Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions – The Ultimate Crispy, Comforting Side Dish

When it comes to hearty side dishes that satisfy every time, Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions top the list. They’re simple, budget-friendly, packed with savory flavor, and crisped to perfection — all without the mess of deep frying.

This dish combines tender red potatoes, sweet onions, smoky bacon, and buttery goodness, all roasted in a hot oven until golden brown and slightly crisp. The result? A classic side that pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, eggs, or even stands strong as the star of a rustic vegetarian plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy oven-roasted potato dish has been a go-to side in kitchens for generations — and for good reason.

• ✅ Simple ingredients you likely already have

• ✅ One-pan meal with minimal cleanup

• ✅ Customizable to match any main course

• ✅ Crispy edges with tender insides

• ✅ Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Whether you’re serving it with fried eggs or grilled steak, these potatoes always deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

What Are Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions?

Despite the name, these potatoes aren’t deep-fried — they’re roasted at a high temperature to mimic the crisp texture of fried potatoes, all while soaking up savory bacon fat and buttery richness.

The dish features:

• Thinly sliced or cubed red potatoes

• Finely chopped onions

• Bits of bacon for flavor and crunch

• Diced butter for richness

• A broiler finish for that perfect golden crisp

It’s comfort food, plain and simple — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with all the flavors you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible side dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 5 lbs red potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• ½ cup butter, diced into small pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

• Garlic powder or smoked paprika

• Green onions or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish comes together easily and makes a big batch — perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or larger sheet pan for extra crisping)

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

• Spread sliced or cubed potatoes evenly in the dish

• Sprinkle with chopped onions and bacon

• Dot evenly with butter pieces

• Season generously with salt and pepper

• Cover tightly with foil

Step 3: Bake

• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes

• Remove foil and stir everything thoroughly

Step 4: Broil to Finish

• Set oven to broil

• Return the pan to the oven and broil for 5 minutes, stirring every minute for even browning

• Watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 5: Serve

• Serve immediately while hot and crispy

• Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if desired

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Potatoes

Want those perfectly golden edges every time? Follow these tips:

• Use high heat – Roasting at 400°F ensures caramelization and crisping

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Spread ingredients in an even layer

• Toss halfway through – Stirring mid-bake prevents sticking and promotes browning

• Use the broiler – It gives that final crisp just before serving

• Parboil if needed – For ultra-crispy potatoes, briefly boil cubed potatoes for 5–7 minutes before roasting

Serving Ideas & Meal Pairings

These oven fried potatoes and onions are super versatile. Pair them with:

For Breakfast:

• Fried or scrambled eggs

• Sausage links or bacon strips

• Avocado toast

For Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast

• BLT sandwiches

• Quiche or frittata

For Dinner:

• Steak or pork chops

• Roasted vegetables and salad

• Baked fish or meatloaf

They’re also excellent with a dollop of sour cream, spicy ketchup, or a side of garlic aioli.

Variations and Add-Ins

Customize this dish to suit your flavor preferences:

Cheesy Potatoes

• Stir in shredded cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella in the last 10 minutes of baking

Southwest Style

• Add chili powder, cumin, and corn kernels

• Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime

Loaded Potato Style

• Top with sour cream, green onions, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon

Vegan Option

• Skip the bacon and butter

• Use olive oil and smoked paprika for rich flavor

Storage and Reheating Tips

These potatoes make excellent leftovers!

To Store:

• Let cool completely

• Transfer to an airtight container

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

To Reheat:

• In the oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes

• On the stovetop: Reheat in a nonstick skillet with a splash of oil

• In the microwave: 1–2 minutes (but they won’t be as crispy)

Final Thoughts

Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions are a staple for good reason — they’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to customize. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a side dish that steals the show every time.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish brings together everything we love about home cooking: bold flavor, crispy textures, and the kind of aroma that fills the whole kitchen with warmth.