How To Make Diner-Style Home Fries
When it comes to eating out for breakfast or brunch, for me, ordering is a no-brainer — I go for the savory option every time. I’m in it purely for the home fries. And the only thing better than ordering this side at my favorite diner is making them at home, whether for a big brunch with friends or just for myself.
In this recipe, learn how to make home fries that are slightly starchy, with just the right balance of a soft, creamy inside and crispy, crunchy exterior. Our secret is to choose starchy Russet potatoes and follow this three-step cooking process.
The Best Way to Cook Diner-Style Home Fries
- Use Russet potatoes since they cook up super soft and creamy.
- Parboil the potatoes before pan frying them.
- Sauté the onions separately.
- Cook the potatoes in hot oil in a large skillet; avoid overcrowding them for crispy results.
The Secret to Really Good Home Fries
My idea of really good home fries has been defined by a few local diners that I’ve been frequenting for years. Would I be right to say it’s the same for you? One of the hallmarks that truly defines a good batch of this breakfast potato side dish is the texture.
I’m talking about home fries that are slightly starchy, with just the right balance of a soft, creamy inside and crispy, crunchy exterior. And they don’t have to be crispy on all sides; some pieces only have a single side that’s developed this deep crispiness, while some pieces may have missed out altogether. Together these pieces result in the perfect amount of crunch. Call it a study in textures, if you will.
Ingredients for Home Fries
Russet Potatoes: The potatoes you use will determine the ultimate consistency and texture of your home fries. I like using mild and starchy Russets. Because of their high starch content, these spuds will cook up super soft and creamy. They also soak up butter and spices well, resulting in a super-flavorful final product. If cooked for a couple minutes too long, they do run the risk of getting a little crumbly — but that’s okay, it gives them more of that crispy, diner-style appeal.
Steer clear of waxy potatoes like fingerlings, red, and new potatoes. They don’t break down the way starchy potatoes do during cooking. Instead, they keep a more firm texture, never quite achieving that soft, creamy texture that make home fries so satisfying and amazing.
Onions: While the general flavor could be classified as mild (no need to overshadow the eggs and bacon), home fries should be well-seasoned and mixed with just a little bit of soft sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture.
Seasonings: You’ll pick up hints of smoked paprika, but mostly you’ll see the way it lightly tints the cubed potatoes a pale shade of amber.
Three Steps for Perfect Home Fries
There’s a three-step cooking process to make these home fries your reality. Trust me — it’s way less fussy than it sounds and will lead to the home fries of your dreams.
Step 1: Parboil for Soft, Creamy Insides
First you need to parboil the potatoes, which is a fancy way of saying that the cubed potatoes are added to a pot, covered with cold water, and cooked for just a couple minutes once the water comes to a boil. It’s just enough to soften the potatoes without making them too soft or mushy. This is crucial for home fries with a creamy interior. You know they’re finished when they are easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Onions Separately
Just a little bit of soft diced onion is all you need when it comes to home fries. Because the cook time for the potatoes is considerably longer than onion requires, and especially since the potatoes don’t get tossed around for quite some time, I prefer to cook the onion separately. Cooking the onion on its own ensures it gets sufficient cook time to become soft and fragrant, without giving it too much time that it burns. Tackle this step while the water for the potatoes works its way up to a boil.
Step 3: Sauté in Hot Oil for Crunchy Exteriors
Next, it’s time to whip out a large cast iron skillet (if you don’t have one, any large pan will get the job done). Heat the oil and butter in your pan and then place the potatoes in a single layer; don’t overcrowd and be patient.
If you have more potatoes than can fit in a single layer in your pan, you’ll want to tackle this step in batches. The extra time and effort make the difference between super-crunchy potatoes and mushy ones, trust me.
Once the potatoes are in the pan, it’s a waiting game. Give the potatoes and hot oil time to do their thing. When the potatoes have the chance to sear and fry in the oil-slicked pan, their bottoms will turn the coveted deep, crispy-brown of perfect home fries.
Home Fries Recipe
Serves 2 to 4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds
Russet potatoes (about 3 medium or 2 large potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons
olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon
unsalted butter
- 1
medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
Salt
Pepper
Equipment
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Large saucepan
Colander
Large frying pan or large cast iron skillet
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon
Instructions
Cut the potatoes: Once the potatoes are washed and scrubbed well, cut into half-inch cubes.
Add the potatoes to a pot and cover with water: Add the cubed potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with cold water to about one inch above the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt.
Parboil the potatoes: With the saucepan uncovered, bring the water to a boil, then cook for an additional minute or two to parboil the potatoes.
Cook the onions: While the water comes to a boil, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, over medium heat. When hot, add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Test the potatoes for doneness: To test the potatoes for doneness, stick the tip of a paring knife into a few of the potato cubes. The flesh should feel slightly firm, but softer and more tender than before cooking. The potatoes should not feel mushy.
Drain the potatoes: Drain the potatoes in a colander, shake off any excess water, and cool for about 5 minutes.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet: Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a wide cast iron pan or large skillet over medium heat.
Add potatoes, season, and cook: When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat with the oil. Spread the potatoes in a single layer across the bottom of the pan, working in batches if necessary. Cook the potatoes, without stirring, for 8 to 10 minutes, so the bottoms become nicely browned and crispy.
Add cooked onions and spices: Add cooked onions, garlic powder, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine.
Serve immediately: Remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If working in batches, add additional oil and butter to the pan for the second batch.
Home fries are best eaten immediately. However, you can store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a few days, and reheat on the stovetop. They won't be as crispy as when they were first cooked, but will certainly still be good.