Make shatteringly crisp pan fried potatoes with a tender inside using this simple, old-fashioned recipe. This comfort food side dish is perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Pan Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
1 small sweet onion, small diced
1/2 cup bacon grease
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
Instructions
Place the diced potatoes in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain completely and pat them very dry with paper towels.
Place the bacon grease in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Add the dried potatoes to the hot grease in a single layer if possible. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Cook the potatoes undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are deeply golden brown and crispy.
Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the second side is browned.
Add the diced onion to the skillet. Stir the potatoes and onions together.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the potatoes steam and cook through for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender inside.
Remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and creole seasoning. Cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes more, stirring gently, until the potatoes achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Serve the skillet potatoes and onions immediately as an easy breakfast side or dinner accompaniment.
Notes
Patting the potatoes completely dry before they hit the hot fat is the secret to achieving crispy fried potatoes.
For the best flavor, use bacon grease or another high-smoke-point fat like lard or clarified butter.
If you want diner style potatoes, cook them longer over medium heat before covering to ensure maximum golden brown color.