Perfectly Crispy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes Like Your Favorite Diners

Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes Crispy Diner Style

By SandraSeptember 25, 2025

Get perfectly crispy Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes at home This dinerstyle recipe with smoked paprika delivers goldenbrown spuds every time A proper breakfast side dish ... Quick & Easy Recipes

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes ? Honestly, who doesn't love crispy potatoes for breakfast? I'm talking golden brown, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavour.

Forget boring spuds; we're making diner-style deliciousness!

Quick Hook

Ever wonder how your favorite pub makes those crispy breakfast potatoes ? This recipe is your ticket! These potatoes are going to become a staple in your brekkie routine.

Brief Overview

The humble breakfast potato has a rich history, popping up in various forms around the globe. This Breakfast Potatoes Skillet recipe is super easy, taking about 35 minutes from start to finish.

It makes four servings, perfect for a family brekkie or a lazy weekend brunch with mates.

Main Benefits

Potatoes are packed with energy and, believe it or not, Vitamin C! This Crispy breakfast potatoes recipe is ideal for a weekend brunch.

What makes them special? The secret to getting perfectly crispy potatoes is patience and a hot skillet.

Time to talk ingredients!

Easy Breakfast Potatoes Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Breakfast Skillet :

680g Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
30ml olive oil (or bacon fat, if you are feeling naughty)
½ cup diced yellow onion
5ml garlic powder
2.5ml smoked paprika (optional)
1.25ml cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Potatoes

First, give your potatoes a good scrub. Dice them into half-inch cubes, nice and even. Next, get that olive oil nice and hot in your skillet .

Add the onions and cook until soft. After that, throw in the potatoes and seasonings. This is where the magic happens! Don't stir them too much at first.

Let the bottoms get nice and brown. This gives you that lovely crispy breakfast potatoes recipe finish.

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make these seriously good Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes . Trust me, you probably have most of this stuff already.

Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Skillet Potatoes

We need the right ingredients. The right tools can improve the Breakfast Potatoes Skillet . I promise this recipe's easy, and it all starts here.

Main Players in Our Potato Extravaganza

1.5 lbs (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes .
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or bacon fat.
1 medium yellow onion , diced.
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder .
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika .
¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper .
Salt and pepper, to your taste.

Look for firm, smooth potatoes, yeah? No sprouts or soft spots. And honestly, bacon fat makes everything better. Quality is key for proper Breakfast Potatoes .

Jazzing Up Those Spuds: Seasoning Sensations

Garlic powder is a must. Smoked paprika adds that proper diner vibe. Cayenne? Only if you're feeling brave, mate. You can use fresh garlic but powdered is great for Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes .

Don't have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do. Want something herby? Add dried thyme or rosemary.

Gear Up: Essential Tools for the Job

A 12-inch cast iron skillet .
Cutting board.
Sharp knife.
Spatula or wooden spoon.

A cast iron skillet is best. It gets super hot. Makes the potatoes crispy, innit. But any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.

Want to know how to make potatoes with alternatives?. If you haven't got a cast iron, use a sturdy frying pan.

No fancy equipment needed, just the basics to nail these awesome potatoes, perfect for a Breakfast Skillet or even as a side with dinner.

Perfectly Crispy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes (Like Your Favorite Diner's!)

Forget those soggy, sad excuses for breakfast potatoes! I'm talking proper Diner-style breakfast potatoes here. This recipe delivers crispy breakfast potatoes recipe that are crisp-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside.

It's just like your favorite greasy spoon makes them, but without all the, well, grease if you don't want it! Simple seasonings let that natural potato flavor shine through.

Plus, my secret cooking method will guarantee you get perfectly browned spuds every single time. Honestly, if you can boil an egg (and let's be real, who can't ?), then you can absolutely nail these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your stuff in order! Chop 1 medium yellow onion nice and fine.

Dice up 1.5 lbs (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes into roughly ½-inch (1.25cm) cubes. Uniform size matters! This is a must to avoid unevenly cooked potatoes.

Measure out your spices. Think 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder , ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika (trust me on this one, it adds that proper Pub-style breakfast potatoes flavor), and maybe a pinch of ¼ teaspoon (1.

25ml) cayenne pepper if you like a little kick. Salt and pepper are your friends, don't be shy.

Step-by-Step to Skillet Potato Perfection

Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil (or even better, rendered bacon fat if you're feeling naughty!) in your large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5- 7 minutes until softened and see-through.
Add the Potatoes: Chuck in the diced potatoes. Try to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible.
Season Generously: Sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat.
The Secret is to Do Nothing: Cook undisturbed for 5- 7 minutes , letting that bottom layer get beautifully golden brown. This is crucial for the crispiness.
Flip and Brown: Flip the potatoes and cook for another 5- 7 minutes , again without touching them, until the second side is browned to perfection.
Keep Cooking and Stirring: Continue cooking, stirring every so often, for another 5- 10 minutes . Reduce the heat if they're browning too fast. You want them tender inside, super crispy outside. Fork should pierce them easily.
Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped scallions, or even a dollop of sour cream if you fancy. Enjoy your proper breakfast skillet feast!

