Potatoes O’Brien
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of perfectly cooked potatoes, and Potatoes O’Brien takes that comfort to the next level. This dish features a delightful combination of Yukon Gold potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all sautéed to golden perfection. Whether served as a breakfast side, a brunch centerpiece, or a hearty dinner accompaniment, Potatoes O’Brien is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes.
Why You’ll Keep Making It

Potatoes O’Brien is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. The creamy, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes marry beautifully with the sweetness of the onions and the slight crunch of the bell peppers. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for any meal of the day. Whether you enjoy it with eggs in the morning, alongside grilled meats at dinner, or even as a midday snack, Potatoes O’Brien is a dish that never disappoints. Plus, the vibrant colors make it so visually appealing that it’s hard to resist going back for seconds!
What Goes In
To create this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment Breakdown
To make Potatoes O’Brien, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or frying pan: A wide surface allows for even cooking and browning.
- Sharp knife: Essential for dicing your vegetables with ease.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping your ingredients safely.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring and flipping the potatoes and veggies.
Method: Potatoes O’Brien

Creating the perfect Potatoes O’Brien is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious and colorful dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing and peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes. Dice them into small, uniform cubes, about half an inch in size. This will ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Dice the Onions and Bell Peppers
Next, finely dice the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Aim for similar sizes to the potatoes for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the potatoes start to soften.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Once the potatoes are slightly tender, add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Continue Cooking
Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the potatoes to be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Potatoes O’Brien!
Smart Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Potatoes O’Brien with these substitutions:
- Potatoes: While Yukon Golds are preferred for their creaminess, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes.
- Pepper Variations: Add other bell pepper colors like yellow or orange for a sweeter taste.
- Onions: Substitute yellow onions with red or white onions for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick.
Cook’s Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced cooked bacon or sausage to the mix.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; this will ensure the potatoes get crispy instead of steaming.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- For a vegan option, the recipe is already plant-based as is!
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you have leftovers, Potatoes O’Brien can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispy texture, or microwave them if you’re short on time. This dish is also great for meal prep—simply double the recipe and portion it out for easy breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Potatoes O’Brien ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and sauté them just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I serve with Potatoes O’Brien?
Potatoes O’Brien pairs well with eggs, grilled meats, or as a filling side dish with any main course. Consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or with a hearty breakfast burrito.
Can I freeze Potatoes O’Brien?
While it is possible to freeze Potatoes O’Brien, the texture may change after thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to do so before cooking. Simply dice the ingredients and freeze them separately.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery flavor and creamy texture, but you can also use Russet or red potatoes as alternatives.
Serve & Enjoy
Once you’ve followed this simple yet satisfying recipe for Potatoes O’Brien, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again. The vibrant colors, hearty flavors, and delightful textures make it a winning dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, cooking for a busy weeknight, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, Potatoes O’Brien is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious plate of classic comfort food.

Potatoes O'Brien
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables - Begin by washing and peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes. Dice them into small, uniform cubes, about half an inch in size, for even cooking.
- Step 2: Dice the Onions and Bell Peppers - Finely dice the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, aiming for similar sizes to the potatoes.
- Step 3: Heat the Skillet - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Step 4: Cook the Potatoes - Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add the Vegetables - Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet once the potatoes are slightly tender and stir well.
- Step 6: Continue Cooking - Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced cooked bacon or sausage.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet for crispy potatoes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- This recipe is plant-based and vegan-friendly!
