Are you ready for a delicious side dish? Try this Southern Smothered Potatoes Recipe, the ultimate soul food. Smothered potatoes and caramelized onion come together in a rich broth. This classic Southern dish will warm your heart, so grab your cast iron skillet and let's get cooking!
We love pairing these potatoes with our Southern Meatloaf or our Cajun Fried Chicken.

Smothered potatoes are a classic Southern dish that showcases the comfort and flavor of home-cooked food. The potatoes are cooked with onion in a cast iron skillet over medium heat, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and creating a mouthwatering side dish that's perfect for any occasion.
If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our Southern Style Bacon and Green Beans or our Cowboy Potatoes.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- It's Easy: This recipe takes the hassle out of cooking with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
- It's Delicious: The combination of tender Yukon Gold potatoes and gravy creates a Southern-style dish that can enjoy often.
- It's Versatile: Serve these smothered potatoes as a side dish to complement your favorite main course. We enjoy them with our Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs.
- It's Soul food: Experience the comforting and heartwarming flavors of Southern cuisine right in your own kitchen.
Southern Smothered Potato Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these potatoes with gravy.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These buttery and flavorful potatoes provide a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the smothered sauce.
- Onion: Vidalia onion adds a subtle sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth serves as the base of the sauce.
- Flour: The flour acts as a thickening agent, helping to create a delicious gravy.
- Bacon Grease: Adds a touch of smokiness and richness.
- Butter: The addition of butter brings a luxurious and creamy element to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the smothered potatoes with a delicious garlic flavor, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Herbs de Provence: A delightful herb blend that combines flavors like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, adding depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for their buttery texture and flavor, but you can use Russet potatoes.
- Spices: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Thyme or rosemary would make a great addition.
- Bacon grease: Vegetable or olive oil would make a good replacement.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Add-ins: Try Smothered Potatoes with Sausage by adding cooked and crumbled sausage to the skillet. Cheese also makes a great topping!
- Method: Use your slow cooker for a convenient cooking method. You can also use your Instant Pot. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Diet: Replace bacon grease with olive oil for a vegetarian option.
How to Make Southern Smothered Potatoes
Don't forget to watch our video below!
STEP 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and dice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ⅛-inch thick pieces. Thinly slice the Vidalia onion.
STEP 2: Sauté the Onions
In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt bacon grease and add a knob of butter. Add the sliced Vidalia onion and sauté until they turn translucent and slightly caramelized.
STEP 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the skillet with the onions. In a small bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, Herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potatoes and onions, ensuring an even coating.
STEP 4: Simmer and Cook
Pour most of the chicken broth into the skillet, carefully stirring to distribute the seasoning. Reserve ½ cup to use only if needed.
Cover the skillet and let the potatoes cook over medium heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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 more meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor.
✔️ DO Ensure the potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.
Storage
Storage: Store any leftover smothered potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freeze: This dish is not freezer friendly.
Reheating Options:
Skillet: Use gentle heat to preserve their texture and flavors. If they appear too thick or dry after reheating, you can add a small amount of liquid (such as chicken broth) to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps, but cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
We do not recommend freezing since the texture may slightly change upon thawing.
You can make modifications to the recipe to enhance the healthfulness of smothered potatoes. For instance, incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or adding low-sodium chicken broth.
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📖 Recipe
Delicious Smothered Southern Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Knife
- Cutting
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and diced into ⅛-inch thick pieces
- 1 medium Vidalia onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon bacon grease
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat the bacon grease and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Vidalia onion and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Place the diced Yukon Gold potatoes in the skillet with the onions.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potatoes and onions, tossing well to coat everything evenly.
- Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning. Reserve the remaining ½ cup to add in if needed.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and let the potatoes cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir the potatoes occasionally during the cooking process to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the potatoes are cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish the smothered potatoes with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Video
Notes
-
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for their buttery texture and flavor, but you can use Russet potatoes.
- Spices: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Thyme or rosemary would make a great addition.