Texas Skillet Potatoes and Onions are crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor. Made with red potatoes, onions, and simple seasonings in a cast iron skillet.
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to serve with grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, or brisket, these Texas Cast Iron Potatoes and Onions are hard to beat.
Made with simple ingredients and cooked in a cast iron skillet, this recipe delivers tender potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and plenty of old-fashioned comfort food flavor. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at family cookouts, ranch suppers, and backyard gatherings all across Texas.
I recently made a batch to accompany grilled chicken. With a bag of red potatoes and a large onion sitting in my kitchen, I decided to put my cast iron skillet to work. The result was so good that I skipped my original dinner plans and happily dug into a big bowl of potatoes and onions instead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with inexpensive pantry staples
- Perfect alongside grilled meats
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Can be made on the stovetop, grill, or smoker
Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a look at what you will need. These are simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
- 2 pounds red potatoes, sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 medium to large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, optional garnish
How to Make Texas Cast Iron Potatoes and Onions
Before you begin, make sure your potatoes and onions are sliced. I like to place mine in a bowl of water as they’re being sliced so they don’t brown up on me.
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 4 minutes.
Drain immediately in a colander and allow the potatoes to sit for several minutes so excess moisture can evaporate.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
Add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Step 3: Brown the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to the skillet in a single layer whenever possible. Make sure there’s room in the pan. I was working with a 10″ skillet, which is all I have. I overcrowded mine and ended up baking some of them in a separate skillet.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring only occasionally. Allow the potatoes time to develop golden-brown edges.
Step 4: Add the Onions and Seasonings
Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and gently toss everything together.
Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the potatoes are tender and browned.
Step 5: Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with chopped paprika or parsley (or both) if desired and serve immediately.
What to Expect from this Recipe
This one is absolutely comfort food in a bowl, friends. The soft potatoes with the crisp exterior. The shiny soft onions. Just the perfect amount of seasonings. I have to say, I could eat these potatoes and onions nearly every day! (And hey, two pounds makes a big batch, so I might be!)
My Best Tips
One thing I learned while testing this recipe is that skillet size matters. My 10-inch cast iron skillet was packed pretty full, so I removed about one-third of the potatoes and cooked them separately. If you’re using a smaller skillet, consider cooking in batches or using a larger 12-inch skillet.
Another tip? Use a silicone spatula. After parboiling, the potatoes become tender. A silicone spatula allows you to turn them gently without breaking them apart.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize. For extra Texas flavor, cook the potatoes in bacon grease instead of vegetable oil. You can also add:
- Crumbled bacon
- Diced jalapeños
- Creole seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Ranch seasoning
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Shredded cheddar cheese
What to Serve with Potatoes and Onions
These potatoes pair perfectly with:
Browse our site for more main dish ideas to serve with these lucious potatoes. And don’t forget dessert! If you like items cooked in a skillet you’ll love our cast iron desserts:
Grill Method
Place a cast iron skillet directly on a medium-heat grill.
Prepare the recipe exactly as directed, closing the grill lid between stirs. The potatoes will develop a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Smoker Method
Preheat your smoker to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the seasoned potatoes and onions in a cast iron skillet and set it directly on the smoker grate.
Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Pecan, oak, and hickory woods work especially well with this recipe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or warm in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes. Russet potatoes work well, though red potatoes tend to hold their shape better.
Why parboil the potatoes first?
Parboiling jump-starts the cooking process and helps create a creamy interior while allowing the outside to brown beautifully in the skillet.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They reheat very well and make excellent leftovers.
Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?
No, but cast iron produces the best browning and flavor.
Can I freeze fried potatoes and onions?
While possible, the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and reheated within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With just potatoes, onions, a few seasonings, and a cast iron skillet, you can create a hearty side dish that’s right at home beside your favorite grilled or smoked meats.
Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, the grill, or the smoker, these Texas Cast Iron Potatoes and Onions are sure to become a regular part of your backyard cooking routine.
Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
About Zach
Zach loves creating simple, family-friendly recipes that anyone can make in their own backyard. His approach to grilling is straightforward: quality ingredients, reliable techniques, and food that brings people together around the table. From juicy steaks and burgers to easy weeknight chicken dinners, Zach enjoys sharing recipes that take the stress out of cooking and put the focus back on enjoying great food with family and friends.
Texas Skillet Potatoes and Onions
Tender red potatoes and sweet onions are seasoned and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. This hearty Texas-inspired side dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, and barbecue favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 medium to large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, optional