Crisp and delicious, this skillet-style Home Fries Recipe is just as good as any you’d order in a diner!
Whenever I’m presented with the opportunity to choose between a savory breakfast or a sweet one, I will most certainly always go for the savory option. The biggest reason? So I can order home fries as my side. Hands down, they are my absolute favorite breakfast food, which should come as no surprise, given that potatoes have a permanent seat at the top of my list of veggie faves.
Though I also love hash browns, I much prefer home fries because they have a bit more bite to them. Plus, I really love the seasoning that comes on most home fries, like this recipe, which features a zesty blend of garlic, paprika, and cumin. In this dish, the potatoes are also microwaved first to soften them up and then fried in a skillet to crispy, golden-brown perfection.
What I love most about making home fries, apart from getting to eat them, is that they’re a quick and easy 30-minute dish to prepare. Not to mention, they go with so many different breakfast items, ranging from omelettes to pancakes to breakfast burritos. And because I sometimes like to go rogue, I even love to make home fries as a side for lunch or dinner!
What’s the difference between hash browns and home fries?
Most diners serve either hash browns or home fries on their menu. Though they are both a form of breakfast potatoes, there are some key differences between the two. Hash browns consist of shredded or grated potatoes, while home fries are typically made with diced or cubed potatoes. While hash browns are usually seasoned simply with salt and pepper, home fries are often cooked with onions and peppers (known as Potatoes O’Brien), and they sometimes have additional seasonings like paprika or garlic. Both are usually fried until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, but home fries are usually more tender on the inside, since the potato pieces are larger and are often parboiled or microwaved to soften them before frying. Lastly, in some cases, shredded hash browns are formed into patties or cakes to create individual servings.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow your leftover home fries to cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container. Place a clean paper towel over top of them to absorb moisture. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze your leftover home fries for up to 3 months. It’s best to flash-freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet (to prevent sticking) and then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, toss your home fries in a hot skillet with a little oil, and fry over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until they are hot and crispy!
Serving suggestions
There are so many tasty breakfast options to pair with your spuds! Try serving your home fries alongside a slice of Sausage Quiche (or Vegetable Frittata for a vegetarian breakfast). A fancier brunch-style option is to plate your beautifully golden potatoes with a Crab Cake Benedict. Prefer a sweeter breakfast? They’d perfectly balance out the sweetness of these Blueberry Waffles. They would also complement the savory notes in these Bacon Pancakes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral-flavored oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes, keeping the skin on for added texture and ease.
- Prick the potatoes with a fork and microwave them (about 3-6 minutes) until they are fork-tender but still firm.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, and then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced potatoes and seasonings, and stir to coat evenly.
- Press the potatoes into a single layer and cook without stirring to achieve a golden crust.
- Flip the potatoes, and cook until the other side is golden and crispy. Season with extra salt, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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