Skip the diner and make these crispy, golden Homemade Home Fries instead! Created with leftover baked potatoes and tossed with simple seasonings, they’re pan-fried to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives. Paired with a bold garlic aioli, this home fries recipe is way more flavorful than anything you’ll find at a restaurant, and it’s easier than you think. All you need is a hot skillet, a little oil, and some cold potatoes to upgrade your breakfast game.
What’s the Difference Between Home Fries and Breakfast Potatoes?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they technically aren’t the same things! Home fries are a type of breakfast potatoes that are diced or cubed and pan-fried. Many versions are combined with peppers and onions, but I prefer to keep mine plain, letting the potatoes shine.
Breakfast potatoes, on the other hand, is a term that can be used to refer to any type of potatoes, including home fries, hash browns, roasted, or baked potatoes. In my humble opinion, home fries are the best, and my recipe is perfect for brunch spreads, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or when you want a crispy, satisfying snack.
Recipe Ingredients
Crispy Home Fries
Russet Baked Potatoes: Make sure to use cold, leftover baked potatoes. If they aren’t cold, they won’t crisp up properly!
Olive Oil: This is crucial for pan-frying, creating the beautiful golden sear we want around the edges of the potatoes.
Herbs and Spices: I keep things simple with a dash of salt and pepper for seasonings, and add chives just before serving.
Garlic Aioli
Garlic: Measure with your heart, but don’t use less than four cloves, or your aioli will be a little bland.
Mayonnaise: This forms the base of the aioli, bringing all the ingredients together.
Spices: Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes create a savory flavor with lots of depth and a kick of heat.
Chives: These add a pop of brightness.
Lemon Juice and Zest: The acidity balances the richness of the fats, creating a well-balanced taste.
How to Make Home Fries on the Stovetop
Step 1. Make the aioli. Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl until fully combined. Adjust to taste, and chill in the fridge.
Step 2. Next, dice cold, leftover baked potatoes into medium-sized cubes. Aim for them to be about an inch in size, and be sure to include the skin. This is what makes the potatoes crispy!
Step 3. In a large skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot.
Step 4. Add the diced potatoes, arranging them in a single layer. Let them sit without stirring for 3-4 minutes so they develop a crispy crust. Then, flip or stir gently, and let them crisp up on the other sides.
Step 5. Next, liberally season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Make sure to do this while the home fries are hot so the seasonings stick!
Step 6. Garnish with chives, and serve with the garlic aioli and ketchup. Enjoy!
Ways to Serve
Pair these home fries with all your favorite breakfasts! They’re great as a side with options like scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and sausage quiche.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover home fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and keep the aioli in a separate airtight container for up to 1 week.
When you’re ready to eat, you have options for reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the potatoes just until they warm through and crisp back up.
- Oven: Arrange the potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until warm. Be careful not to burn!
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Then, add the home fries, and air fry for about 4-6 minutes or until warm.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
- Easy Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping
- Bacon Cheddar Biscuits with Scallions
- The Best Blueberry Pancakes Recipe
- Easy Bacon Quiche with Scallions and Gruyere
- Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
- Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
I hope you love this Crispy Home Fries Recipe! The potatoes are crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and the aioli takes them over the top. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Homemade Home Fries with Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
Crispy Home Fries
- 3 leftover russet baked potatoes cold
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper for seasoning
- chives for garnish
Garlic Aioli
- 4 cloves finely grated
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chives chopped
- 1-2 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 tsp of lemon zest
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Make aioli by adding all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until fully combined. Adjust ingredients to desired taste. Set aside in the refrigerator until you are ready to use.
- Next, dice your cold, leftover baked potatoes into medium-sized cubes (about 1 inch). Be sure to include the skin as it will get crispy.
- Next, in a large skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Let them sit without stirring for 3–4 minutes so they develop a crispy crust. Flip or stir gently, and let them crisp up on the other sides, about 10-14 minutes total (cooking time will vary based on desired crispiness).
- Next, liberally season the potatoes with salt and pepper. I typically place my potatoes in a metal mixing bowl to season to ensure the seasoning is evenly coated. Note, you want to season the home fries straight while they are hot.
- Lastly, garnish with chives and serve with aioli and ketchup.
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Jess Gaertner
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