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+ servings
A bowl filled with perfectly browned breakfast-style potatoes.

Easy Home Fries Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Crisp, golden home fries made with russet potatoes, onions, and olive oil. A simple and comforting Easy Home Fries Recipe that works with raw or cooked potatoes for a perfect breakfast side.
4 Servings

Ingredients

For Home Fries Using Raw Potatoes

  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
  • ½ large onion or 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional as needed
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Home Fries Using Cooked Potatoes

  • 2 large russet potatoes quartered and boiled in salted water for approximately 12 minutes, then drained and cooled
  • ½ large onion or 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon bacon fat optional; omit for a vegetarian preparation
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Home Fries Prepared With Raw Potatoes

    Heat the Oil and Layer the Ingredients

    1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange a single, even layer of potato slices in the skillet, followed by a thin layer of sliced onions. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Repeat the layering process until all potatoes and onions have been used.

    Reduce the Heat and Cook Covered

    1. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bottom layer of potatoes is well-browned. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while allowing browning to occur.

    Flip the Potatoes

    1. Carefully turn the potatoes in sections so that the top layers move to the bottom of the pan. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to encourage further browning. Cover the skillet once more and cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the new bottom layer has browned.

    Uncover and Finish Cooking

    1. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the potatoes to crisp. Serve immediately.

    Home Fries Prepared With Cooked Potatoes

      Sauté the Onions

      1. Slice the cooked potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.

      Add the Potatoes and Season

      1. Place the sliced potatoes into the skillet in an even layer. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for 7–8 minutes, or until the underside is well-browned. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

      Incorporate Bacon Fat and Flip

      1. Add the bacon fat (or additional oil, if preferred) to the skillet. Carefully flip the potatoes and continue cooking until the second side is browned. Serve immediately.

      Notes

      This Easy Home Fries Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains only potatoes, onions, oil, seasoning, and optional bacon fat. To maintain gluten-free integrity, ensure the following:
      • Use certified gluten-free spices to avoid cross-contamination.
      • Avoid adding any flavored oils or seasonings that may contain hidden gluten.
      • If using bacon fat, confirm that the brand of bacon does not include gluten-containing additives.
      With these minor precautions, the dish remains fully gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
      Bitty