Crispy Dutch Home-Style Fried Potatoes with Bacon and Onions
Enjoy the comforting flavors of crispy fried potatoes, a beloved Dutch classic that turns leftover boiled potatoes into a delectable side dish. These hearty, golden slices are perfectly sautéed in rich bacon fat, lending them an irresistible smoky flavor. Paired with savory diced bacon and sweetly caramelized onions, this dish is a favorite at family dinners and gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with hearty ingredients, this recipe brings warmth to any meal while celebrating the Dutch passion for potatoes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
6 (small, boiled and refrigerated overnight, sliced)
butter
2 (tablespoons)
onion
1 (small, diced)
bacon
4 (slices, thick cut, diced)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the refrigerated boiled potatoes into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered grease in the skillet.
3
In the same skillet, carefully place the potato slices in the bacon grease, ensuring each slice touches the bottom of the skillet. This might require frying in batches.
4
Reduce the heat to low, and allow the potato slices to fry slowly until they become golden brown on the underside, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully flip each potato slice and repeat until both sides are golden and crispy.
5
Once the potatoes are beautifully golden and cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate and keep them warm.
6
Next, add the diced onions to the same skillet and sauté quickly in the remaining fat until they turn soft and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
7
Return the crispy bacon and potato slices to the skillet with the onions. Gently toss everything together to combine, and season with salt to taste.
8
Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Dutch Home-Style Fried Potatoes?
This is a classic Dutch side dish made from sliced leftover boiled potatoes that are fried in bacon fat and butter until golden and crispy.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for small potatoes that have been boiled and refrigerated overnight to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
Why must the potatoes be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating boiled potatoes makes them firmer and easier to slice without crumbling, which is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
What is the best thickness for the potato slices?
For the best results, cut the potatoes into thick slices of approximately 1/2 inch.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftovers?
While you can, the texture will be different. It is highly recommended to boil and chill them first to mimic the traditional Dutch style.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Thick-cut bacon slices are best for this recipe as they provide both flavor and a good amount of rendered grease for frying.
Should I peel the potatoes?
The recipe suggests using boiled potatoes; whether you peel them is up to personal preference, though many Dutch cooks leave the skin on for extra texture.
What kind of fat is used for frying?
A combination of butter and rendered bacon grease is used to give the potatoes their rich, smoky flavor.
Why do I fry the bacon first?
Frying the bacon first allows you to render the fat, which is then used as the cooking medium for the potatoes to maximize flavor.
What temperature should I use to fry the potatoes?
After melting the butter and frying the bacon on medium heat, you should reduce the heat to low for frying the potatoes to ensure they crisp up slowly without burning.
How long does it take to fry the potatoes?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side for the potatoes to become golden brown and crispy.
Can I fry all the potatoes at once?
It is best to fry in batches to ensure every potato slice is touching the bottom of the skillet for even browning.
When do I add the onions?
Onions are added after the potatoes are cooked and removed from the pan; they are sauteed quickly in the remaining fat until caramelized.
Why are onions added separately?
Onions cook much faster than potatoes and would burn if added at the start of the potato frying process.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use extra butter or a neutral oil, though you will lose the smoky flavor characteristic of the Dutch style.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the core ingredients of potatoes, bacon, onions, and butter are naturally gluten-free.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is simply seasoned with salt to taste, as the bacon and butter provide a significant amount of built-in flavor.
Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
Yes, red onions can be used for a slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Ensure the skillet is well-coated with butter and bacon grease and avoid moving the potatoes too much until they have developed a crust.
What kind of pan is best?
A large heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan is ideal for maintaining even heat and achieving a great crust.
Can I add herbs to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, fresh parsley or chives are excellent additions for a burst of color and freshness at the end.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these potatoes?
To maintain crispiness, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat rather than using a microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes will lose their crispy texture and may become mushy upon thawing.
What should I serve with Dutch fried potatoes?
They are a perfect side for roasted meats, sausages, or even a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, but you will miss the characteristic richness that butter provides.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
In the Netherlands, this is traditionally served as a hearty side dish, but with the bacon and onions, it can certainly serve as a light main meal.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on using 6 potatoes, this recipe typically serves 3 to 4 people as a side dish.
What if I don't have leftover boiled potatoes?
You can boil fresh potatoes until just tender, then quickly cool them in an ice bath before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, minced garlic can be added during the last minute of sautéing the onions for extra aromatic flavor.