Fried Potatoes and Onions

Name: Fried Potatoes and Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup vegetable oil ((you can substitute canola oil, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil)); 1 large sweet yellow onion, (sliced thin (you should end up with 1 ½ cups)); 1 ½ lbs russet potatoes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives, (optional garnish)

a bowl of fried potatoes topped with chives and served with ketchup

This easy Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe makes a quick, savory side dish that complements any meal. Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights and slow mornings.

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Best Fried Potatoes and Onions Ingredients
Sauteed Onions and Potatoes Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Fried Potatoes and Onions
How To Serve Onion Fried Potatoes
How To Store These Fried Potatoes and Onions
Why This Recipe For Fried Potatoes and Onions Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Crisp, flavorful potatoes meet caramelized sweet onions in this easy fried potatoes and Onions recipe. This comfort food dish is full of homecooked goodness and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Surprisingly simple to make, this classic is an ultra savory side dish that can be served for breakfast or dinner. Our version isn’t too onion-y, and we cook them till they’re a bit crispy — perfect for the picky eaters in your house.

fried potatoes topped with chives in a skillet

Best Fried Potatoes and Onions Ingredients

Fried Potatoes and Onions raw ingredients that are labeled

Add a side dish full of flavor to your table with our easy Fried Potatoes with Onions recipe. This versatile dish promises a comforting blend of crispy potatoes and savory onions, all made from simple pantry ingredients you probably have on hand.

You’ll need:

¼ cup vegetable oil
1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced thin
1 ½ lbs russet potatoes, washed, dried, and sliced into ¼ inch slices
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (optional garnish)

Sauteed Onions and Potatoes Substitutions and Additions

VEGETABLE OIL: This recipe easily allows you to substitute canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil. For an extra rich taste, add an equal amount of butter to the pan along with the oil, or use bacon fat if you have some stored.

SWEET YELLOW ONION: For a sharper taste, swap the sweet onion with plain yellow onions, or use red onions for some extra color.

RUSSET POTATOES: You can use any type of potato you’d like, but here are a few tips. Red potatoes will give you a creamier texture. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery flavor. We recommend you avoid potatoes with a high moisture content, like fingerlings or new potatoes. They don’t fry very well.

GARLIC POWDER: Substitute with minced fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. You can also try other dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the seasoning. Italian seasoning will also taste great on these fried potatoes.

FRESH CHOPPED CHIVES: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a similar visual appeal and fresh flavor. For an extra special treat, garnish with grated cheese or bacon bits.

How To Make Fried Potatoes and Onions

Whip up a batch of delicious fried sliced potatoes and onions with just a few simple steps. From slicing to sizzling, this is such an easy side dish to make, and tastes so yummy it will quickly become a new family favorite.

STEP ONE: Give your potatoes a good scrub and dry them well with a clean towel, then slice them into ¼ inch rounds. We left the peels on, but you can remove them if you wish. Thinly slice your onions.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

If you prefer your onions to be thicker sliced, you can make them larger in size. Just be sure to cook them just a touch longer.

STEP TWO: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the sliced potatoes and onions to the hot oil. Waiting until the skillet is nice and hot will help you achieve that perfect golden brown color on the potatoes.

PRO TIP:

If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you may need to turn the temperature of your stove down more than if you’re using a nonstick skillet. You might also want to add a bit of extra oil or some butter in addition to the oil the recipe already calls for.

potatoes and onions topped with seasonings in a skillet

STEP THREE: Sprinkle with potatoes and onions with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.

STEP FOUR: Using a spatula, flip the potatoes and onion over often, giving them time to brown. Be careful they don’t burn! It takes 15-20 minutes to cook the fried potato and onions, so just be patient.

PRO TIP:

You may need to continue to adjust the temperature of your stove as your onions and potatoes cook. This is completely normal. Just keep an eye on your skillet and adjust as needed.

STEP FIVE: Test for doneness by using a fork to check that the potatoes are fork-tender.