Pro Tips for Skillet Potato Mastery

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're cooking for a crowd, do it in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping!
Resist the Urge to Stir: I know it's tempting, but leaving the potatoes undisturbed is key to getting that golden-brown crust. Patience is a virtue, my friend.
Make Ahead (Sort Of): You can chop the potatoes ahead of time, but store them in cold water to prevent browning. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.

Honestly, these breakfast potatoes with smoked paprika are a game-changer. They're so easy to make, and they taste like something you'd pay good money for at a diner.

Give them a go! I bet you won't be buying Breakfast Potatoes Skillet potatoes from the shop again.

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes

Right, so you're about to make these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes ! They're totally fool-proof. Honestly, even I can't mess these up, and you know I've had some kitchen catastrophes.

Here's a few extra bits and bobs to help you nail it.

How To Serve Your Skillet Potatoes? Plating Like a Pro

Okay, presentation time! Pile those Breakfast Potatoes Skillet high. A sprig of parsley adds a pop of colour. Fancy? A dollop of sour cream cools things down.

These Breakfast Potatoes are banging with a full English, obvs. Or, bung 'em in a breakfast burrito. Sorted! Don't forget your favourite cuppa!

Storage Tips for Your Breakfast Skillet

Leftovers? Seriously? If you must store these Diner-style breakfast potatoes , fridge them, yeah? They'll keep for three to four days .

To reheat, whack 'em back in the skillet. A bit of extra oil helps keep them crispy . Freezing isn't ideal.

They can get a bit soggy, you know? No one wants soggy Breakfast Potatoes .

Variations on the Crispy Breakfast Potatoes Recipe

Want to mix things up? Add chorizo when you cook the onions. Hello, flavour explosion! Swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes works a treat.

It adds a bit of sweetness, see? You can use almost anything if you can't find Yukon Gold. They just need a bit more love.

Nutrition Basics: More Than Just Carbs

Okay, so potatoes aren't exactly health food. But they're not the worst either! Each serving of these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes clocks in at around 220 calories.

Plus, they have some fibre and a bit of protein. Chuck in some smoked paprika, and you've got a few extra antioxidants.

Every little helps, eh?

So there you have it. My top tips for making the perfect Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes . Get in the kitchen and give it a bash! I guarantee you'll be making these Pub-style breakfast potatoes every weekend.

Don't forget to let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking! These Skillet potatoes with onions are awesome!

Crispy Breakfast Skillet Ultimate DinerStyle Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes super crispy? Mine always turn out mushy!

Ah, the million-dollar question! The secret is two-fold: First, don't overcrowd the pan. Give the potatoes room to breathe. Second, resist the urge to stir constantly. Let them sit undisturbed for a good 5-7 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown crust. A bit of patience is key, like waiting for your cuppa to brew just right.

Can I use any kind of potato for these skillet breakfast potatoes?

While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely, you can certainly experiment! Russet potatoes will work, but they might take a bit longer to cook and won't be quite as creamy. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don't crisp as well. It's like trying to make a crumble with the wrong kind of apples - just won't be the same!

I don't have smoked paprika. Is there anything else I can use in my Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes?

Smoked paprika definitely adds a nice depth of flavor reminiscent of a proper fry-up, but regular paprika will work in a pinch. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of chili powder or even a dash of liquid smoke could add a similar smoky vibe. It's all about experimenting with what you've got in the cupboard, innit?

Can I make these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes by dicing them ahead of time and storing them in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. While they are best served fresh, cooked potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the skillet or oven until crispy, but be warned, they won't be quite as good as freshly made. Bit like day-old chips from the chippy, still good, but not perfect!

Are these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes healthy?

Potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates and some vitamins and minerals. However, keep in mind that they are also fairly high in carbs and calories. Using olive oil instead of bacon fat will reduce the fat content, and adding plenty of vegetables like onions and peppers can boost the nutritional value. Portion control is key, as with all good things!

What are some fun variations I can try with this skillet breakfast potatoes recipe?

Get creative! Adding diced chorizo or bell peppers along with the onions is a great way to add flavour and nutrients. Try topping them with a fried egg and some hot sauce for a breakfast that packs a punch. Or, toss them with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more savoury spin. Think of it as your chance to become the next Heston Blumenthal of breakfast potatoes!