Breakfast Potatoes recipe

It’s funny how some of the simplest dishes become absolute staples in our homes. Breakfast potatoes are one of those for us. Weekends just don’t feel right without a generous serving of golden-brown, crispy-edged potatoes alongside our scrambled eggs and bacon. This recipe? It’s a game-changer. I’ve tried countless versions over the years, but this one, with its perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy insides, has won over even the pickiest eaters in my family. My kids, who are usually more interested in sugary cereals, actually ask for seconds of these potatoes. The secret, I think, lies in the simple yet effective cooking method and the right blend of seasonings. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll understand why breakfast potatoes are so much more than just a side dish – they’re a breakfast essential.

Ingredients

To create these incredibly delicious breakfast potatoes, you’ll need just a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine through, enhanced by just the right amount of seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 2 lbs Potatoes: The type of potato you choose will significantly impact the final texture. For the best breakfast potatoes, I highly recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes. Their slightly waxy texture allows them to get crispy on the outside while remaining wonderfully fluffy inside. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to be starchier and may require a bit more attention to achieve that perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness. Red potatoes are another option, offering a slightly firmer texture and a subtly sweet flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your personal favorite!
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Olive oil is my go-to for cooking breakfast potatoes. It has a lovely flavor that complements the potatoes without overpowering them, and it helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crisp. You can also use other cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor. If using butter, be mindful of the heat to prevent it from burning.
• 1 Medium Onion: Onion adds a wonderful savory depth to the breakfast potatoes. A yellow onion is a classic choice, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks alongside the potatoes. White onions can also be used for a sharper flavor, or even red onions for a milder, sweeter taste with a hint of color. Dice the onion into small, even pieces so they cook evenly with the potatoes.
• 1 Bell Pepper (Optional): While optional, adding a bell pepper elevates the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your breakfast potatoes. I personally love using red or yellow bell peppers for their sweetness, but green bell peppers work just as well for a slightly more savory flavor. Like the onion, dice the bell pepper into small, even pieces.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for infusing these potatoes with a delicious aromatic flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the potatoes and doesn’t burn during cooking. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder, but fresh garlic definitely offers a superior flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the potatoes. Smoked paprika will enhance the smoky flavor, while sweet paprika provides a milder, sweeter note. Regular paprika works wonderfully as well.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that complements the potatoes and other seasonings beautifully. You can also experiment with other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the potatoes and all the other ingredients. Adjust the amount of salt to your personal preference. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more to taste as needed. Kosher salt or sea salt are excellent choices for seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference. White pepper can also be used for a milder peppery flavor.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. These are not essential for the base recipe but can add a beautiful finishing touch and extra flavor.

Instructions

Making these mouthwatering breakfast potatoes is surprisingly simple and straightforward. With just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful potatoes in no time. Follow these easy instructions for guaranteed success:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes. This is important to remove any dirt or debris. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but I personally like to leave the skin on for added nutrients, fiber, and a slightly rustic texture. Leaving the skin on also helps the potatoes hold their shape better during cooking and contributes to a crispier exterior. Once washed, cut the potatoes into uniform cubes, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size. Consistent sizing is key to ensuring even cooking. If some pieces are larger than others, they may not cook through at the same rate.
2. Prepare the Vegetables (Onion and Bell Pepper, if using): Peel and dice the onion into small, even pieces. If using bell pepper, wash it, remove the seeds and membranes, and dice it into pieces similar in size to the diced potatoes and onions. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
3. Heat the Oil in a Large Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly or when a drop of water flicked into the pan sizzles immediately. Using a large skillet ensures that the potatoes are not overcrowded, which is crucial for achieving crispiness. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy potatoes.
4. Sauté the Onions and Bell Pepper (if using): Add the diced onions (and bell pepper, if using) to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Sautéing the onions and bell pepper first releases their flavors and softens them before adding the potatoes, ensuring they cook through properly.
5. Add the Potatoes and Garlic: Add the diced potatoes and minced garlic to the skillet with the sautéed onions and bell pepper (if used). Stir everything together well to coat the potatoes and vegetables evenly with the oil.
6. Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the potatoes and vegetables. Stir again to ensure the seasonings are well distributed. At this stage, you can also add any other desired seasonings, such as a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some dried thyme or rosemary for a different herb profile.
7. Cook the Potatoes: Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the skillet. This is important for crisping. Avoid stirring too frequently at this stage. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes on one side, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust. Then, flip the potatoes using a spatula and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Continue to flip and cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for a total of about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potato cubes and the heat of your skillet.
8. Check for Doneness: To check if the potatoes are done, pierce a potato cube with a fork. It should be easily pierced and tender inside. If the potatoes are browning too quickly but are not yet tender inside, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until done.
9. Serve Hot: Once the breakfast potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. These potatoes are best enjoyed hot and fresh, as they are at their crispiest and most flavorful right after cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for making informed dietary choices. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these breakfast potatoes. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving (estimated, for 1/6th of recipe): Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Fat: 15-20g (primarily from olive oil)
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 200-300mg (depending on salt added)
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35g (primarily from potatoes and vegetables)
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugar: 2-3g (naturally occurring sugars in potatoes and vegetables)
  • Protein: 4-5g

Important Notes:

• These values are estimates and can vary.
• Using different types of oil or adding extra ingredients will alter the nutritional content.
• Portion sizes significantly impact calorie and nutrient intake.