STEP SIX: Once the pan fried potatoes and onions are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve while hot.

fried potatoes garnished with chives and served with eggs on a plate

How To Serve Onion Fried Potatoes

There are plenty of ways to serve skillet fried potatoes and onions, from simple sides to complete meals. This versatile recipe pairs seamlessly with a variety of dishes and can be incorporated into just about any meal. It’s an easy recipe that will become a must-have in your weekly meal rotation.

For a comfort food dinner, serve your Southern fried potatoes and onions as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, roasted vegetables, or a cozy beef stew. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the potatoes and onions perfectly complement plenty of main dishes.

Take your breakfast or brunch spread up a notch (or two!) by incorporating this easy recipe. You can’t go wrong serving them alongside sheet pan eggs, crispy bacon, and toast or pastries for a hearty and satisfying morning meal. Excellent for a Christmas morning brunch or a birthday breakfast in bed.

Get creative with how you incorporate this potato onion recipe into other meals. Use them as a filling for breakfast burritos, layer them into a breakfast casserole, or even top pizzas or flatbreads with them for a unique twist on some classic dishes.

For a complete dining experience, pair your potato with onions recipe with complementary dishes and beverages. You can serve them with a side of tangy barbecue sauce or your favorite zesty dipping sauce. Pair with classic drinks like refreshing iced tea or a glass of red wine sangria.

Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a formal dinner party, pan-fried potatoes and onions are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Their comforting flavor makes them the perfect side dish for your gathering.

MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES

Side Dishes

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Side Dishes

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

How To Store These Fried Potatoes and Onions

This simple dish has so much flavor, but one of our favorite things about it is that it tastes even better when it’s reheated the next day. Here’s how you can store your leftovers, make these ahead of time, and reheat them perfectly.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prep your potatoes and onion ahead of time. Place your sliced potatoes in a large bowl or dish and cover with water. This will help keep them from browning. Drain and pat dry before sauteing. This will save you plenty of time on busy days when you need a quick and easy meal.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftover Fried Potatoes and Onions in the refrigerator, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat in a little bit of oil until warmed through.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer-term storage, you can freeze your leftovers. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

HOW TO REHEAT: There are several methods you can use to reheat your onions and potatoes. If your reheating from the refrigerator, simply transfer them to a skillet and warm them over medium heat until hot through. To save time and dirty dishes, you can reheat them in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating them in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Stir in between each interval. If your leftovers are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the same methods.

Why This Recipe For Fried Potatoes and Onions Is The Best

There’s something undeniably comforting about the sizzle of potatoes in a hot skillet, filling the kitchen with that irresistible smell of caramelized sweet onion. This recipe has captured the hearts of many for its simplicity, versatility, and unbeatable flavor.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples like potatoes, onions, and basic seasonings, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. The simplicity of the ingredients allows their natural flavors to shine, so you end up with a hearty and satisfying dish without any fuss.
Versatile Side Dish: One of the reasons we adore this recipe is its versatility. Whether served alongside breakfast favorites like pancakes, or paired with grilled meats for dinner, Fried Potatoes and Onions blends in effortlessly. Its ability to complement a wide range of flavors and cuisines makes it a loved, go-to side dish.
Quick and Easy Preparation: Busy weeknights call for meals that are quick and easy to prepare, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. From start to finish, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days when time is of the essence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without oil?

While oil is typically used to fry the potatoes and onions, you can try using cooking spray as a lighter alternative. This may affect the final texture and flavor of the potatoes and caramelized onions. If you’ve run out of oil, you can use butter as a substitute. Just keep the heat a bit lower.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Get creative with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Just consider cooking times and adjust accordingly so that everything cooks evenly.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet?

To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet is well-seasoned or nonstick and that you use enough oil to coat the bottom evenly.

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different kind of potatoes! While the recipe calls for russet potatoes, you can easily substitute with red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for slightly different textures and flavors.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served alongside breakfast favorites, as a hearty side dish for dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and picnics, this recipe will impress, everytime. Crispy texture, savory taste, and comforting appeal make it a go-to option for busy home cooks and comfort food lovers everywhere.

a bowl of fried potatoes topped with chives

More Recipes You’ll Love