Southern Fried Taters & Onions: A Crispy, Comforting Classic
There’s something about Southern-style fried taters and onions that feels like home. This dish is simple, flavorful, and downright irresistible—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with the savory goodness of onions and garlic.
Growing up, this was a staple side dish at my family’s dinner table. Whether served alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or just with a big plate of cornbread, it’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of comfort and warmth.
Let’s dive into the easiest, most delicious way to make old-fashioned Southern fried taters and onions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Golden – Perfectly fried for the best texture.
✔️ Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples create bold flavor.
✔️ One-Pan Dish – Easy cleanup and quick to make.
✔️ Comfort Food Favorite – A nostalgic dish that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 35-40 mins)
- 5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup oil (vegetable, bacon grease, or butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
💡 Pro Tip: Using bacon grease instead of oil adds extra depth of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized cubes.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan, heat ¼ cup oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced potatoes and spread them out evenly.
💡 For extra flavor, use a mix of oil and bacon grease!
3. Add the Onions & Garlic
- Sprinkle the onions, garlic, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes.
- Stir everything together to coat the potatoes in oil and seasoning.
4. Cook Covered for 25 Minutes
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook for 25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent burning.
💡 Covering the pan helps steam the potatoes, making them soft inside while crisping up the outside later!
5. Crisp Them Up
- Remove the lid and turn up the heat to medium-high.
- Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
💡 Want extra crispy edges? Let the potatoes sit undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring.
6. Drain & Serve
- Once done, scoop the potatoes onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 Sprinkle with extra salt while they’re still hot for the best flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Taters & Onions
🔥 Use the Right Potatoes – Russets give the crispiest texture, while Yukon Golds stay soft and buttery.
🥓 Try Cooking in Bacon Grease – It adds a smoky, rich flavor!
🍳 Use a Cast Iron Skillet – Helps create that perfect crispy crust.
🥄 Don’t Over-Stir – Let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to get that golden crust.
🧄 Add Extra Garlic – If you love garlic, stir in an extra teaspoon at the end for an extra punch.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Cheesy Fried Taters 🧀 – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes.
- Spicy Kick 🌶 – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Loaded Southern Taters 🥓 – Top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Smothered Potatoes 🥩 – Mix in sliced smoked sausage or ham for a heartier meal.
What to Serve with Fried Taters & Onions
🍗 Fried Chicken – A classic Southern combo!
🥩 Smothered Pork Chops – The savory juices pair perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
🌽 Cornbread & Greens – A hearty, comforting meal.
🍳 Eggs & Biscuits – Perfect for a country-style breakfast.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Fried taters are best fresh, but you can par-cook the potatoes, store them in the fridge, and finish frying when ready.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Why are my potatoes soggy instead of crispy?
A: Make sure the heat is high enough and don’t overcrowd the pan—this traps steam and prevents crisping.
Why You Need to Try This Recipe
These Southern Fried Taters & Onions are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served as a side dish or a full meal, they’re the kind of down-home comfort food that brings people together.
So grab your cast iron skillet, chop up some taters & onions, and let’s get cooking! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your favorite ways to enjoy fried taters! 🍽✨
Southern Fried Taters & Onions: A Crispy, Comforting Classic
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to become tender.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and drain on paper towels before serving.
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