There’s nothing quite like a plate of golden, perfectly crisped potatoes that greet you with a comforting aroma and irresistible crunch. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring that diner-quality goodness to your own kitchen, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m beyond excited to share my favorite method packed with flavor and herbal freshness, revealing exactly How to Make Crispy Home Fries with Onion and Thyme Recipe. With tender potatoes cooked just right and infused with sweet onions and fragrant thyme, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a stunning, crave-worthy side dish you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: hearty Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy interior and golden crust, onions add sweetness and depth, and thyme introduces just the right herbal lift. Together, they create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s easy to fall in love with.
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy texture and the perfect balance to become crispy on the outside while tender inside.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and seasons the potatoes during the boiling process for even seasoning throughout.
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar: Helps the potatoes hold their shape while boiling and adds a subtle tang.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Essential for frying and achieving that coveted, crispy golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps the potatoes brown beautifully with a silky finish.
- 1 sweet yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy potatoes.
- 1-2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme: Infuses the dish with an herbaceous fragrance and savory note.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste): For balanced seasoning during cooking and finishing.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (parsley or chives): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop at the end and optional green color.
How to Make How to Make Crispy Home Fries with Onion and Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes with Care
Start by placing the Yukon Gold potatoes in a pot and fully covering them with cold water. Add the kosher salt and vinegar—it sounds simple, but these two little additions work wonders to season the potatoes as they cook and help them maintain a lovely texture. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes after boiling until they’re just tender. You want them soft enough to pierce with a fork but still holding their shape. Drain and let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Gently Sauté the Sweet Onion
While your potatoes cool, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Toss in the diced sweet onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and tender. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sugars, creating a delicate sweetness that’ll kiss every crispy bite. When done, transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate and set the skillet aside.
Step 3: Prep and Toss the Potatoes
Once cool enough to handle, cut your boiled potatoes into quarters. Place them into a bowl and coat evenly with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to start building that irresistible crispiness. This oil layer is the first step toward the perfect crunch you want in every bite.
Step 4: Crisp the Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Return your skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the oil shimmers, add the potatoes in a single, even layer (this ensures every piece gets the love it deserves). Season generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes, allowing a golden, crispy crust to form on the bottom before carefully turning. This patient step is what gives these home fries that incredible texture contrast that’s absolutely addictive.
Step 5: Bring It All Together with Onion and Thyme
Now it’s time for the magic. Toss the crispy potatoes with the sautéed onions and freshly minced thyme, seasoning to taste. For a fresh, herby finish, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives if you like. Serve them immediately, as those crispy edges are best enjoyed right away!
How to Serve How to Make Crispy Home Fries with Onion and Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh minced herbs like cilantro or parsley adds not only a vibrant color contrast but also a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the potatoes and butter. A dash of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving makes the flavors pop and enhances the crunch.
Side Dishes
Crispy home fries with onion and thyme are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with breakfast classics like fluffy scrambled eggs and smoky bacon or sausage. For lunch or dinner, they are fantastic alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty veggie burger. These fries are the kind of side that turns any meal into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your home fries stacked high in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight to the table for a warm, inviting presentation. Or plate them with a dollop of sour cream or a zesty aioli for dipping. For a brunch twist, top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of cheese to create a complete, crave-worthy dish that will impress every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I won’t blame you if they disappear fast), store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The texture might soften a bit, but you can easily revive that crispiness with a quick reheat.
Freezing
Freezing these home fries isn’t ideal because the texture tends to degrade after thawing. However, if you must freeze, lay out the cooked potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy glory, reheat leftover home fries in a hot skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. This quick pan crisping will help restore the golden edges and fresh flavor you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds are preferred for their creamy texture and color, but russet potatoes also work well and create a slightly fluffier interior. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t crisp up as nicely.
Why do I add vinegar when boiling the potatoes?
The vinegar helps to firm up the potatoes’ exterior so they can hold their shape better during cooking and frying. It also adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Sure thing! Simply swap the butter for an additional tablespoon of vegetable oil or use a plant-based butter substitute. The flavor and crispiness will still be fantastic.
How do I store leftover home fries without losing crispiness?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep or restore crispiness, reheat on the stovetop rather than the microwave. A hot skillet with a little oil works wonders.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
You can boil and cool the potatoes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. When ready to cook, bring them to room temperature, then proceed with frying. This helps save time without compromising texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on How to Make Crispy Home Fries with Onion and Thyme Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to dive into this delicious adventure. This recipe celebrates simple, fresh ingredients and transforms them into something truly satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re starting your day with a lazy weekend brunch or adding a crispy side to your next dinner, these home fries will elevate your meal every time. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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How to Make Crispy Home Fries with Onion and Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, golden Home Fries made with Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet onions, and fresh herbs. These skillet-cooked potatoes are perfect for breakfast or a comforting side dish, featuring a tender interior and a beautifully crisp exterior.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (russet potatoes also work)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Cooking Fats
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 sweet yellow onion (diced)
- 1–2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (or parsley or chives)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Parboil Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, stirring well. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook the potatoes until just tender, about 5 minutes after boiling begins. Drain and let potatoes cool.
- Cook Onions: While the potatoes cool, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Add the diced onion, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook until translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Potatoes for Frying: Cut the cooled potatoes into quarters. Place them in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to coat evenly.
- Fry Potatoes: Reheat the skillet over medium heat, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the oil shimmers, add the quartered potatoes in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring until the bottoms become crispy and lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked onions and minced fresh thyme to the skillet with the potatoes. Toss gently to combine and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the minced fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives if using. Serve the home fries immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes work well too.
- Adding vinegar to the boiling water helps prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
- Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding potatoes to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and cilantro add fresh flavor but can be omitted or substituted based on preference.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the potatoes.
