Southern Fried Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish that brings a touch of Southern hospitality to your table. With crispy edges and tender centers, these potatoes are cooked in rich bacon grease and seasoned to perfection. Let’s look at the ingredients needed to prepare this delightful dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Bacon Grease: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the potatoes, making them irresistible. You’ll need ½ cup of bacon grease for this recipe.
- Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for frying due to their high starch content. Use 2 pounds of peeled and small diced russet potatoes.
- Sweet Onion: A small diced sweet onion adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. One small sweet onion is perfect for this recipe.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dish. Use ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Creole Seasoning: This seasoning mix adds a bit of spice and complexity. You’ll need ½ teaspoon of Creole seasoning.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Use ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a 10-inch or larger cast iron skillet, melt the bacon grease over medium heat. The bacon grease will add a rich, smoky flavor that infuses the potatoes as they cook.
- Step 2:
- Add the diced potatoes, small diced sweet onion, black pepper, Creole seasoning, and kosher salt to the skillet. Toss the ingredients so everything is evenly coated in the bacon grease and well seasoned.
- Step 3:
- Press the potatoes and onions into a single layer in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 7-10 minutes, allowing the bottom layer to brown nicely. This step creates a delicious crispy crust on the potatoes.
- Step 4:
- Flip the potatoes using a spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release the crusty potatoes. This ensures all sides get a chance to brown and crisp up.
- Step 5:
- Continue to cook the potatoes for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the potatoes are tender and nicely browned.
- Step 6:
- Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a delicious side dish to complement your meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these Southern Fried Potatoes hot and fresh from the skillet to enjoy their crispy texture and rich flavor. They pair wonderfully with breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon or as a side dish for dinner with roasted chicken or steak. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness, or use a microwave if you’re short on time.
Helpful Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Using a cast iron skillet is recommended for this recipe as it provides even heating and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you don’t have bacon grease on hand, you can substitute with a mix of butter and vegetable oil.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends ensuring the potatoes are in a single layer to achieve even browning and crispiness.
Chef Paula Deen suggests using a generous amount of bacon grease for the best flavor and texture.
Chef Emeril Lagasse advises seasoning the potatoes well and tasting as you cook to adjust the flavors to your preference.
