German Fried Potatoes Recipe

I whipped up German Home Fries bursting with flavor from crispy bacon, tender red potatoes, and savory onions. The irresistible aroma fills my kitchen, drawing family and friends together for an intimate gathering. Each bite is a satisfying blend of textures and taste, delivering a truly memorable side dish experience.

I love whipping up German Fried Potatoes because they always bring out a real satisfying crunch in a meal. I start with 2 lbs small red potatoes that I clean and half before cooking them in a hot mix of 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

Adding 4 thick slices of diced bacon and a medium yellow onion thinly sliced gives the dish a wonderful depth of flavor that I never get tired of. I season with 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to keep things simple but bold.

Sometimes, I toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley at the end for that extra touch of color and freshness. This recipe is a perfect match for other German classics on the table and is a hearty side that pairs well with fried chicken or any robust main course.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the flavors just come together perfectly for a tasty side that goes with almost anything. I love how the crispy bacon and the tender potatoes give it a nice texture and a rich flavor thats hard to beat. The onions add a little sweet kick that makes the whole dish taste more balanced. I also really appreciate that it’s super simple to make, which saves me time in the kitchen when im trying to whip up dinner. Lastly, i enjoy the pop of color from the fresh parsley even if its optional because it makes the dish look a bit more exciting.

Ingredients

• Red potatoes provide fiber and healthy carbs, adding creaminess and natural sweetness.
• Bacon adds rich protein and flavor though its high fat content calls for moderation.
• Onions deliver a zesty bite with antioxidants and vitamins, boosting overall taste.
• Vegetable oil crisps potatoes evenly and helps blend flavors during frying.
• Salt and pepper highlight natural tastes while balancing savory notes perfectly.
• Fresh parsley adds bright color and hints of herbal freshness that lighten the dish.
• Overall each ingredient contributes balance, flavor and texture for an irresistible hearty meal.
• Healthy touches: Though some ingredients are indulgent, proper use keeps it balanced and tasty.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs small red potatoes, cleaned and halved
• 4 thick slices of bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this

1. First, clean and halve the red potatoes and dice the bacon and thinly slice the onion.

2. Put a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until its crispy then scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. In the same pan with the bacon fat, toss in the thinly sliced onions and cook ’em until they get a little soft and translucent.

4. Now add the potatoes to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil if needed. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally so they don’t stick.

6. Check if the potatoes are tender by poking ’em with a fork. If not, cover them again and let ’em cook a bit more.

7. Once the potatoes are nearly done, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and stir everything together.

8. If you want, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the mix just before serving.

9. Taste it and add extra salt if needed.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your German fried potatoes with your favorite main course!

Equipment Needed

1. A cutting board and a chef’s knife for halving the red potatoes, dicing the bacon, and slicing the onion
2. A large skillet with a lid to cook the ingredients
3. A slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon from the skillet
4. A stirring spoon or spatula for mixing the potatoes and onions
5. Measuring spoons for the salt, pepper, and vegetable oil
6. A fork to check if the potatoes are tender
7. A stove to heat the skillet
8. A small bowl or plate to set aside the cooked bacon

FAQ

German Fried Potatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find small red potatoes you can try using Yukon Gold or baby fingerling potatoes instead
• Instead of bacon you might use turkey bacon, pancetta or even smoked sausage if you’re not big on pork
• If you don’t have a yellow onion then red onions or a couple of shallots will work pretty good
• You can swap out the vegetable oil for canola oil or olive oil if that’s what you have on hand
• For that fresh parsley finishing touch you can use dried parsley or even chopped chives for a slightly different twist

Pro Tips

1. When you cook the bacon, try not to overdo it; once it’s crispy enough and has given off its fat, drain some of it away so it doesn’t overwhelm the onions when you add ’em later.
2. While you’re cooking the potatoes with the lid on, resist the urge to stir them too much. This helps form a nice crispy layer on the bottom and if they start sticking, just add a little splash of water to get ’em moving again.
3. Taste the dish at the end and don’t be afraid to boost the seasoning. Since every stove or pan can cook a bit differently, a little extra salt or pepper at the end can really bring out the flavors.
4. For a little extra flavor kick, try tossing in a pinch of your favorite dried herb or spice at the finish—something like a bit of thyme or paprika can make a big difference without overcomplicating the dish.