Picture this: a crisp morning where the aroma of sizzling potatoes fills your kitchen, blending with the soft hum of the coffee maker. These skillet breakfast potatoes—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—are the perfect way to start your day. They’re like a warm hug on a plate, comforting yet vibrant, just like that unexpected sunny day in the middle of a rainy week.
Steps
- Peel and quarter the russet potatoes. Steam them using a steamer basket over boiling water for 6-10 minutes until a knife can pierce them with slight resistance. Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature.
- After cooling, refrigerate the potatoes if preparing them a day ahead. When ready to cook, dice the potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Optionally, add rosemary, thyme, and a smashed garlic clove to infuse the oil for about a minute, then remove them.
- Place the diced potatoes in the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the seasonings.
- Cook the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, flipping and tossing every 2-3 minutes to ensure even browning. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Optional: sprigs of rosemary, sprigs of thyme, and a clove of garlic
FAQ
- Can I prepare the breakfast potatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can steam and cool the potatoes ahead of time, even the day before. Once they reach room temperature, dice them and store in the refrigerator overnight. This will save you time when you cook them in the morning.
- What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
- Russet potatoes are recommended for their texture, but you can use red potatoes if preferred. Russets tend to provide the best results for skillet potatoes.
- How do I steam the potatoes without a steamer basket?
- If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use the microwave. Place peeled and quartered potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 3.5 to 4.5 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife; there should be slight resistance.
- Can I add other seasonings to the potatoes?
- Absolutely! While the recipe includes cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can also enhance the flavor if added to the oil while cooking.
- How should I store and reheat leftover potatoes?
- Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can use a skillet, air fryer, or toaster oven to bring back their crispiness.
Tips
- Steam Potatoes for Prep: Consider steaming your potatoes the night before you plan to serve them. This allows them to cool and be easily diced, saving time during busy mornings.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Infuse your cooking oil with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme along with a smashed garlic clove. This step adds a delightful flavor boost to your breakfast potatoes.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet: Ensure you use at least a 12-inch skillet to provide enough space for the potatoes to cook in a single layer. This helps them crisp up evenly without steaming.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: After cooking, taste the potatoes and adjust the seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference. This ensures the flavors are just right for your taste buds.
Equipment
- 12-inch Skillet: A good quality skillet, like the Lodge 12-inch skillet mentioned, is essential for cooking these potatoes to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Steamer Basket: For those who want to steam the potatoes traditionally, a steamer basket is useful.
- Microwave Lid: If using the microwave method, a microwave-safe lid is necessary to cover the potatoes during steaming.
