Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. For this recipe, you’ll want to cut the potatoes into small ½” cubes. Cutting them into uniform pieces ensures even cooking, helping each potato cube crisp up perfectly. The size of the cubes is essential as it strikes the perfect balance between getting a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. Once you’ve cut your potatoes, set them aside while you prepare the cooking pan.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat. A good skillet is key to achieving that golden-brown crispiness we all crave in breakfast potatoes. Once the skillet is hot, add both the butter and the oil. The butter adds richness and flavor, while the oil prevents the butter from burning and helps with even cooking. The combination of the two fats creates a delicious, flavorful coating that will crisp up the potatoes beautifully.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes in the Butter and Oil

Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering in the pan, it’s time to add the diced potatoes. Carefully place the cubes into the skillet, and toss them around to make sure they’re fully coated in the butter and oil mixture. This step is important because it ensures that each potato cube gets a touch of that delicious buttery flavor. The oil also prevents the potatoes from sticking to the pan and allows them to crisp up evenly.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

With the potatoes in the skillet, it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the potatoes. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes without overwhelming them. The garlic and onion powders bring a savory depth, while the salt and pepper balance everything out. Toss the potatoes again to make sure the seasonings are well-distributed.

Step 5: Cover and Steam the Potatoes

Now, cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes steam lightly for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the potatoes soften a bit before they begin to crisp up. The steam will help cook the potatoes through, ensuring that they’re tender on the inside while keeping the outside from getting overly crispy too quickly. The cover helps trap the heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for softening the potatoes before the crispy stage begins.

Step 6: Uncover and Continue Cooking

After the initial steaming period, remove the lid and stir the potatoes. At this point, the potatoes should have softened slightly but still have a firm texture. Continue cooking them uncovered, turning the cubes frequently with a spatula to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. The goal is for the potatoes to develop a light golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. This process should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the heat and the size of your potato cubes.

As the potatoes cook, you’ll notice them turning a beautiful golden brown and becoming slightly crispy. This is the magic moment when the exterior becomes crisp and delicious, while the interior stays soft and comforting. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, and make sure to flip the potatoes so that all sides are perfectly crisped.

Step 7: Add the Fresh Parsley

Once the potatoes have reached that perfect crispy texture, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the potatoes with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. The parsley adds a mild herbal flavor that complements the rich, savory potatoes beautifully. If you’re using dried parsley, you can add it earlier in the cooking process, but fresh parsley will give a brighter, more vibrant finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your easy breakfast potatoes are now ready to serve! These potatoes are perfect for a classic breakfast, but they’re also versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, or a pile of crispy bacon for a traditional breakfast. If you prefer something more creative, use them as a filling for breakfast burritos, paired with eggs, cheese, and your favorite salsa. You can even top them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra indulgent touch. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, alongside pancakes, fresh fruit, and avocado toast.