Transform your morning meal with the ultimate breakfast potatoes recipe! Imagine perfectly seasoned potatoes, boasting an irresistibly crispy exterior that gives way to a wonderfully soft and fluffy interior. These aren’t just any side dish; they’re a culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

For those mornings when time is of the essence, you might also love these Skillet Breakfast Potatoes – a fantastic quicker option that still delivers on flavor and texture.

The Best Crispy Breakfast Potatoes You’ll Ever Make

Is there anything more comforting and satisfying than a plate of perfectly prepared breakfast potatoes? Whether you’re pairing them with fluffy scrambled eggs, tucking them into a savory breakfast burrito, or serving them alongside any other beloved breakfast dish, these potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser. They even make an excellent complement to sweeter brunch fare, such as delicate crepes, offering a delightful contrast in taste and texture.

This recipe ensures your breakfast potatoes are everything you could possibly wish for: incredibly crispy on the outside, unbelievably tender and fluffy on the inside, and infused with a proprietary seasoning blend that guarantees an explosion of flavor in every bite. Forget soggy or under seasoned potatoes – these are truly a game-changer for your breakfast routine.

Essential Ingredients for Flawless Breakfast Potatoes

Crafting the perfect breakfast potatoes starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that desired crispy exterior and tender interior, along with a flavor profile that stands out. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Potatoes: The star of our dish! Creamy and buttery Yukon Gold potatoes are my top recommendation due to their ideal starch content and tender skins, which don’t necessarily require peeling. However, any variety with a relatively thin skin, such as red potatoes or new potatoes, will also work beautifully. If using a potato with a thicker skin like russets, peeling is advised for optimal texture. Consistency in size when cutting is key for even cooking.
• Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is highly recommended for this recipe. Its rich, fruity flavor complements the potatoes and seasonings wonderfully, contributing to a superior taste compared to neutral oils. It also helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness.
• Paprika: This vibrant spice is not just for color! While it adds a beautiful reddish hue, paprika contributes a mild, earthy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. For an added layer of complexity and a hint of smoky depth, consider using smoked paprika. This subtle difference can elevate your breakfast potatoes to gourmet status.
• Garlic Powder: Unlike fresh garlic, which can easily burn and turn bitter at high oven temperatures, garlic powder provides a consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout the potatoes without the risk of scorching. It’s an indispensable component of our seasoning blend.
• Dried Thyme: An optional but highly recommended addition. Dried thyme introduces an aromatic, earthy note that pairs exceptionally well with potatoes and the other spices. It adds a layer of sophisticated flavor that makes these potatoes truly special. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or oregano if thyme isn’t your preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental for any savory dish, these adjust the foundational flavor. Use a good quality sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after baking adds a salty, umami kick and a touch of richness that takes these potatoes over the top. The warmth of the potatoes will slightly melt the cheese, creating a delightful finish.
• Fresh Parsley or Thyme (Optional Garnish): A final flourish of finely chopped fresh herbs not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor, brightening the entire dish.

How To Make Perfectly Crispy Breakfast Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving restaurant-quality crispy breakfast potatoes at home is simpler than you think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every bite is a triumph of texture and flavor:

1. Preheat Your Oven to Perfection: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for creating that initial crisp crust without overcooking the potato interior. Prepare a large baking sheet, ideally 15″ x 10″, to give your potatoes ample space.
2. Prepare Your Potatoes with Precision: Thoroughly scrub your potatoes to remove any dirt. If using Yukon Golds or other thin-skinned varieties, you can leave the skin on for added nutrition and rustic charm – just ensure they are impeccably clean. If using thicker-skinned potatoes, peel them. Next, cut the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here; irregularly sized pieces will cook unevenly, leading to some being burnt and others undercooked. Once cut, place them immediately onto your prepared sheet pan.
3. Season and Toss for Maximum Flavor: Drizzle the cubed potatoes generously with olive oil. Then, sprinkle over all your chosen seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Now, get your hands in there! Vigorously toss the potatoes with your hands, ensuring every single cube is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture. This hands-on approach guarantees maximum flavor distribution and helps with even browning.
4. Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection: Spread the seasoned potatoes on the sheet pan in a single layer. It’s critical that the potatoes do not overlap. Overcrowding the pan will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in a soft, soggy texture rather than a crispy one. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Flip and Continue Roasting: After the initial 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Using a sturdy metal spatula, carefully flip and toss the potatoes. This exposes different sides to the direct heat of the pan and oven, promoting all-around crispness. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
6. Final Browning and Tenderness Check: Flip the potatoes one more time. Continue baking for an additional 5-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully browned, some pieces might even have delightful charred edges, and are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on your oven and the size of your potato cubes. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning.
7. Finish and Enjoy: Once cooked to your liking, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool briefly for a few minutes. This slight cooling period allows the exterior to firm up further, enhancing the crispness. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and/or finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Achieving the Ultimate Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Making truly crispy breakfast potatoes requires a few key techniques. Master these, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly golden, crunchy spuds every time:

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is arguably the most important rule. Potatoes need space to roast and crisp up. If your baking sheet is too full, the potatoes will steam in their own moisture instead of browning. Use two sheet pans if necessary, ensuring each potato cube has direct contact with the hot surface and sufficient air circulation.
• Cut Uniformly: As mentioned in the recipe, consistency in the size of your potato cubes ensures even cooking. Uneven pieces will lead to a mix of burnt, perfectly cooked, and undercooked potatoes. Aim for ½-inch cubes.
• Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: After washing, pat your potato cubes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, as it creates steam in the oven.
• Preheat Oven AND Pan: While the recipe specifies preheating the oven, for an even crisper bottom, you can preheat your baking sheet in the oven for 5-10 minutes before adding the seasoned potatoes. This gives the potatoes an instant sear when they hit the hot pan.
• Use Enough Oil: Don’t be shy with the olive oil. It helps conduct heat, preventing sticking and facilitating browning. Two tablespoons for two pounds of potatoes is generally sufficient.
• Flip Strategically: Flipping the potatoes halfway through and then again ensures all sides get a chance to brown and crisp up. Use a sturdy metal spatula to scrape them off the pan if they stick slightly, which can help create extra crispy bits.
• Avoid Opening the Oven Too Often: Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops significantly, slowing down the cooking and crisping process. Only open to flip the potatoes as instructed.
• Season Generously: Potatoes are relatively bland on their own, so don’t be afraid to season them well. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed after cooking.

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Breakfast Potatoes

These crispy breakfast potatoes are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate them into your breakfast or brunch spread:

• With Eggs: The classic pairing! Add some essential protein with perfectly scrambled, fried, poached, or sunny-side-up eggs. The runny yolk from a fried egg is divine when mixed with the crispy potato bits.
• Alongside Meats: For a truly hearty and savory breakfast, serve them with crispy bacon, savory sausage patties, or links. The rich flavors of the meat are a perfect match for the seasoned potatoes.
• Avocado Goodness: Incorporate healthy fats and creamy texture by adding fresh avocado slices or a dollop of homemade guacamole. The coolness of the avocado provides a lovely contrast to the warm, crispy potatoes.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance the savory richness of the potatoes with a sweet and refreshing fruit salad. Berries, melon, and citrus fruits offer a light, vibrant counterpoint.
• Indulgent Brunch: For a truly decadent brunch, pair your potatoes with fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles, complete with syrup and your favorite toppings. It’s the best of both sweet and savory worlds.
• Toast or English Muffins: Serve as a side to toasted bread or English muffins, perhaps topped with creamy honey butter or your favorite jam for a balanced meal.
• Breakfast Bowl Extravaganza: Create a personalized breakfast bowl by combining these potatoes with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, salsa, black beans, and diced avocado. It’s a customizable meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
• Breakfast Burrito or Tacos: Use them as a filling for breakfast burritos or tacos, alongside eggs, cheese, and your favorite hot sauce. The crisp texture adds an exciting element to soft tortillas.

Storage and Reheating Your Delicious Breakfast Potatoes

If you happen to have any of these glorious breakfast potatoes left over (a rare occurrence!), you’ll be pleased to know they store and reheat quite well. Here’s how to ensure they remain delicious:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the cooked potatoes to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
2. Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled potatoes to an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.
3. Freeze (for Longer Storage): For extended storage, arrange the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
4. Reheat for Maximum Crispness: The best way to revive leftover breakfast potatoes and bring back their crisp texture is by reheating them in a hot oven, toaster oven, or air fryer.
   • Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and warmed through.
   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until heated and re-crisped.

   Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will inevitably result in soft, rubbery potatoes, losing all that wonderful crispiness.

More Irresistible Breakfast Favorites: Explore and Enjoy!

If you love starting your day with a hearty and delicious meal, you’ll want to check out these other fantastic breakfast recipes:

• Country Breakfast Egg Skillet with potatoes and bacon – a complete meal in one pan!
• Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole topped with crispy bacon – perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
• Gourmet Breakfast Toast ready in minutes – simple, yet elevated toast creations.
• Instant Pot Oatmeal super simple and quick – for a healthy and warm start.
• 50 Best Breakfast Recipes tons of easy and delicious ideas – a comprehensive list to inspire every morning.

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Breakfast Potatoes

By
Chelsea Lords

You won’t be able to get enough of these irresistible Breakfast Potatoes! Each bite is perfectly seasoned, with a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and fluffy center.

Prep Time:
15 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes minutes

Total Time:
1 hour hour

Servings:
6 servings

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
• Metal spatula

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby gold potatoes (peeled if desired, I leave peel on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/5 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• finely chopped fresh parsley (or thyme, optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Scrub and thoroughly dry potatoes. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and place on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and add all seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme if using). Toss well with your hands to evenly coat potatoes.
• Spread potatoes on the pan in a single layer, taking care not to overlap. Bake for 15 minutes; remove and toss with a metal turner. Bake another 15 minutes, then flip again. Bake 5–15 minutes more, until the potatoes are nicely browned/charred and tender. (Test doneness with a fork.)
• Remove potatoes from oven and let cool slightly before (optionally) adding fresh herbs and/or grating Parmesan cheese on top. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Potato Choice: Preferably use Yukon Gold or other tender-skinned potatoes. If using a potato with thicker skin, peel it. Cut potatoes into even sizes for uniform cooking.

Storage: Cool breakfast potatoes to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 161kcal |
Carbohydrates: 27g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 5g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Sodium: 10mg |
Potassium: 655mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 252IU |
Vitamin C: 30mg |
Calcium: 21mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

There you have it – the definitive guide to making the best crispy breakfast potatoes. With their golden crunch and tender interior, these potatoes are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your home. Perfect for weekend brunches or a special weekday treat, they bring warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to any table. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with homemade breakfast potatoes!