Fried Potatoes

Fried Potatoes are a classic Southern dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. This recipe highlights the unique taste of crispy potatoes cooked in Turkey Turkey Bacon grease, combined with sweet onions and zesty Creole spices. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or as a savory side, these Fried Potatoes are sure to impress at gatherings and family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The use of Turkey Turkey Bacon grease ensures your potatoes achieve an irresistible crispiness.
• Flavor Packed: Seasoned with onions and Creole spices, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can pair these potatoes with various main dishes.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious side in under 35 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves fried potatoes! It’s a great way to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand. These will help ensure your Fried Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for frying at high temperatures while retaining heat for even cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for quickly dicing potatoes and onions with precision.

Ingredients

This Southern Fried Potatoes recipe features crispy potatoes cooked in Turkey Turkey Bacon grease, seasoned to perfection with onions and Creole spices.

For the Fried Potatoes

• ½ cup Turkey Turkey Bacon grease
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced
• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Fried Potatoes

Step 1: Melt the Grease

In a 10-inch or larger cast iron skillet, melt the Turkey Turkey Bacon grease over medium heat.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add the diced potatoes, sweet onion, black pepper, creole seasoning, and kosher salt.

Step 3: Toss to Coat

Toss everything together so that all ingredients are coated in the Turkey Turkey Bacon grease and well seasoned.

Step 4: Cook Until Browned

Press the mixture into a single layer. Cover and cook for 7-10 minutes until the bottom browns.

Step 5: Flip the Potatoes

Flip the potatoes carefully. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any crusty bits for extra flavor.

Step 6: Continue Cooking

Cook for another 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until nicely browned and tender.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the fried potatoes and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Fried Potatoes

Fried potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement many main courses. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Eggs

• Breakfast Delight: Serve fried potatoes alongside scrambled or sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Egg and Potato Bake: Layer fried potatoes with beaten eggs and cheese for a delicious breakfast casserole.

Add Some Greens

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad can balance the richness of fried potatoes, adding freshness to your plate.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic pairs wonderfully with crispy potatoes, creating a delightful contrast.

Spice it Up

• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting kick to your fried potatoes.
• Creole Topping: Enhance the flavor by topping your fried potatoes with additional Creole seasoning or fresh herbs.

How to Perfect Fried Potatoes

Achieving perfectly fried potatoes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious.

• Choose the Right Potato: Use russet potatoes as they are starchy and yield a fluffy interior while staying crisp outside.
• Cut Uniformly: Dice the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, preventing crispiness.
• Maintain Temperature: Keep the heat at medium; too high can burn the potatoes while too low will make them soggy.
• Flip Gently but Thoroughly: Carefully flip the potatoes to allow all sides to brown evenly without breaking them apart.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Potatoes

Fried potatoes pair well with a variety of side dishes, making them a great addition to any meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the crispy texture of fried potatoes beautifully.
2. BBQ Ribs: The smoky flavors of BBQ ribs create a satisfying contrast with the seasoned fried potatoes.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the dish.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with savory fried potatoes, creating a comforting Southern meal.
5. Fried Fish: Crispy fried fish alongside southern-style fried potatoes is a classic combination that never disappoints.
6. Baked Beans: Savory baked beans provide a sweet and tangy counterpoint that goes well with fried potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fried Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Potato Variety: Using the wrong type of potato can lead to mushy results. Opt for russet potatoes for the best crispy texture.

• Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in bland potatoes. Be sure to use salt and spices like Creole seasoning to enhance flavor.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Packing too many potatoes into the skillet can cause steaming rather than frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crispiness.

• Not Preheating the Grease: Adding potatoes to cold grease will prevent them from browning properly. Always melt your Turkey Turkey Bacon grease before adding the potatoes.

• Neglecting to Flip: Forgetting to flip the potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to turn them regularly for even browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Fried Potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow them to cool completely before sealing them in a container.

Freezing Fried Potatoes

• Place cooled Fried Potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, label with the date.

Reheating Fried Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

• Microwave: Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat for 1-2 minutes, but note that they may lose some crispiness.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little grease. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fried Potatoes?

Fried Potatoes are a delicious side dish made by cooking diced potatoes in hot grease until they are golden brown and crispy.

How do I make my Fried Potatoes crispy?

To achieve crispy Fried Potatoes, ensure your grease is hot before adding the potatoes, avoid overcrowding the pan, and flip them regularly while cooking.

Can I use other types of bacon fat?

Yes, you can substitute traditional bacon fat or vegetable oil if you prefer. However, using Turkey Turkey Bacon grease adds a unique flavor profile that enhances the dish.

How do I store leftover Fried Potatoes?

Store leftover Fried Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage in a freezer-safe container.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Fried Potatoes recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its deliciously crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables! Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness.