Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

The sizzling sound of Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage hitting a hot skillet is enough to make your mouth water. This classic comfort dish combines crispy, golden-brown potatoes with savory smoked sausage, all perfectly seasoned and cooked to create a satisfying meal that’s equally at home on the breakfast table or dinner plate. This beloved Southern staple brings together simple ingredients that transform into something truly special when cooked with care. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior for your potatoes while ensuring your sausage develops that irresistible caramelization that makes this dish a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for good reason. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures – crispy potato edges giving way to fluffy centers, alongside the satisfying chew of perfectly browned sausage pieces. The simple seasonings allow the main ingredients to shine while providing just the right savory depth.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. It works as a hearty breakfast alongside eggs, a satisfying lunch on its own, or a comforting dinner paired with a simple green vegetable. The one-skillet approach means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings.

Home cooks appreciate that this dish doesn’t require fancy techniques or specialty ingredients – just solid cooking fundamentals that result in maximum flavor. The rustic nature of Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage also means it’s forgiving for beginners while still satisfying for experienced cooks who understand the simple pleasure of perfectly executed comfort food.

Ingredients List for the Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

These ingredients combine humble staples to create something truly special. The starchy russet potatoes and savory smoked sausage form the foundation of this classic Southern dish, while simple seasonings enhance their natural flavors.

• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5-6 russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Vegetable oil

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage relies on a few key techniques that make all the difference:

First, don’t rush the browning process for your sausage. Those caramelized edges aren’t just for appearance – they contribute deeply to the overall flavor profile of the dish. Take your time to develop a good sear before adding the potatoes.

Second, cutting your potatoes uniformly is crucial for even cooking. Aim for consistent 3/4-inch cubes so they’ll cook at the same rate. Potatoes that are too small will turn mushy while larger pieces may remain undercooked.

Finally, resist the urge to stir frequently. The covered steaming phase softens the potatoes, but it’s the undisturbed cooking in the final phase that creates those coveted crispy edges. Use a spatula to flip sections rather than stirring, which would break apart the tender potatoes and prevent proper browning. This patience results in the perfect texture contrast that makes fried potatoes with sausage so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Cut sausage into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle a little vegetable oil in a large skillet (nonstick is best if you have it) then sauté sausage until well browned.

Step 2: Meanwhile, peel potatoes then cut into cubes (about 3/4 inch).

Step 3: Add potatoes, onions, 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil, water, salt, pepper and garlic then stir well.

Step 4: Once water starts to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet then cook for 10 minutes. Using a spatula to scrape the bottom, flip sausage/potatoes once or twice to make sure they’re not sticking.

Step 5: Remove lid then increase temperature to medium-high. Continue cooking 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender with some crispy edges. Use a spatula to flip sausage/potatoes (scraping the bottom) so that potatoes can crisp up a bit in the oil. Don’t stir the potatoes or they will fall apart (still tasty but not what we’re after here).

Step 6: Serve immediately.

Variations

The classic Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage recipe provides a wonderful foundation for creative variations. For a Cajun twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and a diced bell pepper along with the onions. The spice blend and additional vegetable add color and a pleasant heat that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.

For a breakfast-focused variation, create nests in the potato mixture during the final five minutes of cooking and crack eggs directly into these spaces. Cover until the eggs reach your desired doneness for an all-in-one breakfast skillet that’s sure to impress.

Those seeking a lighter option can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for the traditional smoked sausage. While this changes the flavor profile somewhat, it maintains the dish’s hearty character while reducing the fat content. Red potatoes can also replace russets if you prefer a waxier texture that holds together more firmly during cooking.

Storage and Serving

Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage stores remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. While microwaving will work in a pinch, reheating in a skillet with a touch of oil restores much of the original crispy texture that makes this dish special.

For serving, consider pairing with southern-style green beans for a complete meal with minimal fuss. The slight bitterness of the greens balances the rich potatoes and sausage beautifully. For breakfast, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives, or serve with fried eggs for a hearty start to your day.

For an easy weekend brunch, prepare a batch of Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage as the centerpiece, alongside a simple green salad and warm biscuits. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use different potatoes besides russets?
Yes! While russets are traditional for Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage because they develop a nice crispy exterior, Yukon Golds work beautifully too and offer a buttery flavor. Red potatoes hold their shape better but won’t get quite as crispy. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the variety you choose.

Why add water to fried potatoes?
The water helps steam the potatoes first, ensuring they cook through completely. This two-stage cooking process (steaming, then frying) is the secret to potatoes that are perfectly tender inside with crispy exteriors.

What type of smoked sausage works best?
Kielbasa or andouille are popular choices for Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage, but any smoked sausage variety works well. Use your favorite or what’s available locally. The key is getting a good sear on the sausage pieces before adding other ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can par-cook the potatoes and sausage separately, refrigerate, then finish the final browning step just before serving. This saves time while still providing the fresh-cooked texture that makes this dish special.

How can I make this spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other seasonings, or serve with hot sauce on the side. Diced jalapeños added with the onions also provide excellent heat to Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage while adding fresh flavor.

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