Learn How to Make Diner-Style Home Fries that will satisfy your craving for crispy, creamy potatoes. Years ago, when I was just 13 years old, I worked in a local diner and started cooking. On the weekends, I worked the breakfast shift and I had to quickly learn how to make a delicious breakfast potato. Perfect dish for a Sunday Morning Breakfast.
When it comes to breakfast or brunch, I’m all about the savory options. And what’s better than a plate of perfectly cooked home fries? In this recipe, we’ll create home fries that strike the right balance between soft and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Our secret? Using starchy Russet potatoes and following a three-step cooking process.
These are terrific served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Potatoes are the perfect side dish for so many main dishes and they are easy to make too.
Sometimes these are called breakfast potatoes and American Fries. No matter what name you go by, they are delicious.
Here is a No-fail way to make crisp, crunchy, and completely delicious potatoes. Let’s get into the recipe details.
Tips for Crispy Home Fries
- Use Russet potatoes for that creamy interior and crispy exterior.
- Sauté the onions separately to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Don’t be afraid to let some pieces get extra crispy; it adds to the texture.
- When I make these at home, I make a big batch as everyone always has second helpings.
Ingredients
There are just seven simple ingredients used for this dish.
Russet Potatoes: These spuds are the star of the show. Their high starch content ensures they cook up super soft and creamy. Plus, they absorb butter and spices beautifully, resulting in a flavorful potato. Don’t worry if they get a little crumbly; that just adds to their diner-style appeal. You can use other potatoes for this recipe, such as Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. But you’ll find that the red is more waxy potatoes and does not crispy up as well. Russet potatoes are my favorite for this one because they will get the crispiest. I’ve made this with new potatoes, they work well with this recipe.
Onion: It adds flavor and sweetness. However, we have a family member that does not like onions in their home fries. So, sometimes, I will make this recipe and leave the onions out just for them. You can use yellow onion, red onion, Vidalia onion, or even a white. Use what you prefer here.
Butter: Everything is just better with butter right? As least it was when I cooked in the diner. We always added a pat of butter on top when serving. I know to this day, I still serve these that way.
Olive Oil: For pan-frying.
Garlic Powder, Salt and Black Pepper: As a seasoning.
How To Make Diner-Style Home Fries Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Russet Potatoes About 4 medium or 3 large
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Medium Onion Diced
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Step 1. Parboil the Potatoes
- Peel and cube or thinly slice the Russet potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces.2 Pounds Russet Potatoes
- Parboil them. Place them in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, let them boil for about 5 minutes. You want them partially cooked but still firm. Not quite fork tender.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 2. Sauté the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.4 Tablespoons olive oil
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. This takes about 5 minutes total.1 Medium Onion
Step 3. Pan-Fry the Potatoes
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Toss in the parboiled potatoes and stir to coat them with the buttery goodness.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor.1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Salt, ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cook the potatoes on one side until they turn golden brown and have crispy edges. About 7 or 8 minutes.
- Flip them and repeat on the other side. Another 7 or 8 minutes on this side. Plan for approximately 15 minutes total.
- That’s it, serve with a pat of butter on top of each serving and enjoy. Plate your diner-style home fries alongside your favorite breakfast foods like eggs and bacon. They are great on their own too.4 Tablespoons Butter
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Make Home Fries in the Oven
Once you’ve parboiled the potatoes, you can finish this recipe in the oven.It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy crispy potatoes without the need for deep frying. Wash the potatoes and dice them into ¾ to 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread the potatoes on a cookie sheet or a 9 X 13-inch baking pan in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven to 425°F for 40 minutes. Slip the potatoes over every halfway through the baking time.
How to store and reheat leftover home fries.
Once cooled to room temperature, add to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and add the potatoes. Let them fry until heated through and crispy again.Nutrition
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Just parboil the potatoes, cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 day ahead.
You can sauté the onions ahead of time and store them separately from the potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, you can also fry these the day of.
When you are ready to make it, carry on with the rest of the recipe.
Make Home Fries in the Oven
Once you’ve parboiled the potatoes, you can finish this recipe in the oven.
It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy crispy potatoes without the need for deep frying. Wash the potatoes and dice them into ¾ to 1-inch cubes.
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the potatoes on a cookie sheet or a 9 X 13-inch baking pan in a single layer.
Bake in a preheated oven to 425°F for 40 minutes. Slip the potatoes over every halfway through the baking time.
How to store and reheat leftover home fries.
Once cooled to room temperature, add to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and add the potatoes. Let them fry until heated through and crispy again.
Home Fry Recipe Variations
Here are six delicious ways to make these potatoes. Following the same recipe above, add these different ingredients. It’s a great way to change up the flavors.
Cheesy. Add shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Just sprinkle the cheese over the top and let it melt, creating gooey, cheesy goodness.
Bacon. Add cooked and crumbled bacon, about 4-6 slices. Chop a few green onions for garnish.
Garlic. Sauté 2-3 cloves of minced garlic or 2-3 teaspoons of jarred garlic along with the onions.
Spicy Home Fries. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or cayenne over the potatoes while cooking. Add a dash of paprika for smokiness.
Herbed Home Fries. Toss the home fries with chopped fresh herbs after cooking.
If you enjoyed our diner style recipe, give our crispy hash browns a try. Tips for Crispy Home Fries.
