introduction
This Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet is a simple, tasty dish. It uses bacon, potatoes, and onions. It cooks in one pan and is ready fast. If you like hearty hashes, you may also enjoy this bacon potato egg hash which has a similar, homey feel.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a warm, filling meal with little fuss. It is cheap, uses common ingredients, and cooks in one skillet. The bacon adds a deep, salty flavor and the potatoes get a crisp outside with a soft inside. For another potato comfort recipe, try a warming Cajun potato soup.
how to make Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet Recipe
Ingredients :
1 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 3 medium potatoes)
8 oz thick-cut Irish bacon (or center-cut bacon), chopped
1 large yellow onion (about 8 oz), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted, or substitute olive oil for dairy-free)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions :
- Scrub and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Thinly slice onion and chop bacon into bite-sized pieces. Chop parsley and measure out butter and seasonings.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy at the edges (6-8 minutes). If using American bacon, drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat.
- Push bacon to one side of the skillet. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and lightly golden (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in diced potatoes. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder and smoked paprika. Toss to coat well in bacon fat and onions.
- Spread potatoes and bacon in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip with a spatula, then continue cooking, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and crispy all over (10-15 minutes). If sticking, add 1 tablespoon butter.
- For extra crunch, dot the top with remaining butter and broil for 2-3 minutes, or let crisp on the stovetop for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
If you want a very crispy side, you can compare methods with our cheesy smashed potatoes recipe for ideas on getting a crisp crust.
how to serve Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet Recipe
Serve hot from the skillet. This works for breakfast with eggs, for lunch with a simple salad, or as a side to meat or fish. Add hot sauce or ketchup for extra flavor, or top with a fried egg for a complete meal.
how to store Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet Recipe
Let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the potatoes crisp. You can also reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
tips to make Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet Recipe
- Cut potatoes the same size so they cook evenly.
- Do not stir too often at first; let a crust form.
- Use a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) for even browning.
- If potatoes stick, add a little butter or oil and scrape the pan with a spatula.
- Taste and add salt at the end because bacon can be salty.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced bell pepper or mushrooms with the onion for more veg.
- Swap Irish bacon for thick-cut pancetta or center-cut bacon.
- Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for color and extra greens.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Fresh diced potatoes work best. Frozen diced potatoes can be mushy. If you must use frozen, thaw and pat dry first.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and it will still brown well.
Q: How do I get extra-crispy potatoes?
A: Use a hot skillet, don’t crowd the pan, and let the potatoes sit undisturbed to form a crust. Finish under the broiler if you like.
Q: Can I add eggs directly to the skillet?
A: Yes. Make small wells in the potatoes and crack eggs in. Cover and cook until eggs reach your desired doneness.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat in a pan to keep texture.
Conclusion
For a classic Irish potato-pan idea related to this style of cooking, see Irish Pan Haggerty Potatoes | Seasons and Suppers.
Crispy Irish Bacon Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Scrub and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Thinly slice onion and chop bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop parsley and measure out butter and seasonings.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy at the edges (6-8 minutes). If using American bacon, drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat.
- Push bacon to one side of the skillet. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and lightly golden (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in diced potatoes. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder and smoked paprika. Toss to coat well in bacon fat and onions.
- Spread potatoes and bacon in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip with a spatula, then continue cooking, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and crispy all over (10-15 minutes). If sticking, add 1 tablespoon butter.
- For extra crunch, dot the top with remaining butter and broil for 2-3 minutes, or let crisp on the stovetop for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.