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There’s nothing quite like biting into a plate of crispy, golden-brown breakfast potatoes. Whether you’re pairing them with eggs and toast or enjoying them on their own, these flavorful spuds are a must-have for any morning feast. But what makes the best breakfast potatoes ever? Is it the type of potato, the cooking method, or the seasoning?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make perfect breakfast potatoes. From choosing the right variety to mastering different cooking techniques, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll share a foolproof recipe that guarantees crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside potatoes every time. Let’s dive in!
What Makes the Best Breakfast Potatoes?
The Key to Perfectly Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
Crispiness is the holy grail of breakfast potatoes. Nobody wants a plate of soggy, greasy spuds! But what’s the secret? It all comes down to three things: the right potato, the right cooking method, and proper seasoning.
- The Right Potato: Starchy potatoes like Russets crisp up beautifully, while waxy varieties like Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamy texture with a crisp edge.
- The Right Cooking Method: Parboiling your potatoes before frying or roasting helps them develop that restaurant-quality crunch.
- Proper Seasoning: Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper are the classic choices, but adding a touch of cayenne or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor.
Want extra crispy potatoes? The trick is to let them sit in a hot pan without stirring too often. This allows the edges to develop a gorgeous golden crust.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Breakfast Potatoes
Even the best cooks can mess up breakfast potatoes. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure perfectly crispy, flavorful spuds every time.
❌ Overcrowding the pan – If your potatoes are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. Always spread them out in a single layer.
❌ Skipping the parboil step – Raw potatoes take longer to cook, and by the time they soften, they might already be burnt on the outside. Parboiling cuts down cooking time and improves texture.
❌ Using the wrong oil – Butter alone burns too quickly, and low-smoke-point oils can ruin the crispiness. Stick to oils like avocado, canola, or olive oil mixed with a bit of butter for flavor.
❌ Not drying the potatoes properly – Wet potatoes = steamed, not crispy. After boiling, drain and let them dry completely before frying or roasting.
The Best Types of Potatoes for Breakfast Dishes
What Type of Potato is Best for Breakfast?
Choosing the right potato is crucial when making the best breakfast potatoes ever. The texture, starch content, and water retention all influence how crispy or fluffy your potatoes turn out. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
🥔 Russet Potatoes: The go-to for crispy breakfast potatoes! Their high starch content means a crispier exterior, but they can be a bit dry inside.
🥔 Yukon Gold Potatoes: A perfect balance between crispy and creamy. They have just enough starch to get a golden crust while staying soft inside.
🥔 Red Potatoes: Less starchy but waxy and firm. These hold their shape well, making them ideal for hash or skillet potatoes.
🥔 Sweet Potatoes: Want a slightly sweet and nutritious option? Sweet potatoes crisp up nicely but require a different cooking approach.
If you want restaurant-quality crispy potatoes, Russets are your best bet. However, if you prefer a creamy bite with a crispy edge, Yukon Golds are a solid choice.
What Potatoes Does Gordon Ramsay Use?
Celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay swear by Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up beautifully. When making hash browns or skillet potatoes, he often uses a mix of Yukon Golds and Russets to achieve a balance of flavor and crunch.
For extra insight into choosing the best potatoes for various recipes, check out this breakfast potato guide from Food Network.
The Ultimate Methods for Cooking Breakfast Potatoes
Should You Boil Potatoes Before Frying?
Yes! If you want perfectly crispy breakfast potatoes, parboiling is the secret step most people skip. Here’s why it makes a difference:
✅ Softens the potatoes inside – This ensures they cook evenly and don’t burn before becoming tender.
✅ Removes excess starch – This prevents them from turning gummy and helps develop a golden, crispy crust.
✅ Speeds up cooking time – Since they’re partially cooked, they fry up faster and more evenly.
To parboil, simply boil diced potatoes for 5 minutes, drain, and let them dry completely before frying. This step is especially useful for Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes.
Best Cooking Methods: Skillet, Oven, or Air Fryer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to making the best breakfast potatoes ever, but here’s how the top three cooking techniques compare:
🔥 Skillet (Traditional & Crispiest) – Ideal for small batches. Frying in oil gives the crispiest texture, but you’ll need to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
🔥 Oven (Best for Large Batches) – If you’re feeding a crowd, roasting potatoes on a sheet pan with olive oil ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🔥 Air Fryer (Healthiest & Quickest) – Want crispy potatoes with less oil? Air frying at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes gives fantastic results. Shake the basket a few times for even cooking.
Each method has its benefits, but for ultimate crispiness, a combo of parboiling and skillet-frying is the best approach.
Looking for an easy way to make crispy breakfast potatoes? Check out this guide on oven-baked breakfast potatoes from AllRecipes.
Recipe 🌟 – How to Make the Perfect Best Breakfast Potatoes Ever
The Secret to the Best Breakfast Potatoes Ever
If you’re looking for crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside breakfast potatoes, this is the only recipe you’ll ever need. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday meal, this method guarantees golden perfection every time.
🛒 Ingredients
You’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to make the best breakfast potatoes ever.
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes 🥔 (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒 (or avocado oil for extra crispiness)
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈 (for rich flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅 (optional, but adds depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 (for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️ (for a smoky kick)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper 🔥 (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿 (for garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these fail-proof steps to achieve the crispiest breakfast potatoes:
- Prep the potatoes – Wash, peel (optional), and dice them into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Parboil for extra crispiness – Boil the potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and let them dry completely.
- Heat the skillet – In a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter.
