Cowboy Potatoes are a hearty, crispy potato dish packed with bell peppers, onions, and bold seasonings. This easy one-pan recipe delivers golden-brown potatoes with big flavor in every bite, perfect for a weekend brunch or a filling side.
Crave a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast? Try our cowboy-style Scrambled Egg Sandwich or our Bacon Egg and Cheese English Muffin.
This latest cowboy craze is sweeping the nation and we're jumping on the bandwagon! Try our delicious Cowboy Caviar recipe or our Cowboy Steak Butter Recipe. Take out your favorite cast-iron skillet and let's do this ranch style!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy: Grab a bag of frozen diced peppers and onions to save time-no chopping required!
- Economical: Potatoes are filling, affordable, and stretch your grocery budget. Have you tried our Southern Smothered Potatoes or these Air Fryer Potato Wedges?
- Tasty: Crispy potatoes and caramelized veggies-add some protein and what's not to love?
- Versatile: Switch up the protein, add different spices, or cook the eggs however you like! We love this Sous Vide Soft Boiled Eggs recipe.
Ingredients for Cowboy Potatoes
Here's everything you'll need to make these crispy breakfast potatoes.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes or Chef's potatoes are what we prefer for this recipe (see pictures above and below).
- Bell peppers: Choose different color variations to add interest.
- Onion: We prefer sweet onion varieties like Vidalia onions.
- Olive Oil: Be sure to add a little more if needed.
- Herbs and Seasoning: We like to use cajun seasoning, an all-purpose seasoning, or fresh herbs. A small dash of paprika will also add flavor and color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Bell Peppers: Swap for poblano peppers for a smoky kick or skip them and add your favorite meat instead.
- Onion: Use green onions (scallions) instead, adding them at the end for a fresh flavor.
- Protein: Add smoked sausage, breakfast sausage, or bacon, or top with fried or scrambled eggs.
- Spice: Turn these into Mexican Breakfast Potatoes by adding spicy chorizo and a dash of cumin.
- Cheese: Melt cheddar cheese over the top and drizzle with ranch dressing or White Sausage Gravy.
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How to Make Cowboy Potatoes
STEP 1: Prepare and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Dice the potatoes slightly larger than the bell peppers and onions to keep them from overcooking too quickly.
STEP 2: Season and Sauté
Season the diced potatoes generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 2 minutes, adding more olive oil if needed, until they begin to soften.
STEP 3: Bake Until Tender
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
STEP 4: Serve with Eggs or Toppings
Top with fried, scrambled, or poached eggs and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Preheat your skillet before adding potatoes for the best crisp.
❌ DO NOT Stir too often-let the potatoes develop a golden crust before flipping.
❌ DO NOT Skip draining excess grease if using fatty sausage to avoid soggy potatoes.
Storage
Store leftovers cowboy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with oil, a 400°F oven, or the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Add bacon, sausage, or ground beef for extra protein, or serve with a side of eggs and toast to make it a hearty breakfast.
They both have different flesh and skin colors. Yukon potatoes have a buttery flavor and their skin is not as tough. They also have a little less starch.
Yes! Toss the potatoes, peppers, and onions with olive oil and seasonings, then air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
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📖 Recipe
Cowboy Potatoes
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 medium Yukon Gold potato
- ¼ medium red bell pepper diced
- ¼ medium green bell pepper diced
- ¼ medium onion diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Wash all produce thoroughly. Dice the bell peppers, onion, and potatoes into small, even pieces, keeping the potatoes slightly larger for the best texture.
- Generously season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 2 minutes, adding more olive oil if needed, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Top with your favorite eggs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Notes
- Bell Peppers: Swap for poblano peppers for a smoky kick or skip them and add your favorite meat instead.
- Onion: Use green onions (scallions) instead, adding them at the end for a fresh flavor.
Jami Powell says
We love these crispy breakfast potatoes!