Southern Smothered Potatoes – A Creamy, Savory, and Irresistible Comfort Dish

If you’re in the mood for a rich and hearty side dish that’s packed with Southern flavor, look no further than Southern Smothered Potatoes. These buttery, perfectly seasoned potatoes simmered in a savory sauce made with onions and chicken broth are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you serve them alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or a simple vegetable dish, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. The combination of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, caramelized Vidalia onions, and a deliciously creamy sauce makes this recipe a Southern classic.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Southern Smothered Potatoes

Southern cooking is known for its rich, comforting flavors, and smothered potatoes are a perfect example of that. In this dish, Yukon Gold potatoes are slowly simmered with onions and a flavorful broth, absorbing the savory goodness and becoming perfectly tender. What makes this dish truly special is the use of bacon grease, which adds a deep, smoky flavor to the potatoes and onions. The result is a creamy, well-seasoned dish that’s both simple and indulgent. With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create this Southern favorite in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Southern Smothered Potatoes

These potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Soft, buttery, and swimming in a rich, savory sauce, they’re everything you want in a side dish. The caramelized onions add a natural sweetness, while the Herbs de Provence bring a subtle, fragrant flavor. Bacon grease and chicken broth elevate the dish, adding layers of richness that make every bite irresistible. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make—all you need is one skillet and a handful of ingredients to create a side dish that will wow your family and guests.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 3g

These smothered potatoes are indulgent yet comforting, making them a great side dish for any Southern meal. Serve them with a green vegetable or salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Southern Smothered Potatoes are the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair beautifully with fried chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. Their rich, creamy sauce complements the crispy, savory flavors of fried or roasted meats. For a lighter meal, you could serve these potatoes alongside a simple salad or sautéed greens like collard greens or kale.

They’re also perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday suppers, where comfort food reigns supreme. Whether served at a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these smothered potatoes will surely steal the spotlight.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These potatoes store wonderfully, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

These smothered potatoes also freeze well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the potatoes in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Fun Fact: The Tradition of Smothered Cooking in Southern Cuisine

The technique of “smothering” food, which involves slow-cooking ingredients in a flavorful sauce or gravy, is a cornerstone of Southern cuisine. Smothering allows the ingredients to absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. Smothered potatoes are just one delicious example, but you’ll also find smothered pork chops, chicken, and even vegetables in Southern kitchens. The key to smothering is patience—allowing the ingredients to cook slowly ensures the best flavor and texture.

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Cooking Tips

• Get the Perfect Texture: For perfectly cooked smothered potatoes, make sure to slice your potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some from being too soft while others remain undercooked.
• Customize the Seasoning: While this recipe uses Herbs de Provence for a fragrant, herbaceous flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or even Cajun seasoning can add a new twist to this classic dish.
• Extra Creaminess: If you love an extra-creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create an even richer, more indulgent dish.

Optional Variations

• Add Bacon: If you want to take these smothered potatoes to the next level, stir in some crispy bacon pieces before serving. The smoky bacon adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cheesy Potatoes: For an indulgent cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese over the top of the potatoes in the last few minutes of cooking. Let the cheese melt into the sauce for an even richer dish.
• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil or butter in place of bacon grease. The result will be just as delicious, with a lighter, more vegetal flavor.

Southern Smothered Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch thick rounds
• 1 medium Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons bacon grease
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat the bacon grease and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onion and sauté until they become soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized—about 5 minutes.
2. Add the potatoes: Place the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the skillet with the onions, spreading them out evenly across the skillet.
3. Season and coat: In a small bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the potatoes and onions, tossing well to coat everything evenly.
4. Pour in the broth: Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of broth to add later if needed.
5. Cook the potatoes: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the potatoes cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if necessary to keep the potatoes from sticking or if you prefer a thinner sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

These Southern Smothered Potatoes are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s full of comforting flavors. With tender, buttery potatoes and a savory, rich sauce, they’re the perfect side dish for any occasion!