- Sauté the onions and garlic – Cook the onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Crisp the potatoes – Add the parboiled potatoes, spread them out in a single layer, and let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes. Flip and repeat.
- Season and finish – Sprinkle paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish & serve – Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve hot with eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides!
📋 Additional Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~220 per serving
🔄 Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:
- Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes 🧀 – Add shredded cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Tex-Mex Potatoes 🌮 – Toss in chili powder and diced jalapeños for a bold kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Potatoes 🧄🧀 – Swap smoked paprika for garlic powder and top with Parmesan cheese.
The Best Seasonings for Breakfast Potatoes
Classic vs. Bold Flavors
Seasoning is what transforms ordinary potatoes into the best breakfast potatoes ever. The right balance of salt, spices, and herbs can make all the difference.
Here’s a breakdown of some must-try seasonings:
🧂 Classic:
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
🔥 Bold & Spicy:
- Cajun seasoning
- Chili powder
- Red pepper flakes
🌿 Fresh & Herby:
- Fresh rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
How to Make Your Potatoes Extra Flavorful
Want next-level breakfast potatoes? Here are pro tips:
✅ Use fresh herbs – Fresh rosemary or thyme can add a gourmet touch.
✅ Try infused oils – Garlic-infused oil adds amazing depth of flavor.
✅ Don’t forget acidity – A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar balances richness.
By mastering the right seasoning blend, you can make your breakfast potatoes burst with flavor!
How to Make Breakfast Potatoes Extra Crispy
The Double Cooking Trick
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants achieve ultra-crispy breakfast potatoes, the secret is in double cooking. This method ensures that the potatoes are crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
Here’s how it works:
- Parboil the potatoes – Boiling them in salted water for about 5 minutes softens the insides without overcooking.
- Let them dry completely – Any moisture left on the potatoes will cause them to steam instead of crisping up.
- Cook them twice – The first fry (or roast) at medium heat ensures an even cook, while the second fry at higher heat creates the perfect crunch.
The Role of Cornstarch in Crispiness
Want next-level crunch? Try dusting your potatoes with a little cornstarch before frying or roasting. Cornstarch creates a delicate crispy coating that locks in the flavor while keeping the potatoes light.
Pro Tip: If you’re roasting your potatoes, toss them in cornstarch + olive oil for extra golden perfection.
I recommend checking out this recipe on Sausage Balls Without Bisquick from Palmy Recipes. It pairs perfectly with crispy breakfast potatoes for a delicious brunch spread! 🥔🍽️
The Best Breakfast Potato Dishes from Around the World
What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Hash?
Hash is a breakfast staple, but not all potatoes are created equal. The best varieties for hash are:
- Russet Potatoes: High starch content makes them crispy and golden.
- Yukon Golds: A balance between crispy and creamy, perfect for a hearty hash.
- Red Potatoes: Their firm texture makes them ideal for chunkier, rustic hash dishes.
Global Twists on Breakfast Potatoes
Potatoes are a breakfast favorite worldwide! Here are some international spins on this classic dish:
🥔 Swiss Rösti: A crispy potato pancake made with grated potatoes and butter.
🌶 Mexican Papas con Chorizo: Spicy potatoes cooked with chorizo and peppers.
🍟 British Bubble & Squeak: Leftover mashed potatoes pan-fried with cabbage.
🍳 Indian Aloo Paratha: A stuffed flatbread filled with spiced potatoes.
By experimenting with different seasonings and cooking styles, you can turn simple breakfast potatoes into a global culinary adventure!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftover Breakfast Potatoes
How to Store Cooked Breakfast Potatoes
So, you’ve made a big batch of the best breakfast potatoes ever, but you’ve got leftovers? No problem! Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and crispy when reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
- Avoid Sogginess: Never store potatoes while they’re still hot, steam will cause them to turn mushy.
The Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness
Reheating potatoes the wrong way can make them soft and unappetizing. Here’s how to get them crispy again:
🔥 Skillet: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the potatoes until hot and crispy.
🔥 Oven: Spread them on a baking sheet and reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes.
🔥 Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for 5–7 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if possible, it heats unevenly and makes the potatoes soggy. Want to master the art of reheating? Check out this guide on reheating crispy potatoes from Serious Eats.
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for crispier results
- 1 tbsp butter for extra flavor
- 1 small onion chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash, peel (optional), and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes.
- Parboil the potatoes: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 5 minutes. Drain and let them dry completely.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Add the dried potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes to develop a crispy crust.
- Stir the potatoes and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, about 10 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast dishes.
Notes
FAQs About the Best Breakfast Potatoes Ever
1. What type of potato is best for breakfast?
Russet potatoes are best for crispy breakfast potatoes, while Yukon Golds are perfect for a creamy yet crispy texture.
2. Should you boil potatoes before frying?
Yes! Parboiling removes excess starch and ensures the inside is fluffy while the outside crisps up beautifully.
3. What potatoes does Gordon Ramsay use?
Gordon Ramsay often uses Yukon Golds and Russets for his famous breakfast potato dishes.
4. What kind of potatoes are best for hash?
Both Russets and Yukon Golds work well for hash. Russets are crispier, while Yukon Golds add a buttery texture.
5. How do I make my breakfast potatoes extra crispy?
Use double cooking, toss with cornstarch, and avoid stirring too often while frying.
6. Can I make breakfast potatoes in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Toss them with oil and seasonings, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
7. What are the best seasonings for breakfast potatoes?
Classic options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. For extra flavor, try Cajun seasoning or Parmesan cheese.