Savory Skillet-Style Potatoes with Onions
These delightful skillet-fried potatoes are a warm and hearty dish reminiscent of home-cooked comfort meals. Inspired by my mom's traditional recipe, they're perfect as a side to smoky sausages or fresh kielbasa. Unlike hash browns, these potatoes are tender and flavorful, not crisp. With the sweet smell of onions melding with the earthy paprika and rich bacon fat, each bite brings you cozy nostalgia. They're great for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, pairing effortlessly with your favorite proteins.
4-6
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
5-6 (sliced (peel-on optional))
onion
1 large (sliced)
bacon fat
2 tablespoons (melted)
paprika
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the bacon fat over medium heat until it is fully liquefied.
2
Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent.
3
Carefully add the sliced potatoes to the skillet, layering them evenly over the onions.
4
Season the potatoes generously with salt and sprinkle the paprika over them, ensuring the potatoes are coated well (the color should be vivid and almost orange).
5
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
6
If the potatoes begin to stick and form a crust on the bottom, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to prevent burning, while continuing to cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7
Once cooked, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm alongside your favorite meats.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
30g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Skillet-Style Potatoes with Onions?
This is a warm, hearty side dish of tender sliced potatoes and onions sautéed in bacon fat and seasoned with paprika, inspired by traditional home-cooked comfort meals.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 5 to 6 potatoes for this recipe, which serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Should I peel the potatoes before slicing?
Peeling is optional for this recipe; you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients if you prefer.
Are these potatoes supposed to be crispy like hash browns?
No, unlike hash browns, these skillet potatoes are intended to be tender and flavorful rather than crisp.
What type of fat is used to cook the potatoes?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to provide a rich, smoky flavor.
Can I substitute bacon fat with something else?
While bacon fat provides the signature flavor, you can use butter or a neutral cooking oil if you prefer a different taste or a vegetarian option.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe requires one large onion, sliced. Yellow or white onions work well for their sweetness when sautéed.
How much paprika should I add?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of paprika, or enough to ensure the potatoes are well-coated and have a vivid orange color.
What is the total cooking time?
After softening the onions, the potatoes cook under a lid for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Why do I need to cover the skillet with a lid?
Covering the skillet traps steam, which helps the potatoes cook through and become tender without burning.
What should I do if the potatoes start sticking to the pan?
If sticking occurs, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to prevent burning while continuing to cook until tender.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork and are fully tender.
What are the best meat pairings for this dish?
These potatoes pair perfectly with smoky sausages, fresh kielbasa, or your favorite roasted proteins.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains about 3 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a side dish, though it is quite filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the bacon fat with butter or a high-quality vegetable oil.
What gives the potatoes their orange color?
The generous use of paprika gives the potatoes their vivid, almost orange appearance.
How often should I stir the potatoes while they cook?
Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the bottom layer from burning.
Can I add other seasonings?
While salt and paprika are the traditional seasonings for this recipe, you can adjust to taste or add black pepper if desired.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (potatoes, onions, bacon fat, spices) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use red potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, red potatoes hold their shape well and would be a great choice for this skillet preparation.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sliced and sautéed for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent before adding the potatoes.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, its nostalgic, home-cooked flavor makes it an excellent choice for family gatherings and weeknight meals.
Does this recipe require a lot of ingredients?
No, it is a simple 5-ingredient recipe using common pantry staples.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
This recipe is designed for fresh sliced potatoes; frozen potatoes may have a different moisture content and texture.
What heat level should I use?
Medium heat is recommended for melting the fat, sautéing onions, and cooking the potatoes to ensure they soften without burning.