Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Potatoes
If you’re looking for a breakfast side dish that’s quick, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, these Easy Breakfast Potatoes O’Brien check all the boxes. They’re hearty, savory, and full of crispy golden edges that contrast perfectly with soft, tender centers. Combined with sautéed bell peppers and onions, this dish turns an ordinary breakfast into something special.
What makes this version of Potatoes O’Brien stand out is that it’s oven-baked, not fried. That means you can skip the grease splatter and hands-on stirring, and still end up with perfectly crisp potatoes in about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking up a weekend brunch or meal prepping for the week ahead, this side dish delivers unbeatable convenience and comfort in one pan.
Table of Contents
What Are Potatoes O’Brien?
Potatoes O’Brien is a classic American diner-style breakfast side dish, usually made by pan-frying diced potatoes with chopped bell peppers and onions. They’re often served alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage, and bring both flavor and color to your plate.
Traditionally cooked in a skillet, our version modernizes the process by roasting the ingredients in the oven, which makes the dish easier to prepare and even more flavorful thanks to caramelized edges and concentrated seasoning.
The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes Potatoes O’Brien such a crowd-pleaser. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce, you can create a side dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredients and how they come together in the oven. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of small yellow potatoes (or red potatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt or seasoning salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference—whether it’s a dash of garlic powder, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Potatoes O’Brien
Making these breakfast potatoes couldn’t be easier. You’ll be chopping, tossing, and roasting—no babysitting a skillet required.
1. Prep the Vegetables
Start by dicing the potatoes, bell peppers, and onion into roughly ½-inch pieces. Keeping everything uniform in size helps the vegetables cook evenly and brown nicely.
There’s no need to peel the potatoes unless you prefer them that way. Leaving the skins on not only saves time but also adds texture and nutrients.
2. Season and Toss
Place all the diced vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt. Add in any optional spices like paprika and parsley at this stage.
Toss everything until the vegetables are evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
3. Spread and Roast
Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan. Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer across the surface. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this is key to getting crispy, golden edges.
Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Stir the mixture every 7 minutes or so to ensure even browning and caramelization.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are tender and golden brown with crispy edges, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Why Baked Potatoes O’Brien Are Better Than Fried
While traditional Potatoes O’Brien is cooked in a skillet, baking them offers several advantages that make this recipe easier and arguably better.
- Healthier: Less oil is needed, which means fewer calories and less fat.
- Less Mess: No splattering oil, no need to stand and stir.
- More Even Cooking: The oven’s heat surrounds the ingredients, cooking them more uniformly than a stovetop.
- Crispier Texture: Dry heat helps evaporate moisture, making the edges extra crispy.
- Bigger Batch Cooking: A baking dish holds more than a skillet, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Potatoes Every Time
If you want truly irresistible potatoes every time, follow these tried-and-true tips:
- Use Waxy Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape and crisp up nicely, while russets tend to get mushy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread everything out to allow air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Preheat the Oven Fully: Don’t rush this step. A hot oven is essential for caramelization.
- Stir Strategically: Stirring once or twice ensures even browning without breaking up the potatoes too much.
- Add Herbs After Baking: If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley or chives, sprinkle them on after roasting to preserve their flavor and color.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Want to put your spin on Potatoes O’Brien? Here are some flavorful twists to try:
- Spicy O’Brien Potatoes: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce before serving.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top for the last few minutes of baking. Return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Replace half or all of the yellow potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Mix in cooked bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or diced ham before baking for a heartier version.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Toss in chopped parsley, chives, or green onions after baking for a burst of freshness.
Best Pairings: What to Serve With Potatoes O’Brien
These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with just about any breakfast or brunch option. Here are some great combos:
- Scrambled Eggs and Bacon: A classic diner-style breakfast.
- Eggs Benedict: Use as a colorful side instead of English muffins.
- Breakfast Burritos: Roll them into tortillas with eggs, cheese, and salsa.
- Veggie Omelet: Complement the peppers and onions with a fluffy omelet.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Pile them onto toast or English muffins with eggs and sausage.
- Avocado Toast: Add a scoop on top for a savory upgrade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These potatoes are also great for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- To Store: Let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat in the oven at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes.
- To Freeze: Not ideal due to texture changes, but if you must freeze them, use within 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen in a hot skillet or oven for best results.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can dice the potatoes and veggies a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply toss with oil and seasoning and bake.
For a breakfast crowd, prep two trays in advance and bake them fresh in the morning. It’s a no-fuss way to serve something hearty and homemade.
Easy Breakfast Potatoes O’Brien
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality breakfast side dish that pairs beautifully with eggs, bacon, or your favorite morning proteins.
The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze while you enjoy a satisfying, homestyle breakfast that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Breakfast Potatoes O’Brien
Ingredients
- 2 lbs small yellow potatoes or red potatoes, diced (peeling optional)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 orange bell pepper diced (or use any color peppers of choice)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt-free seasoning or seasoning salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for color
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes optional, for color
Instructions
- Dice the potatoes (leaving skin on if desired), onion, and bell peppers into uniform pieces. And place all diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle with your choice of salt-free seasoning or seasoning salt. Add smoked paprika and parsley flakes if using.
- Using clean hands, toss all ingredients together until well incorporated and evenly coated.
- Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a well-oiled baking dish. Flatten and spread evenly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Check and stir the potatoes every 7 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom.
- Once potatoes are golden and tender, remove from oven and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Peeling potatoes is optional – leaving the skin on adds extra nutrition and texture
- Feel free to substitute different colored bell peppers based on availability
- The smoked paprika and parsley are mainly for color and can be omitted
- Stirring every 7 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents burning
- Pairs perfectly with eggs and bacon for a complete breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes or hash browns?
Yes, but results will differ. Frozen diced potatoes can be used in a pinch—just thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Definitely. Use a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes first until golden, then add peppers and onions and sauté until soft.
What’s the best type of oil to use?
Olive oil adds flavor, but avocado oil or canola oil also work well. Avoid butter, as it can burn at high temperatures.
Why do my potatoes stick to the pan?
Insufficient oil or a pan that isn’t well-greased is often the cause. Make sure the baking surface is generously oiled or lined with parchment paper (though parchment may reduce crispiness).
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free seasonings.
Final Thoughts
Potatoes O’Brien are more than just a breakfast side—they’re a comfort food staple that never goes out of style. This baked version offers all the flavor and crunch of the classic dish with less mess and more ease.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply looking to elevate your weekday mornings, these Easy Breakfast Potatoes O’Brien deliver every time. With endless ways to customize and minimal ingredients, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.
