how to make smothered potatoes
Smothered Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish made with tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and rich seasonings. Perfect as a side dish or main meal, this recipe delivers homestyle flavors with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal
1 Cutting Board For chopping potatoes, onions, and garlic
1 Sharp Knife Essential for precise slicing
1 Cast-Iron Skillet / Pan Ideal for even cooking and flavor depth
1 Wooden Spoon / Spatula Helps stir ingredients without scratching the pan
1 Measuring Cups & Spoons Ensures accurate ingredient measurements
1 Mixing Bowl Useful for coating potatoes with seasoning
1 Whisk Helps mix flour into broth smoothly
1 Lid for Skillet / Pan Retains moisture while simmering
- 4 medium Potatoes Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work best
- 2 tbsp Butter For rich flavor and browning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil Helps prevent butter from burning
- 1 small Onion Sliced thinly for added sweetness
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for depth of flavor
- 1 tsp Paprika Adds warmth and slight smokiness
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Enhances overall seasoning
- 1 cup Chicken Broth For a rich, savory sauce
- ½ cup Heavy Cream Makes the dish creamy and indulgent
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Helps thicken the gravy
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish
Wash, peel (if desired), and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients before cooking.
4 medium Potatoes, 1 small Onion, 2 cloves Garlic, 2 tbsp Butter
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, then sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
1 tbsp Olive Oil, 1 small Onion, 2 cloves Garlic
Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Stir well to coat evenly.
4 medium Potatoes, 1 tsp Paprika, ½ tsp Salt, ½ tsp Black Pepper
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Cover the skillet and let the potatoes simmer until tender.
1 cup Chicken Broth, ½ cup Heavy Cream
Mix flour with a small amount of broth, then stir it into the skillet to thicken the sauce. Simmer until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour, 1 cup Chicken Broth
Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite main dish or enjoy on its own.
1 tbsp Fresh Parsley
Best Potatoes for Smothering: Russet potatoes yield a soft, creamy texture, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better. Choose based on your preference.
Customizing the Flavor: For a smoky depth, add a dash of smoked paprika. If you enjoy spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
Making it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter.
Thickening the Sauce: If the gravy is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of flour with a little broth and stir it in gradually.
Preventing Mushy Potatoes: Avoid overcooking by simmering on low heat and checking for doneness after 15 minutes.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
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