Easy Breakfast Potatoes

Ever wondered how to transform simple Yukon potatoes into a mouthwatering breakfast delight? This easy recipe unveils the secret to crafting irresistibly crispy and savory morning potatoes. Join the culinary journey as we explore the art of creating a satisfying morning side dish that's bound to become a new favorite on your breakfast table.

Looking for more?

Try these other potato recipes! Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple Delight: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe offers a hassle-free way to whip up a delicious breakfast side that's both hearty and satisfying.
• Crispy Comfort: The careful sautéing and seasoning ensure these Yukon potatoes achieve a delightful crunch on the outside, giving every bite a textural contrast that's hard to resist.
• Customizable Flavor: Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with eggs and other morning favorites, the recipe's versatility lets you personalize it with additional ingredients, making it a perfect canvas to cater to your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card. 

• Yellow Onion - Flavor Enhancer: Adds savory depth and aroma to the dish. You can also use red onions for a slightly different taste profile.
• Yukon Potatoes - Crispy Base: Provides the main body of the recipe, turning into crispy, tender bites. Feel free to use other waxy potatoes if Yukon potatoes aren't available.
• Salt - Seasoning: Enhances the overall taste and helps the flavors meld. Adjust to your preference but don't overdo it.
• Pepper - Flavor Booster: Adds a hint of spiciness and complements the other seasonings. Freshly ground pepper works best.
• Olive Oil - Crisping Agent: Coats the potatoes and aids in achieving that irresistible crispy texture. Substituting with vegetable oil works too.

Equipment Needed

• Large Pan or Skillet: To cook the potatoes and onions evenly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and dicing the potatoes.
• Knife: To cut the onion and potatoes.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and flipping the potatoes while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the salt, pepper, and oil.
• Plate: To serve the cooked breakfast potatoes.
• Stove: To cook the ingredients over medium heat.

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card. 

To prepare these delightful breakfast potatoes, start by finely chopping half of a yellow onion and dicing four medium Yukon potatoes into small cubes, leaving the skin on for added texture. Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a quarter cup of olive oil. As the oil heats up, introduce the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until the pieces turn translucent and release their savory aroma. Next, add the diced potatoes to the pan, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper for seasoning, then mix everything together.

Allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, fostering a crispy exterior. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. As the potatoes cook, they'll develop a golden brown crispiness that's hard to resist. Once achieved, transfer the cooked potatoes from the heat to a plate, ready to be enjoyed. This easy breakfast potato recipe not only provides a satisfying morning side dish but also leaves room for personalization – feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like herbs, cheese, or even cooked bacon to elevate the flavors according to your preferences.

Variations

• Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the cooked potatoes and let it melt before serving, adding a gooey and savory twist.
• Veggie Medley: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onions for a colorful and nutrient-packed variation.
• Spiced Up Potatoes: Mix in your favorite spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for an extra kick of flavor and heat.
• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Toss freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the pan to infuse the potatoes with aromatic goodness.
• Sweet Potato Surprise: Substitute Yukon potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutritious alternative.
• Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Top the cooked potatoes with sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon for a loaded baked potato-inspired dish.
• Southwestern Style: Add some diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn for a southwestern flair, perfect for a flavorful brunch.
• Curry Twist: Mix in curry powder and ground cumin for a unique and aromatic breakfast potato experience.
• Italian Herb Delight: Incorporate dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan cheese to bring Italian flavors to your breakfast.
• Hash Brown Patties: Shape the potato mixture into patties and pan-fry until crispy on both sides, creating delicious homemade hash browns.

Wine Pairing

For this breakfast potatoes recipe, a light and refreshing white wine would be a great choice to complement the savory and crispy flavors. Consider pairing it with a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have enough acidity and fruitiness to balance the richness of the potatoes and the savory onions. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais could work well too, as they won't overpower the dish. Ultimately, the wine choice depends on your personal taste and preferences.

FAQ's

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While Yukon potatoes work well, you can try red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for unique flavors and textures.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the potatoes are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can partially cook them in advance and finish crisping them up when you're ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter for a different flavor. Keep in mind that oil with a high smoke point works best for sautéing.

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

Make sure your pan is well-heated before adding the potatoes. Stirring occasionally and using a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet can also help prevent sticking.

Can I add more seasonings?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs to customize the flavors.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but they might have a slightly different texture.

What can I serve with these breakfast potatoes?

These potatoes pair well with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, or even as a side to a breakfast burrito.

How do I reheat leftover potatoes?

To retain some crispiness, reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil or butter until warmed through. You can also use an oven or toaster oven.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely, just make sure to use a plant-based oil (like olive oil) and skip any dairy-based toppings.

Can I adjust the cooking time for smaller potato cubes?

Yes, smaller cubes may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips

• Uniform Potato Size: Try to cut the potato cubes evenly to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Preheat the Pan: Let the pan and oil heat up before adding the onions and potatoes for better browning.
• Patient Sautéing: Allow onions to soften slowly for the best flavor base.
• Avoid Crowding: If the pan is too crowded, the potatoes might steam instead of getting crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
• Golden Crisp: Don't rush the cooking process – the key is patiently waiting for that crispy, golden exterior.
• Stirring Technique: Gently stir to prevent potatoes from sticking but also allow them to crisp up on one side before stirring.
• Season Gradually: Sprinkle salt and pepper in layers as you add potatoes to ensure even seasoning.
• Variation Exploration: Experiment with herbs, cheese, or veggies to customize the flavor.
• Watch Heat Level: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning, especially as the potatoes crisp up.
• Serve Fresh: These potatoes are best enjoyed right after cooking for maximum crispiness.
• Reheating Technique: To reheat leftovers, use a hot skillet or oven to maintain some crispiness.
• Cooking Time Adjustment: Smaller cubes may cook faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time as needed.

Looking for more recipes?

Try these other potato recipes! Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

Did You Make this Recipe?

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Recipe Card

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