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Home » Food » Side Dishes » Home Fries

Home Fries

By Lana Stuart · Published: Oct 1, 2009 · Last Modified: Feb 4, 2021 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Home fries on a white plate with a kitchen towel and spoon in the background.
Home fries on a white plate with a kitchen towel and spoon in the background.

Home Fries are the ultimate comfort food. Not quite French fries, not quite hash browns, they’re perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with thyme and paprika. Serve them for breakfast with eggs and bacon, for lunch with a warm ham and cheese sandwich, or for dinner with a juicy burger.

If you're a meat and potatoes lover, then this recipe is perfect for you! I happen to have one of those in my home and he is crazy for Home Fries.

Home fries on a white plate with a kitchen towel and spoon in the background.

I think every country and every food culture has some variation of this recipe. In the south we have southern fried potatoes (or smother fried potatoes as some people call it). In other areas they're known as house fries, American fries, bistro potatoes, or peasant potatoes.

Home fries remind me a lot of the potatoes we had everywhere on our trip to Ireland. No matter what we ordered it came with fried potatoes. And without exception all those potatoes were fantastic! Believe me, the Irish know what to do with potatoes!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • How to Make Home Fries
  • Prep the Potatoes
  • Par Cook in the Microwave
  • Finish Cooking in a Skillet
  • Tips
  • Variations/Options/Addins
  • FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • They very versatile
  • Easily accessible ingredients
  • Easy to make even for beginner cooks
  • 30 minutes from start to finish

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients needed for the recipe: salt, pepper, butter, thyme, potatoes, canola oil
  • Potatoes (you'll want a starchy potato like a russet or baking potato for this)
  • Oil (I recommend using either canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Butter
  • Thyme (optional but I like it; use either fresh or dried)
  • Paprika (oops... I forgot to include that in the photo)

You'll find detailed measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Home Fries

I always like to show you the photos and step-by-step instructions for my recipes to help you picture how to make them in your own kitchen. If you just want to print out a copy, you can skip to the bottom of the post where you'll find the recipe card.

Prep the Potatoes

You'll want a starchy potato for your home fries. Choose russets (sometimes labeled as "Idaho" or "baking" potatoes in your grocery store) that are firm and free of blemishes.

Cubed potatoes in a bowl.

Wash and dry the potatoes. I don't bother to peel them. Cut the potatoes into approximately ¾-inch cubes. Don't worry if they're not exact, you just want them to be about the same size so they'll cook in the same amount of time.

Par Cook in the Microwave

Cubed potatoes in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.

Place the cubed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap leaving a small opening on one edge so the steam can escape. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes.

Start checking the potatoes for doneness after about 8 minutes. A sharp knife should easily pierce the potatoes. You want them to be cooked through but still able to keep their shape.

Remove the potatoes from the microwave and set them aside. CAUTION: Take care when removing the bowl from the microwave - it will be HOT!

Finish Cooking in a Skillet

Butter and oil melting in a skillet.

Melt the butter and oil in a nonstick frying pan.

Potatoes cooking in a skillet.

When the butter and oil are hot, add the potatoes. Using a spatula, lift and toss the potatoes to coat with the butter and oil. Be careful not to break the potatoes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Continue tossing the potatoes every few minutes to prevent burning.

When the potatoes are golden brown, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Dust with additional paprika if you'd like.

Home Fries on a serving plate with a kitchen towel in the background.

Tips

  • A non-stick skillet works best for me but you can also use a cast iron frying pan if you'd like. Just make sure it's well-seasoned so the potatoes won't stick.
  • Take care when stirring and tossing the potatoes. You want to keep the pieces whole if possible. If the worst happens and they break down, you can always say you make hash browns :-)
  • Actual cooking time will vary. Don't try to rush the potatoes, just let them cook until they turn an appealing golden brown color.

Variations/Options/Addins

  • Add about a cup of very thinly sliced onions and/or sweet bell peppers into the potatoes. They'll cook down to be nicely caramelized.
  • Add a half cup of cooked diced ham or bacon about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
  • Three to four cloves of minced garlic are great as an add-in.
  • Substitute a teaspoon of Creole or Cajun seasoning for the salt and pepper.
  • Substitute finely chopped parsley, green onions, or fresh chives for the thyme.

FAQs

Can home fries be made in advance?

They can. As a matter of fact, that's how most diners do it. You can make them a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. They'll reheat nicely in a skillet with just a drizzle of oil.

Any other serving suggestions?

I'm glad you asked! For an unforgettable breakfast, top your home fries with some grated Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon or cooked sausage, a few finely chopped green onions, and a couple of over easy eggs. Serve with toast and jam on the side and a pot of coffee or orange juice.

Home Fries - a simple side dish of home fried potatoes seasoned with thyme and paprika. Perfect for the meat and potatoes lovers in your household. From @NevrEnoughThyme https://www.lanascooking.com/home-fries/

More Recipes You'll Love ...

  • Potato, Leek and Bacon Au Gratin
  • Parmesan Garlic Baked Potato Wedges
  • Potatoes au Gratin
  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes
  • Roasted Potato Salad
  • Ham and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes

More Home Fries Recipes

  • Home Fries from Handle the Heat
  • Sheet Pan Home Fries from Skinny Taste
  • Quick Crispy Home Fries from Everyday Maven
  • Sweet Potato Home Fries from How Sweet Eats

Have you tried this recipe? I'd love for you to give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card and/or in the comments section further down.

You can always stay in touch on social media by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest and Sign Up to Get my Newsletter, too!


📖 Recipe

Home fries on a white plate with a kitchen towel and spoon in the background.

Home Fries

Home Fries are the ultimate comfort food, a cross between french fries and hash browns, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 293kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. russet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • ¼ tsp paprika
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Wash and dry potatoes but don't peel them. Cut the potatoes into approximately ¾-inch cubes.
  • Place the cubed potatoes in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap leaving a small space open.
  • Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. (Note: start checking the potatoes after 8 minutes; you want them to be tender but still keep their shape. A sharp knife should pierce through easily).
  • Remove potatoes from the microwave and set aside.
  • Melt the butter and oil in a large (at 10-inch) nonstick frying pan.
  • Add the potatoes. Using a spatula, lift and toss the potatoes to coat with the butter and oil. Be careful not to break the potatoes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Continue tossing the potatoes every few minutes to prevent burning.
  • When the potatoes are a golden brown, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Notes

Tips
  • A non-stick skillet works best for me but you can also use a well-seasoned cast iron frying pan.
  • Take care when stirring and tossing the potatoes. You want to keep the pieces whole if possible.
  • Actual cooking time will vary. Don't try to rush the potatoes, just let them cook until they turn an appealing golden brown color.
Variations/Options/Addins
  • Add about a cup of very thinly sliced onions and/or sweet bell peppers into the potatoes. They'll cook down to be nicely caramelized.
  • Add a half cup of cooked diced ham or bacon about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
  • Three to four cloves of minced garlic in great as an add-in.
  • Substitute a teaspoon of Creole or Cajun seasoning for the salt and pepper.
  • Substitute finely chopped parsley, green onions, or fresh chives for the thyme.
Notes
  • You can make home fries a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They'll reheat nicely in a skillet with just a drizzle of oil.
  • For an unforgettable breakfast, top your home fries with some grated Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon or cooked sausage, a few finely chopped green onions, and a couple of over easy eggs. Serve with toast and jam on the side and a pot of coffee or orange juice.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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-- This post was originally published on October 1, 2009.

About Lana Stuart

Lana Stuart is the cook and occasional traveler here at Never Enough Thyme. Lana has been cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove and started this blog in 2009 to share her delicious home cooking recipes. You'll find about 700 recipes here so there's sure to be something your family will like!
More About Lana →

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Weezy says

    October 02, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    I love Fried Potatoes/ onions. Yum!! This recipe looks tasty. The next time I make fried 'taters', I will add thyme and paprika. I never had them this way, but, I can always experiment, Thanks for the idea.

    Reply
    • Lana Stuart says

      October 02, 2019 at 5:13 pm

      You're welcome!

      Reply
  2. alyssa | everydaymaven says

    October 02, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks for including a link to my quick home fries!! :)

    Reply
  3. Rex Hall says

    October 17, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    With ancestors from the Ozarks, home fries were last night’s boiled potatoes. Whole potatoes were cut into wedges, fried in bacon grease/lard & served.

    Reply
  4. Jackie says

    August 04, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Thk u for this recipe, I made it this morning!
    Jackie

    Reply
    • Lana says

      August 04, 2012 at 10:12 am

      You're welcome, Jackie! We always enjoy these home fries, too.

      Reply
  5. Kristi says

    November 27, 2010 at 11:34 am

    I could never ever ever make hashbrows or home fries!!! This morning I woke up 5:30 to take the puppy out in the freezing weather, so I decided to make breakfast. I searched TasteSpotting.com and found your recipe. I'm 29 and I have been cooking since I was 16... I have NEVER EVER EVER NEVER and NEVER once again have been able to make an acceptable breakfast potato, until now!! Thank you soooo much for sharing this recipe. I know this post is old, but it's worthy of a re-post!! My potatoes were not burned, stuck or greasy, they were perfect. The sweet smoked paprika and touch of thyme were perfect!! The only addition I had was to saute some onions, and in the furture I may add some red bell... but other than that PERFECT! Perfect seasonings and perfect flavor! They go wonderful with a poached egg and a little hot sauce. These will be repeated!!! :-D I can't wait to try this with maybe some sweet potatoes and chili powder, paprika, pinch of oregano and touch of cumin! Yum! Thanks again for sharing!! *hugs*

    Reply
  6. gaga says

    October 17, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    I love home fries! I especially like your addition of thyme. Yum!

    Reply
  7. Miss P says

    October 06, 2009 at 8:21 am

    I am going to try these tonight, using left over baked potatoes. I'll let you know how that goes.

    Love the photos.

    Miss P

    Reply
    • Lana says

      October 06, 2009 at 9:06 am

      That sounds good! Just make sure the baked potatoes are firm enough that they won't fall apart. Let me know how that turns out.

      Reply
      • Miss P says

        October 08, 2009 at 8:26 am

        They were great. It's a good way to use the leftovers. Thanks for the idea.

        Miss P

      • Lana says

        October 08, 2009 at 11:39 am

        That's good to know. Glad it worked out well for you.

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Lana Stuart, author of Never Enough Thyme

Hi! I'm Lana Stuart, the cook and occasional traveler here at Never Enough Thyme. I've been cooking since I was tall enough to reach the stove and started this blog in 2009 so I could share my delicious home cooking recipes with all of you. You'll find almost 700 recipes here so there's sure to be something your family will like!
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