Name: Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Enough to wet the entire bottom of your pan Peanut oil; 2 tbs Unsalted sweet cream butter; 1 lb Idaho Russet or Red potatoes (I like Reds - but that is just a personal preference.); 4 cups Salted water; ½ medium sized Sweet onion (like Vidalia); Salt and Pepper (to taste); Garnish with paprika and fresh basil

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There’s something about the comfort of a plate of Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. I remember my grandmother standing by the stove, a smile on her face, as she prepared this dish for us. The sizzle of the skillet, the heavenly aroma of the sweet onions mingling with the earthy potatoes—it was an experience that filled our home with warmth. Every bite was a reminder of my roots, of sun-kissed days spent together around the table. This dish, although simple, is a true testament to the magic of cooking with love. I can still hear the laughter and chatter, all centered around that one perfect dish, Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions. It’s incredible how food can weave us together, carrying stories and flavors from one generation to the next. So let’s dive in and recreate that nostalgia right in your kitchen!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl

The Magic of This Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions

Simple Ingredients, Huge Flavor

One of the things I adore about Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is just how few ingredients it requires. With basic pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of crispy potatoes and sweet onions is simply unbeatable, and it proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious.

Versatile for Any Meal

This dish seamlessly fits into any meal of the day. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a satisfying side dish for dinner, Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is versatile enough to shine at any table. You can enjoy it alongside eggs in the morning or grilled meats in the evening.

Perfect for Sharing

Cooking is best when shared, and this recipe is no exception. It’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations, inviting everyone to come together and enjoy a home-cooked dish that warms the heart. Plus, who doesn’t love passing around a big bowl of crispy fried potatoes and onions?

Simple Yet Satisfying

Cooking Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is not just about the end result; it’s a simple process that brings joy. Watching those potatoes turn golden brown and the onions caramelize is almost therapeutic. It’s a reminder that cooking can be both simple and rewarding.

Fun Family Activity

This recipe is a great opportunity to bring the family together in the kitchen. Kids can help with washing and peeling the potatoes, while adults can handle the frying. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories—after all, food is always better when made together.

Comfort Food at Its Best

At the end of the day, Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is the ultimate comfort food. It offers a nostalgic taste of home, with flavors that wrap around you like a warm hug. There’s nothing quite like a plate of crispy, golden potatoes to make you feel right at home.

Key Ingredients for Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions

The ingredients for Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions are simple yet powerful. The key players in this dish are the potatoes and onions, which work together to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The use of peanut oil not only adds depth but also ensures that the potatoes get that coveted crispiness. Every bite is a delightful harmony of taste and satisfaction.

Peanut oil: Enough to wet the entire bottom of your pan, peanut oil is an ideal frying medium. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for achieving the crispy texture we love in fried dishes.
Unsalted sweet cream butter: This rich ingredient adds a wonderful flavor and helps in achieving the perfect golden color on your potatoes.
Idaho Russet or Red potatoes: One pound of your preferred choice of potatoes, cut into even pieces, ensures uniform cooking and allows for that signature crispy exterior. I personally prefer red potatoes for their creaminess.
Salted water: Used to soak the potatoes, this helps to remove excess starch, resulting in even crispier fry.
Sweet onion: A medium-sized sweet onion, like Vidalia, adds a subtle sweetness that complements the earthiness of the potatoes beautifully.
Salt and pepper: These essentials help to enhance all the flavors and bring the dish to life.
Garnish with paprika and fresh basil: A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of color and a slight kick, while fresh basil gives a refreshing touch to the final dish.

