If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch side that delivers color, comfort, and big-time flavor, Potatoes O’Brien is it. These golden, pan-fried potatoes tossed with vibrant bell peppers and onions create a dish that’s stunning on the table and even better on the fork. Whether you’re cooking for family or whipping up a special weekend treat for friends, Potatoes O’Brien makes any meal feel joyful, familiar, and just a bit more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about basics done right: just a handful of fresh vegetables, a couple of pantry staples, and a few seasoning secrets to make these potatoes shine. Every ingredient pulls its weight in this classic – the key is treating each one with care so every bite of Potatoes O’Brien is packed with color, crunch, and that irresistible savory edge.
- Russet Potatoes (3 cups, diced): These starch-rich potatoes brown up beautifully, giving you crisp edges and fluffy centers.
- Green Bell Pepper (1 cup, diced): Offers grassy freshness and a bright green splash of color throughout the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 cup, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and that pop of color everyone loves in Potatoes O’Brien.
- Small Onion (diced): Brings mild sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavors with every sautéed bite.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): The base for your crisping potatoes, ensuring they don’t stick and develop a golden exterior.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, indulgent flavor and helps with that lovely caramelization.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the flavor of every vegetable.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle heat and a bit of bite—don’t skip this!
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): The smoky undertone sets these potatoes apart, adding a gentle warmth and deep amber color.
How to Make Potatoes O’Brien
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by scrubbing your potatoes clean, then dice them—no need to peel unless you prefer them super tender. Dice your peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep everything roughly the same size so the Potatoes O’Brien cook evenly.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling them together as the butter melts. This blend gives Potatoes O’Brien their perfect golden color and a slight richness that olive oil alone can’t achieve.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced russets to the hot skillet. Let them cook, stirring every few minutes, for about 10 minutes. The goal is a golden crust on the outside while they begin to soften inside. Resist the urge to stir constantly—it’s those untouched minutes that develop flavor and crunch!
Step 4: Add Peppers and Onions
Scoop in the diced green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Gently toss everything together so the veggies start mingling with the potatoes. Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, distributing them evenly so every forkful of Potatoes O’Brien tastes balanced and deeply savory.
Step 5: Caramelize and Finish
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see the vegetables caramelize, the potatoes become fork-tender, and the whole skillet turn into a festival of color and aroma. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving piping hot.
How to Serve Potatoes O’Brien
Garnishes
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions for extra color and a burst of freshness. If you’re in the mood for adventure, a light dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of hot sauce makes Potatoes O’Brien truly unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Potatoes O’Brien pairs well with classic breakfast fare—think scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a simple omelet. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or as part of a hearty brunch spread with fruit and toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Potatoes O’Brien into individual ramekins for a dinner party touch. Want breakfast-for-dinner? Top the skillet with fried eggs and a scattering of fresh herbs. Or, tuck them into a breakfast burrito with a sprinkle of cheese for the ultimate grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Potatoes O’Brien cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making meal prep a breeze!
Freezing
Freeze fully cooled Potatoes O’Brien in a single layer on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then move to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheat well for a speedy breakfast or side dish.
Reheating
For the crispiest leftovers, spread Potatoes O’Brien in a hot skillet with a touch of oil and cook until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, though the texture may soften.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Potatoes O’Brien?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds work well and keep their shape, while red potatoes yield a waxier bite. Each variety brings a slightly different texture to Potatoes O’Brien, so experiment to find your favorite.
What’s the secret to extra-crispy Potatoes O’Brien?
Letting the potatoes sit undisturbed in the hot skillet for a few minutes at a time helps build that irresistible crust. Cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces and avoiding overcrowding the pan also makes a big difference.
Can I make Potatoes O’Brien vegan?
Yes! Just skip the butter and use all olive oil, or try a favorite non-dairy butter for a similar flavor. The results are still every bit as satisfying and flavorful.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking?
Make sure your skillet is fully preheated before adding the potatoes, and don’t skimp on the oil and butter. A nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet also helps keep Potatoes O’Brien from sticking.
Can I add other vegetables or spices?
Definitely! Mushrooms, jalapeños, or even diced zucchini turn Potatoes O’Brien into a customizable masterpiece. Try adding garlic, cumin, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about sitting down to a skillet brimming with Potatoes O’Brien—crispy, colorful, and full of homestyle flavor. Give this recipe a try the next time you want a side dish that steals the show, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
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Potatoes O’Brien Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Potatoes O’Brien is a classic American breakfast side dish made with diced potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and flavorful seasonings. This easy stovetop recipe results in tender potatoes with a delicious caramelized exterior, perfect for any morning meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 cups diced russet potatoes
Bell Peppers:
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
Onion:
- 1 small onion, diced
Oil and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
- Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes, cook for 10 minutes until they soften and brown.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in onion and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender and veggies are caramelized. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid stirring the potatoes too often.
- You can use leftover cooked potatoes for a quicker cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
