These Fried Potatoes and Onions, inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any meal. Ready in under 25 minutes, this recipe is set to become a family favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Packed with savory flavors, they’re a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Large cast iron pan filled with crispy cooked slices of Idaho potatoes and onion seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and garnished with fresh parsley.
Fried potatoes and onions are a beloved staple in many cuisines, each with its own unique twist. This version is wonderfully simple and straightforward, reminiscent of classic Southern fried potatoes and onions and perfectly embodying the spirit of Pioneer Woman recipes – uncomplicated, flavorful, and satisfying.
This dish brings back fond memories, echoing the kind of cooking you might expect from a loving family kitchen. Whether it’s a new addition to your recipe collection or a revisit to familiar flavors, you’ll appreciate how this simple combination of ingredients elevates any meal.
The Secret to Perfect Pioneer Woman Style Fried Potatoes and Onions
The key to achieving perfect fried potatoes and onions, just like the Pioneer Woman would make, is patience. The biggest mistake you can make is rushing the cooking process. Avoid turning up the heat too high or stirring the potatoes and onions too frequently. High heat will cause the potatoes to burn on the outside before they are cooked through, and excessive stirring prevents the development of that desirable golden-brown crust. Patience is indeed a virtue here, but the reward is absolutely worth the wait!
Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Fried Potatoes and Onions
For exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.
You only need a handful of basic ingredients, likely already in your pantry, to create these fantastic pan-fried potatoes and onions – potatoes, onions, cooking oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Garlic powder is optional, making it possible to whip up this dish with just five simple ingredients if needed.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Fried Potatoes and Onions Pioneer Woman Style
For this recipe, you can use either Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, both readily available and versatile. Yukon Gold potatoes, along with other waxy varieties like yellow, Idaho, or baby potatoes, have a naturally firm texture. These types of potatoes are less starchy, hold their shape well during cooking, and offer a slightly creamy texture inside. On the other hand, Russet potatoes are the classic choice for Southern-style fried potatoes and onions, delivering a beautifully crispy and slightly charred exterior with a fluffy interior – a true Pioneer Woman favorite for that rustic feel.
Large cast iron pan filled with raw peeled and sliced Idaho potatoes, vegetable oil, sliced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Fried Potatoes and Onions
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, ideally a cast-iron skillet for that authentic Pioneer Woman touch, or a nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the sliced potatoes and sliced onions. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure all the potatoes and onions are coated with the oil and seasonings.
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The First Sear – Patience is Key: Allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for the first 5 minutes. This initial sear is crucial for developing that golden-brown crust, so resist the urge to stir too early. Let them cook for a good 5-7 minutes to achieve the best results.
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Continue Cooking to Perfection: Continue to cook the potatoes and onions for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them gently every 5 minutes. Avoid excessive mixing or flipping, as this can lead to mushy potatoes instead of crispy perfection.
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Know When They’re Done: Your potatoes are ready when they have a lovely char on the edges and are tender on the inside. The onions should be softened and slightly caramelized, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory potatoes.
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Final Seasoning and Serving: Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Fried Potatoes and Onions
These fried potatoes and onions are incredibly versatile, just like many Pioneer Woman recipes, fitting perfectly into breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus.
For breakfast, they are fantastic served alongside classic fried eggs and a dollop of ketchup. For a heartier breakfast, consider adding crispy bacon and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. They are also a wonderful addition to breakfast burritos and take sausage gravy to a whole new level of deliciousness.
As a side dish for dinner, they pair wonderfully with pork chops, such as pan-seared pork chops or creamy smothered pork chops. They are also excellent with chicken, beef, or any of your favorite main courses. Their simple, comforting flavor profile complements a wide range of dishes.
Large cast iron pan filled with crispy cooked slices of Idaho potatoes and onion seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and garnished with fresh parsley.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Allow any leftover fried potatoes and onions to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
The best way to reheat these fried potatoes and onions is in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quicker option. To restore some of their crispiness, reheat them in a preheated 350°F oven. Spread the potatoes and onions in a single layer on a large baking sheet for optimal reheating and crisping.
Freezing Leftover Fried Potatoes and Onions
Yes, you can freeze leftover fried potatoes and onions, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, spread the cooled potatoes and onions in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the potatoes and onions are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a large ziplock bag or freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Potato Side Dish Inspiration
If you try this Pioneer Woman inspired Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and rating below! Your feedback is always appreciated.
RECIPE CARD
Large cast iron pan filled with crispy cooked slices of Idaho potatoes and onion seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and garnished with fresh parsley.
Best Ever Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe (Pioneer Woman Style)
4.87 from 198 votes
Author: Jessica Randhawa
These easy Fried Potatoes and Onions, with a Pioneer Woman twist, come together in less than 25 minutes for a delightful breakfast or a simple side dish. Bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 268 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil – i.e., canola oil or peanut oil
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or Russet potatoes – peeled and sliced
- 1 large Vidalia onion – sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
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Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, stir in the sliced potatoes, sliced onion, and seasonings, mixing well to combine.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the potatoes every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking. Avoid over-mixing or flipping, as this will result in mushy potatoes.
- Once the potatoes are golden and the onions are soft and slightly charred, serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Jessica’s Notes
- This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, as written, fitting various dietary needs just like many Pioneer Woman recipes aim to please everyone.
- Optional additions: Fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, paprika, fresh herbs, green onions, etc. to customize your flavor profile.
- Type of Potato: This recipe works beautifully with both waxy potatoes (Yukon gold) or starchy (Russet) potatoes. Southern fried potatoes and onions, often seen in Pioneer Woman style cooking, are traditionally made with peeled Russet potatoes that have been soaked in cold water to remove some starch. Waxy potatoes offer a firmer texture, while starchy potatoes provide a crispier outside and fluffier inside.
- Should you soak your potatoes? If using Russet potatoes, soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water, draining, and drying them with paper towels is recommended for extra crispiness, a technique often used in achieving perfect Pioneer Woman style potatoes.
- Why your potatoes might not get crispy: Usually due to excess moisture. Ensure potatoes are dry, pan isn’t overcrowded, pan is hot enough, and avoid stirring too frequently.
- Serving ideas: Enjoy with fried or poached eggs and ketchup for breakfast, or alongside any main dish protein for dinner, embodying the versatility of Pioneer Woman cooking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 1052mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Keyword Fried Potatoes And Onions Pioneer Woman, Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe, Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions
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