For a more precise nutritional analysis, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific ingredients and quantities you use.

Preparation Time

The beauty of this breakfast potatoes recipe is that it’s not only delicious but also relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time involved:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes washing, peeling (if desired), and chopping the potatoes, dicing the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (This is the time the potatoes spend cooking in the skillet until they are tender and crispy)
• Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes

This timeframe makes it a realistic option even on weekday mornings if you do some of the prep work, like chopping vegetables, the night before. For a quicker morning prep, you could also consider using pre-diced potatoes available in some grocery stores, though freshly cut potatoes generally yield the best texture.

How to Serve Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways, making them a fantastic addition to any breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Breakfast Plate Companions:
  • Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fried eggs, poached eggs, omelets, or frittatas. The creamy richness of eggs pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
  • Bacon, Sausage, or Ham: Breakfast potatoes are a natural partner for classic breakfast meats like crispy bacon, savory sausage patties or links, or slices of grilled ham.
  • Pancakes or Waffles: For a heartier breakfast or brunch, serve them with pancakes, waffles, or French toast. The savory potatoes balance out the sweetness of these breakfast staples.
• Elevated Brunch Options:
  • Breakfast Burritos or Tacos: Incorporate breakfast potatoes into breakfast burritos or tacos along with scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, and your choice of protein.
  • Breakfast Bowls: Create flavorful breakfast bowls by layering breakfast potatoes as a base, then topping with eggs, avocado, black beans, salsa, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
  • Eggs Benedict with Potato Hash: Swap out the traditional English muffin in Eggs Benedict with a bed of crispy breakfast potatoes for a delightful twist.
• Sauces and Toppings: Enhance the flavor of your breakfast potatoes with a variety of sauces and toppings:
  • Ketchup: A classic and simple condiment that complements the potatoes perfectly.
  • Hot Sauce: Add a kick of heat with your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, Sriracha, or Cholula.
  • Salsa: Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or a roasted tomato salsa adds a vibrant and zesty flavor.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy potatoes.
  • Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese over the hot potatoes for a cheesy and melty delight.
  • Avocado or Guacamole: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds creamy richness and healthy fats.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Potato Hash: Breakfast potatoes form the base of a delicious potato hash. Add cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo, along with other vegetables like peppers and onions, and top with a fried egg for a complete meal.
  • Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Treat breakfast potatoes like loaded baked potatoes. Top them with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, and any other toppings you enjoy.
  • Side Dish for Dinner: Don’t limit breakfast potatoes to just breakfast! They make a fantastic side dish for dinner alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips for Perfect Breakfast Potatoes

While this recipe is already quite foolproof, here are five additional tips to ensure your breakfast potatoes are absolutely perfect every single time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: This is arguably the most crucial tip for achieving crispy breakfast potatoes. Overcrowding the skillet will cause the potatoes to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy potatoes. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space in the skillet to brown properly.
2. Preheat the Skillet and Oil Properly: Make sure your skillet and oil are properly heated before adding the potatoes. A hot skillet is essential for getting that initial sear and crispiness. The oil should be shimmering and hot, but not smoking.
3. Don’t Stir Too Frequently Initially: Resist the urge to stir the potatoes constantly as soon as they go into the skillet. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust before flipping or stirring. This allows for proper browning and crisping.
4. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: While the recipe provides a good starting point for seasoning, don’t be afraid to adjust it to your personal preferences. Taste the potatoes after they’ve cooked for a bit and add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor.
5. Consider Parboiling for Extra Fluffiness (Optional): For potatoes that are extra fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, you can consider parboiling them briefly before pan-frying. To parboil, place the diced potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and then proceed with the pan-frying instructions. Parboiling helps to partially cook the inside of the potatoes, ensuring they are tender while allowing the outside to crisp up beautifully in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Breakfast Potatoes

Here are some common questions people often ask about making breakfast potatoes:

Q1: Can I make breakfast potatoes ahead of time?

A: While breakfast potatoes are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare them partially ahead of time. You can chop the potatoes and vegetables the night before and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, cooking them ahead and reheating is not recommended as they will lose their crispiness and become soggy. If you absolutely must make them ahead, cook them until almost done, slightly undercooking them. Then, reheat them in a skillet with a bit more oil over medium-high heat to crisp them up before serving.

Q2: What’s the best type of potato for breakfast potatoes?

A: Yukon Gold potatoes are generally considered the best choice for breakfast potatoes due to their balance of waxiness and starchiness. They crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to be starchier and may require a bit more attention to achieve the desired texture. Red potatoes are another option, offering a firmer texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Q3: Can I bake breakfast potatoes instead of pan-frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake breakfast potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced potatoes and vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until tender and golden brown. Baked potatoes will be less crispy than pan-fried potatoes, but they are still a delicious and healthier option as they require less oil.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to breakfast potatoes?

A: Absolutely! Breakfast potatoes are very versatile, and you can add a variety of other vegetables to them. Some popular additions include:
* Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and bell peppers.
* Zucchini: Add diced zucchini towards the end of the cooking time as it cooks quickly.
* Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
* Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add finely diced jalapeños along with the onions.

Q5: How do I store leftover breakfast potatoes?

A: Store leftover breakfast potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil to try and regain some crispiness. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for better results in restoring crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy. While reheated potatoes won’t be as crispy as freshly cooked ones, they will still be flavorful and enjoyable.

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