Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

These crispy breakfast potatoes are the perfect way to start your day or add a little crunch to any meal. They come together easily using simple ingredients and deliver a satisfying golden crust with soft centers every time.

I threw this together one weekend when I was craving a hearty breakfast side and it quickly became a regular in our house on lazy Sunday mornings

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds richness and helps create that crisp exterior, choose a good quality extra virgin for best taste
• Russet potatoes: give the fluffiest inside texture and hold up well to frying, pick firm ones with no eyes or green spots
• Yellow onion: offers sweetness and depth, look for firm bulbs without sprouting
• Green bell pepper: brings freshness and a mild grassy flavor, pick vibrant green with no soft spots
• Garlic: gives a punch of aroma and flavor, use fresh peeled cloves rather than pre-minced if possible
• Table salt: is essential for seasonings, I prefer kosher salt for even distribution
• Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky note and warmth, choose one without additives for a clean flavor
• Black pepper: adds mild spice and earthiness, freshly ground if you can to enhance aroma
• Fresh cilantro, parsley or scallions as garnish: add a fresh herbal note and color

Instructions

Build The Base:

Add the olive oil to a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully add the diced potatoes. Spread them out evenly so they cook uniformly. Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet loosely with foil or a lid left slightly open. This traps steam and cooks the potatoes through gently while starting to brown the edges. After 5 minutes flip the potatoes carefully using a thin metal spatula so they brown on every side. Continue cooking covered for a total of 10 minutes.

Add Aromatics:

After the potatoes have started softening and browning, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover loosely again. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the vegetables release their sweetness. Flip everything halfway through to help even browning and meld the flavors.

Season and Finish:

Stir in the crushed garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Lower the heat to low and cook uncovered for 3 minutes. This allows the garlic to mellow without burning and the spices to bloom in the hot oil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and help the potatoes crisp up nicely on the outside.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle your choice of fresh cilantro, parsley or scallions on top for a pop of color and bright herbal flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect crispy tender bite.

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot skillet rather than microwave to bring back the crispiness. Avoid sogginess by reheating slowly over medium heat until warmed through and crisp on the outside again.

Ingredient Swaps

Sweet potatoes make a delicious alternative adding natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and provide a buttery texture. For a twist, try adding diced chorizo or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve these potatoes alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a classic breakfast plate. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for indulgence. They also make a great accompaniment to grilled meats or avocado tostadas for brunch.

Seasonal Twists

Add diced fresh tomatoes and green chilies in summer for a bright fresh flavor. Stir in chopped kale or spinach near the end for extra nutrients in colder months. Use smoked sea salt for an even smokier finish if desired.

These breakfast potatoes are an easy and delicious side that impress every time. Serve fresh and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for achieving a crispy outside and tender inside, thanks to their starchy texture.

→ Can I use a different cooking oil?

Olive oil provides great flavor and crispiness, but vegetable or canola oil can be substituted if needed.

→ How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow even heat distribution and flip the potatoes regularly to brown all sides.

→ Are there alternative vegetables to add?

Onions and green bell peppers add sweetness and texture, but other vegetables like red peppers or mushrooms work well too.

→ What seasoning enhances the flavor?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note, while garlic and black pepper round out the savory profile.