The Method for Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the method of making Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions. This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps closely to ensure your potatoes turn out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Start by placing a heavy 9” cast iron skillet over medium heat, just a little more than medium on my electric stove. This type of skillet retains heat beautifully, which is essential for frying.
Now pour enough peanut oil into the skillet to cover the bottom, and add the unsalted sweet cream butter. Keep an eye on it as you let it heat up. You’ll want the oil to become shimmery on the surface but not smoking. If it starts to smoke, simply pull it off the heat and let it cool until it reaches that perfect shimmering state again.
While the oil is heating, cut the Idaho Russet or Red potatoes into even pieces—chips or cubes, whichever you prefer. As you’re cutting, place the pieces into a bowl filled with 4 cups of salted water (2 Tbs of salt mixed in). This soaking process is key to removing excess starch, ensuring that your potatoes fry up nice and crispy.
Next, take your sweet onion and cut it into larger chunks than the potatoes. This way, the onion will soften and caramelize but won’t become mushy too quickly in the pan.
After about 5 minutes, drain the potatoes thoroughly and dry them well with paper towels. This step is crucial! If you don’t dry them properly, the oil could flare up when you add the potatoes, which can be quite dangerous.
Once your oil is ready (check for that shimmery look), carefully add the potatoes and onions into the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if there isn’t enough room for them to lay side by side, cook in batches. It’s better to remove some and let them drain on a paper towel than to crowd the pan and end up with soggy potatoes.
Cook for about 4 minutes without touching them too much on one side, allowing that golden crust to form. After 4 minutes, flip the potatoes gently and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes on the other side.
Once they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy, drain the potatoes and onions on a paper towel. Immediately season with salt and pepper while they’re still hot to ensure the seasoning sticks. You want to elevate the flavor as soon as they’re out of the oil.
For an extra special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and some fresh basil before serving hot. This little addition not only looks appealing but also enhances the dish with a burst of flavor.

Things Worth Knowing

Maintain the oil temperature: It’s crucial to keep the oil at the right temperature. Too hot, and the potatoes will burn; too cool, and they’ll become greasy.
Uniform cutting: Cut the potatoes into even sizes for consistent cooking. Uneven pieces will lead to some being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Dry thoroughly: Always ensure the potatoes are dried well after soaking to prevent oil splatter and to achieve maximum crispiness.
Fry in batches: If you’re making a large quantity, fry the potatoes in batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy potatoes.

Tips and Variations

Cooking is all about exploration and finding what works best for you. Here are some great tips and variations to consider when making Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days, but for the best texture, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing: While I generally recommend enjoying this dish fresh, you can freeze cooked potatoes, but they may lose some of their crispiness. To freeze, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a fantastic side for a Sunday brunch alongside eggs.
Spice it up: For a different flavor profile, consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper during the cooking process for a bit of heat.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist. Adding these herbs during cooking enhances the aroma and flavor.

How to Serve Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions

Serving Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is just as delightful as making them! Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Breakfast Dish: Serve hot alongside scrambled eggs and a slice of toast for a hearty breakfast.
Brunch Delight: Perfect for brunch gatherings, pair with a refreshing salad and mimosas for a complete meal.
Side Dish: This dish makes an excellent side for grilled meats. Serve with steak or grilled chicken for a comforting dinner option.
Potluck Favorite: Bring Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions to a potluck. It’s sure to be a hit among guests looking for comfort food.
Seasonal Variations: Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist that adds nutrients and flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives just before serving for an added burst of flavor.

FAQ

For frying, I recommend using either Idaho Russet or Red potatoes. Russets have a high starch content, which helps to make them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Red potatoes are also a fantastic choice due to their waxy texture, which holds up well during frying and offers a delightful creaminess. Both options will give you delicious results, so you can choose based on your personal preference!

While Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the potatoes and soak them in salted water to prevent browning. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but I recommend reheating in the oven for the best texture.

You’ll know the oil is hot enough when it shimmers on the surface, but be careful—it shouldn’t smoke. A good tip is to drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy texture!

Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! It works as a great side dish for meats like grilled chicken, steak, or pork. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside eggs for breakfast or with a fresh salad for lunch or dinner. It’s versatile enough to complement any meal!

Conclusion

Making Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating moments and memories around the dining table. This dish brings together simplicity and flavor in a way that makes it truly special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with those you love. You might just create a new family tradition!