried Potatoes and Onions

At its heart, fried potatoes and onions is a humble dish—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. There’s something magical about the combination of crispy, golden potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions that make this dish a comfort food classic. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table.

This Southern classic is a great reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most memorable. The next time you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavorful side or a cozy meal, look no further than fried potatoes and onions—it’s the kind of dish that always feels like a warm hug on a plate.