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Southern Style Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

A white bowl filled with golden brown, perfectly seared fried potatoes and soft caramelized onions.
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Make diner-style fried potatoes with shatteringly crisp edges and a velvety interior. This recipe for Southern Fried Potatoes uses simple ingredients to create a comforting side dish perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubes
  • 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup bacon grease (or substitute with vegetable oil for a vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning (optional, for Southern flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch; this helps achieve a crispier exterior. Drain the potatoes well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry potatoes are essential for crispness.
  2. Heat the fat: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat. Add the bacon grease and let it heat until shimmering.
  3. Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions to the hot fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
  4. Fry the potatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully add the dried potatoes to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary.
  5. Cook undisturbed: Let the potatoes cook without stirring for 8 to 10 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. This step creates the desired crispy texture.
  6. Flip and season: Gently flip the potatoes using a thin spatula. Cook the second side for another 6 to 8 minutes until golden. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 minutes to ensure the insides are tender.
  7. Finish the dish: Uncover the skillet. Stir in the reserved caramelized onions, salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Serve immediately as a delicious breakfast potatoes side dish or comfort food potatoes.

Notes

  • For extra fluffy inside, crispy outside potatoes, you can par-boil the drained potatoes for 5 minutes before drying and frying.
  • If you do not have bacon grease, use a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado oil, or clarified butter.
  • To achieve authentic diner style potatoes flavor, use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/crispy-fried-potatoes-southern-skillet-recipe/