Start your day with these crispy breakfast potatoes that are sure to elevate your brunch game. Simple yet flavorful, this dish brings together perfectly golden, crunchy potatoes with just the right amount of seasoning.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself, these potatoes are a must-try. Ready in no time, they pair wonderfully with eggs, bacon, or anything else on your breakfast table.
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Peel and quarter the potatoes, then place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave lid and heat for 3.5 to 4.5 minutes until a knife can penetrate with slight resistance. Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature.
- Optionally, refrigerate the cooled potatoes for use the next day. Dice them into 1/2-inch pieces before cooking, as they are easier to cut after being chilled.
- In a large skillet, preferably 12 inches or more, melt butter and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add rosemary, thyme, and a smashed garlic clove for additional flavor, and let them sizzle briefly before removing and discarding them.
- Place the diced potatoes in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping and tossing every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even browning. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: rosemary, thyme, garlic clove
FAQ
- Can I prepare breakfast potatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can steam and dice the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This saves time in the morning as you only need about 10-15 minutes to cook them until crispy.
- What type of potatoes are best for skillet breakfast potatoes?
- Russet potatoes are recommended due to their texture, though red potatoes can also work if preferred.
- How do you steam potatoes for this recipe?
- Peel and quarter the potatoes, then steam them using a steamer basket over boiling water for 6-10 minutes until a knife can pierce them with slight resistance. Alternatively, you can use a microwave.
- How can I make these breakfast potatoes extra flavorful?
- Infuse the oil with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a smashed garlic clove, before adding the potatoes. This step enhances the flavor significantly.
- What’s the key to getting crispy breakfast potatoes?
- Ensure the potatoes have enough space to cook in a single layer in a 12-inch skillet, and toss them every 2-3 minutes to promote even browning.
Tips
- Prep Ahead of Time: Steam and cool the potatoes the day before you plan to make the dish. This not only saves time in the morning but also helps the potatoes to crisp up better when cooked.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Infuse the cooking oil with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a clove of garlic, to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Although optional, this step adds a special touch.
- Single Layer Cooking: Ensure that the potatoes are cooked in a single layer in the skillet. This allows them to crisp evenly and prevents them from steaming.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the potatoes as they cook and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. This ensures that they have the perfect balance of flavors.
Equipment
- 12-inch Skillet: A large skillet, like the Lodge 12-inch skillet mentioned, is essential for cooking the potatoes in a single layer to ensure they crisp up properly.
- Steamer Basket: A metal steamer basket is used for steaming the potatoes prior to cooking them in the skillet.
- Microwave Lid: This is used to cover the potatoes when pre-cooking them in the microwave.
