A Cheesy Potato Skillet is a satisfying, hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory seasonings—all cooked together in one skillet. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, brunch, or as a side dish. Here’s how to make a delicious and easy Cheesy Potato Skillet.
Ingredients:
FOR THE CHEESY POTATO SKILLET:
- Potatoes: 4-5 medium, peeled and thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor and color
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Green Onions: 2, chopped for garnish
- Bacon: 3-4 strips, cooked and crumbled (optional for extra flavor)
Optional Additions:
- Bell Peppers: 1, diced for extra color and flavor
- Mushrooms: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Spinach: A handful, wilted in at the end
Instructions:
. PREPARE INGREDIENTS:
- Cook Bacon: If using bacon, cook it in the skillet until crispy, remove it, crumble, and set aside. Use the bacon grease to cook the potatoes for additional flavor, or drain it and use butter and olive oil.
- Slice and Dice: Prepare your potatoes, onions, and any other vegetables you are including.
2. COOK THE POTATOES AND ONIONS:
- Heat Fat: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes, spread them out evenly, and cook without stirring for a few minutes to allow them to brown on one side. Then gently stir, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and golden, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, add bell peppers and mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. ADD CHEESE AND GARNISHES:
- Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the melted cheese.
4. FINAL TOUCHES:
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips For Success:
- Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffier texture or waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for a creamier bite.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the potatoes are sliced uniformly to promote even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this.
- Non-stick Skillet: Using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can help prevent the potatoes from sticking and ensure they get a good, crispy edge.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is a popular choice for its flavor and meltability, feel free to experiment with other types such as mozzarella for a stringy melt, or a smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
This Cheesy Potato Skillet is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish, easy to adapt and perfect for a comforting meal any time of day. Enjoy the delicious combination of savory flavors and textures that this dish offers!
