The Best Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Recipe For Comfort

Southern comfort shines through this hearty sausage and potatoes skillet that promises pure deliciousness.

Home cooks know the magic happens when simple ingredients meet skillful technique.

Cast iron becomes your best friend for creating crispy, golden perfection.

Robust flavors of smoky sausage blend seamlessly with creamy potato chunks.

Regional culinary traditions emerge in every carefully seasoned bite of this classic dish.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each forkful a delightful experience.

Dive into this soul-satisfying meal that connects you with southern kitchen wisdom.

Variations to Try with Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

• Rustic Ranch Potato Skillet: Replace smoked sausage with spicy chorizo for a zesty Mexican-inspired version. Add ranch seasoning mix to boost flavor profile and create a creamy, tangy result.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Sausage Hash: Substitute russet potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative. Maintain identical cooking method while reducing carbohydrate content and keeping original taste experience.
• Vegetarian Potato Medley: Swap sausage with plant-based protein crumbles or tempeh. Incorporate bell peppers and mushrooms to enhance texture and provide additional protein for meat-free dietary preferences.

Pairings That Go Well with Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

• Create a light, zesty green salad with fresh oranges, lemon vinaigrette, and mixed greens to cut through the richness of the sausage and potatoes.
• Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the hearty, smoky flavors of the sausage and provides a smooth, warming counterpoint to the dish.
• Prepare a vinegar-based coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a crunchy, acidic balance to the heavy, savory main course.

Storage Tips for Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps restore the original crispy texture of potatoes and sausage.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Why use russet potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes have high starch content which helps create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, perfect for Southern-style frying and achieving that golden-brown texture.

• Can I substitute the smoked sausage with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Andouille, kielbana, or even bacon work great as alternatives, each bringing its unique flavor profile to the dish.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from sticking to the skillet?

Use a non-stick skillet, ensure enough oil is present, and avoid stirring too frequently. Let the potatoes develop a crisp crust before turning them gently with a spatula.

Why Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Are Comfort Food Classics

• Savor Hearty Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Enjoy a simple cooking method that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, allowing you to create a delicious meal with minimal kitchen tools and effort.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different sausage types, adding bell peppers, or sprinkling extra spices to match your taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknight Meals: Prepare a filling, nutritious dinner in under 30 minutes that will please the entire family and provide a quick solution to hunger pangs without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

• Smoked Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and hearty texture to the southern-style dish.

• Russet Potatoes: Sturdy potatoes perfect for creating crispy edges and a soft interior when fried.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide fundamental flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Optional seasoning that adds a subtle aromatic depth to the overall taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating a non-stick surface and helping achieve golden-brown crispiness.
• Distilled Water: Helps in initial cooking and steaming of the potatoes.

• Onions: Adds a sweet and savory undertone to complement the sausage and potatoes.

How to Make Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Slice smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet with a touch of vegetable oil.

Cook sausage until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and releases its rich, savory aroma.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel russet potatoes.

Chop them into roughly 3/4-inch cubes, creating uniform pieces that will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Add potatoes to the skillet with sausage.

• Chopped onions
• Extra vegetable oil
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each piece gets coated with seasoning.

Step 4: Simmer and Steam

Cover the skillet with a lid.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture cook quietly for 10 minutes.

Occasionally use a spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Crisp and Caramelize

Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high.

Continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Gently turn potatoes and sausage with a spatula to create crispy edges and prevent burning.

The potatoes should become tender with golden-brown surfaces.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling skillet contents to a serving plate.

The dish is ready to be devoured immediately, showcasing a perfect blend of crispy potatoes and juicy sausage.

Pro Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage

• Opt for russet potatoes with high starch content to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
• Enhance flavor by using smoked sausage varieties like andouille or kielbasa for a richer taste profile.
• Keep heat at medium-low during initial cooking to prevent burning and ensure even potato softening.
• Resist frequent stirring to allow potatoes to develop a golden-brown crust, which adds delightful texture and depth of flavor.
• Drain excess oil on paper towels if the dish seems too greasy, ensuring a lighter, more enjoyable meal.

Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty southern fried potatoes & sausage recipe combines rustic flavors from traditional Southern cooking. Crispy potato slices and savory sausage bits create a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb smoked sausage (high-quality)
• 5–6 russet potatoes (carefully selected for uniformity)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• vegetable oil (premium brand)

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Instructions

1. Slice smoked sausage into consistent bite-sized chunks. Heat a large skillet with minimal vegetable oil and brown sausage pieces until golden and slightly crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat.
2. Thoroughly peel russet potatoes and dice into uniform 3/4-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking potential.
3. Transfer sausage to skillet’s side, then add potatoes, diced onions, additional vegetable oil, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Carefully blend ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low after ingredients start simmering. Cover skillet with lid and allow mixture to steam-cook for 10 minutes, periodically shifting contents with spatula to prevent sticking.
5. Uncover skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to create crispy potato edges and ensure thorough cooking. Potatoes should develop a golden-brown exterior while remaining tender inside.
6. Once potatoes reach desired crispness and sausage is thoroughly heated, immediately transfer to serving plate and enjoy while hot.

Notes

• Slice sausage evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Pat potato cubes dry before adding to skillet to enhance crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Utilize cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and deeper flavor development.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs for additional depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg