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A close-up of a plate of smothered potatoes with golden-brown slices covered in creamy, seasoned gravy, topped with fresh parsley.

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 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

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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
    Freshly sliced potatoes, chopped onions, and garlic on a cutting board.
  • 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
    Onions and garlic sizzling in butter inside a cast-iron skillet.
  • 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
    Sliced potatoes in a skillet, coated with seasoning.
  • 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
    Potatoes simmering in a creamy broth, cooking to tender perfection.
  • 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
    Thickened gravy coating the smothered potatoes in a skillet.
  • 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
    Smothered potatoes plated with fresh parsley garnish.

Notes

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.
Keyword creamy potatoes, how to make smothered potatoes, skillet potatoes, smothered potatoes recipe, southern comfort food