If there’s one dish that feels like pure comfort in a pan, it’s Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions. Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and dotted with fresh, vibrant green onions, this recipe makes an ordinary meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast-for-dinner or need a crowd-pleasing side for your next cookout, these skillet potatoes deliver flavor perfection with minimal fuss. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with how simple and satisfying this dish is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions comes from its handful of pantry staples that each bring something important to the party. Let’s break down what you need and why every ingredient deserves its spot in the skillet.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Offers a lovely, fruity base and helps crisp up the potatoes without burning.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a hint of creamy flavor for those golden potato edges.
- Yukon gold potatoes (2 pounds, diced into 1/2-inch pieces): Creamy yet sturdy, Yukon golds crisp beautifully while staying tender inside.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together and enhances the potatoes’ natural earthiness.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of gentle heat and depth goes a long way here.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends an irresistible, savory punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you love a subtle smoky note, don’t skip this — it’s a game changer.
- Green onions (4, thinly sliced, white and green parts): Add fresh color, a zippy bite, and just a little sweetness to finish the dish.
How to Make Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions
Step 1: Get Your Skillet Ready
Start by heating both the olive oil and the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. You want the base hot and shimmering before adding anything; this pairing gives you golden crispness and that unmistakable buttery finish Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions are famous for!
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Undisturbed
Once your oil and butter are ready, add the diced potatoes in a single, even layer. The trick here is patience — let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes. This first stint delivers that coveted golden, crispy bottom you love in skillet potatoes.
Step 3: Stir and Keep Cooking
Once the bottoms are perfect, give the potatoes a good stir to flip them. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so every side has a chance to crisp and the centers become tender. Don’t rush it — this process is what makes Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions irresistible!
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time for salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Sprinkle the seasonings over the potatoes and toss everything well, making sure each bite is packed with flavor. Seasoning after the initial crisping ensures that nothing burns and every piece tastes just right.
Step 5: Add the Green Onions
During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the sliced green onions. Toss to combine, letting the onions get just slightly softened — this keeps their color bright and their flavor fresh, which is exactly what you want in Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions.
How to Serve Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or extra sliced green onions right before serving elevates both the presentation and the punch of freshness. If you want to get even fancier, add a little chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions love playing sidekick. Serve them alongside classic scrambled eggs at breakfast, a juicy grilled steak for dinner, or a crisp green salad for lunch. They fit in everywhere and can turn any meal into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the potatoes into a rustic cast iron skillet to serve family-style, or use individual ramekins to make personal potato gratins topped with cheese. For a brunch spread, slide a perfectly runny fried egg on top of each portion — people will swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions will stay tasty for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, it’s best enjoyed fresh for the crispiest results. If you do want to freeze them, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet so they freeze in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions back to life, reheat them in a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil or butter until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them soggy — the extra few minutes on the stove are totally worth it.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions without butter?
Absolutely! You can use only olive oil if you prefer to keep it dairy-free, though the butter adds extra richness and a touch of flavor you might miss. If you need a substitute, vegan butter or even a little coconut oil could work in a pinch.
What if I don’t have Yukon gold potatoes?
Russet potatoes or red potatoes are good alternatives. Russets will give you extra-crispy edges, while reds stay a bit firmer. Just try to keep your potato cubes evenly sized for best results.
How do I get my potatoes extra crispy?
Soaking the diced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking helps remove surface starch, making them extra crunchy when fried. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before they hit the pan!
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a handful of crispy cooked bacon can make your Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions uniquely yours. Feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins.
Are Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions gluten-free?
They absolutely are! This recipe is both gluten-free and vegetarian, as long as you use ingredients verified as gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: everything you need to make Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions your new go-to side dish. I can’t wait for you to taste these golden, flavorful bites, and I guarantee they’ll disappear very quickly from your table. Give them a try, share them with friends, and don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your house!
Print
Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Easy Fried Potatoes with Green Onions are a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these skillet-fried potatoes are seasoned with green onions for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom.
- Continue Cooking: Stir potatoes and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy on all sides.
- Season and Add Onions: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add green onions in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Toss to combine and serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes and dry thoroughly before cooking.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or cooked bacon for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
