Who doesn’t love a plate of crispy, golden breakfast potatoes? These Easy Breakfast Potatoes are simple to make, full of flavor, and add a hearty, satisfying touch to any morning meal. Whether you’re serving them up alongside eggs and bacon or making a veggie-filled breakfast bowl, this recipe will become your go-to for crispy, delicious breakfast potatoes. With just a few pantry ingredients and about 20 minutes of active cooking, you’ll have a breakfast side dish that rivals any diner special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 Potatoes (cut into 1/2″ cubes): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, giving you a fluffy interior and a nicely crisped exterior.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a little spice and warmth.
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: A classic flavor that brings out the savory taste.
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
- 1 tbsp Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp up the potatoes.
- 1 tbsp Oil: Prevents burning and helps distribute heat evenly (use olive or canola oil).
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley (fresh or 1/2 tsp dried): Adds a fresh touch and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Perfect Breakfast Potatoes
Creating perfectly crispy, golden-brown breakfast potatoes may seem challenging, but with these simple steps, you’ll master the technique. From prepping to seasoning to getting that perfect crispy exterior, each step below will help ensure a delicious, fail-proof outcome every time.
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for breakfast potatoes as they give you a nice balance of texture—fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside.
- Cut into Uniform Cubes: Cut the potatoes into even, 1/2-inch cubes. Keeping them uniform in size ensures they cook evenly, so no pieces are undercooked or burnt. This also speeds up cooking time and helps get that beautiful, even browning on all sides.
2. Heat the Skillet with Butter and Oil
- Select the Right Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, works best for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and holds high temperatures well, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Add Butter and Oil Combination: Turn the heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil to the skillet. The combination of butter and oil is important—oil has a higher smoke point, so it prevents the butter from burning while still adding flavor. Let the skillet heat for about 1-2 minutes until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering. This step ensures that the potatoes won’t stick and will start browning as soon as they hit the pan.
3. Add Potatoes and Coat Evenly
- Add Potatoes Carefully: Add the potato cubes to the hot skillet carefully, being mindful of any hot oil splatters. Stir or toss the potatoes to coat each cube with the melted butter and oil mixture. This coating is key for achieving a golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the potatoes. Hold off on adding the parsley until the end; this ensures it keeps its fresh flavor and bright green color as a garnish.
4. Steam the Potatoes for Faster Cooking
- Cover the Skillet for Softening: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook for about 3-4 minutes. This short steaming phase allows the inside of the potatoes to soften faster without sacrificing crispiness. The moisture that forms under the lid helps steam the potatoes from the inside out, so they cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Check for Tenderness: After 3-4 minutes, test a potato cube with a fork. The fork should pierce through easily but still meet slight resistance, indicating the interior is starting to soften. If needed, steam for an additional minute, but avoid overcooking, as you don’t want mushy potatoes.
5. Remove the Lid and Continue to Crisp
- Uncover to Release Steam: Take off the lid and let the remaining moisture evaporate. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust, as the potatoes won’t crisp if there’s excess moisture in the skillet.
- Stir Frequently for Even Browning: Using a spatula, gently turn and toss the potatoes every 1-2 minutes. This ensures each side has contact with the hot skillet, helping you achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior. Aim to flip each piece over time, so the potatoes cook evenly without burning.
6. Cook Until Perfectly Golden and Tender
- Patience is Key: Continue cooking the potatoes with the lid off for another 8-10 minutes, turning them every few minutes. They’re done when each cube is golden-brown and crispy on the outside, while the interior is soft and fluffy.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If you notice the potatoes browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning. Alternatively, if they’re not browning enough, increase the heat to high for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the perfect texture requires just the right balance of heat and time.
7. Add Fresh Parsley for a Finishing Touch
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley). The parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that complements the rich, buttery flavor.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. They’re perfect on their own or as a side to eggs, bacon, or your favorite breakfast meats.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Potatoes
Perfect breakfast potatoes are all about getting that balance between crispy outsides and tender insides. Follow these pro tips to elevate your breakfast potatoes and ensure they’re perfectly golden and delicious every time!
1. Use the Right Type of Potato
- Yukon Golds or Russets: These varieties have just the right amount of starch, making them ideal for breakfast potatoes. Yukon Golds yield a creamy interior with a crispy exterior, while Russets get extra crispy due to their high starch content. If you’re aiming for extra crunch, go for Russets!
2. Cut Evenly for Consistent Cooking
- Uniform 1/2-Inch Cubes: The size of your potato cubes directly impacts cooking time and texture. Cutting them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes ensures even cooking, so no piece is underdone or burnt. Uniformly cut pieces allow for an even, golden-brown crust on each side.
3. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
- Single Layer for Perfect Crisp: When potatoes are piled on top of each other, they release steam, which prevents crisping. Arrange the potato cubes in a single layer with a little space between them. This helps each piece to cook evenly and get a nice crust. If you’re making a large batch, use two pans or cook in batches for best results.
4. Use a Combination of Butter and Oil
- Butter Adds Flavor, Oil Prevents Burning: Butter provides a rich, delicious flavor, but it burns easily. Adding a tablespoon of oil (like olive or canola) with the butter raises the smoke point, preventing burning while still giving your potatoes that buttery richness. This combination also helps create a beautiful golden-brown color.
5. Steam First, Then Sear
- Cover for a Few Minutes: After adding the potatoes to the skillet, cover it with a lid for the first 3-4 minutes. This traps steam, softening the potatoes quickly so they’re tender inside. Once the initial steaming is done, remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered to let the moisture escape and create a crisp exterior.
6. Season Thoughtfully
- Go Beyond Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential, but adding a bit of garlic powder and onion powder enhances the savory flavor. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a smoky edge or even a dash of cayenne for a hint of spice. Always add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme at the end to keep their flavors fresh.
7. Flip and Stir Carefully
- Gentle Tossing for Even Browning: Use a spatula to gently turn the potatoes every few minutes. This ensures all sides get evenly browned and crispy without breaking the cubes apart. Don’t over-stir, though—this could lead to mushiness. Just turn them enough to keep a nice, even cook on all sides.
8. Adjust Heat as Needed
- Moderate to High Heat for Crispiness: Start on medium-high heat to help with initial browning, then reduce to medium if the potatoes start cooking too quickly. If they’re not browning enough, turn the heat up slightly. Balancing heat levels prevents the outsides from burning before the insides are done.
9. Pre-Cook for Faster Mornings
- Parboil or Microwave for Meal Prep: If you’re pressed for time, partially cooking the potatoes beforehand can be a game-changer. Parboil the potatoes until just tender or microwave them for 4-5 minutes before frying. When you’re ready to cook, just add the pre-cooked potatoes to the skillet to crisp them up quickly.
10. Experiment with Toppings and Add-Ins
- Customize Your Breakfast Potatoes: Try adding toppings like shredded cheese, diced bacon, or sliced green onions. For a unique twist, mix in bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms halfway through cooking. You can also toss the potatoes with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
11. Serve Immediately for Maximum Crispiness
- Hot and Fresh for the Best Texture: Breakfast potatoes are at their peak right out of the skillet. Serve them hot for the best contrast between crispy edges and tender insides. If you’re not serving immediately, keep them warm in a 200°F oven to maintain their texture.
By following these simple tips, you’ll transform basic breakfast potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and irresistible. Enjoy experimenting and making these potatoes your own with your favorite seasonings and toppings!
Why These Breakfast Potatoes Are So Good
This recipe is not only easy but incredibly flavorful. The balance of garlic and onion powder brings out the savory depth in each bite, while the butter adds richness and the oil aids in a perfectly crispy finish. The gentle steam step ensures the insides of the potatoes stay soft and tender, so you get the best texture with minimal effort. These potatoes are versatile enough to serve with eggs, breakfast meats, or even as a side for dinner!
FAQs
Can I make these breakfast potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can! Parboil the potatoes a day ahead, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, cook as instructed for extra crispy results.
What type of potatoes work best for breakfast potatoes?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they provide a nice balance between fluffiness and crispiness.
How can I make these potatoes healthier?
Swap butter for a heart-healthy oil like olive oil and use less salt. You can also add more fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for extra flavor without additional calories.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for variety. Sauté them in the same skillet with the potatoes, adding them halfway through the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
What seasonings can I try instead?
Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can also be added at the end for extra flavor.
What can I serve with breakfast potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with scrambled eggs, avocado, bacon, sausage, or even as a side to breakfast burritos or sandwiches.
Enjoy Your Easy Breakfast Potatoes!
In just about 20 minutes, you can have these easy, delicious breakfast potatoes on your table, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. With their crispy edges and tender insides, these potatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Try them today for a simple, satisfying addition to any breakfast spread!
