Bratkartoffeln
Crispy, pan-fried potatoes tossed with savory bacon and sweet caramelized onions. This classic German comfort food is the perfect side dish for sausages, schnitzel, or a hearty breakfast.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Potatoes
- b.Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by at least an inch and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender but still firm and not falling apart.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool completely. For the best, crispiest results, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps them dry out.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Ingredients
- b.Once the potatoes are completely cool, peel them (or leave the skin on for a more rustic texture).
- c.Slice the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- d.Chop the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and thinly slice the onion.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Bacon and Onions
- b.In a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is brown and crispy.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- d.Add the sliced onions to the hot bacon fat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Potatoes
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet with the onions, spreading them in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- c.If the pan seems dry, add the tablespoon of butter. Let the potatoes fry undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- d.Using a spatula, flip the potatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the other side is equally crispy and golden.
- e.Gently toss the potatoes and onions together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet.
- c.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- d.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes is key. They hold their shape much better than starchy potatoes like Russets.
- 2For the crispiest results, use day-old boiled potatoes. They are drier and will fry up beautifully without becoming mushy.
- 3Resist the urge to stir the potatoes too often while they are frying. This allows them to develop a deep golden-brown, crispy crust.
- 4A large cast-iron skillet provides the best even heat for getting a great crust on the potatoes.
- 5Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the potatoes in batches if necessary to ensure they fry rather than steam.
- 6The amount of fat rendered from bacon varies. If your pan looks dry when you add the potatoes, don't hesitate to add a little butter or neutral oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon and fry the potatoes in 2-3 tablespoons of butter or a neutral oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the salt and pepper to mimic a smoky flavor.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds or 1 tablespoon of fresh marjoram along with the onions for a more traditional German flavor profile.
Make it a MealMake it a Meal
Turn this side dish into a full meal known as 'Bauernfrühstück' (Farmer's Breakfast) by topping each serving with a sunny-side-up fried egg.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Sauté sliced bell peppers (any color) along with the onions for added flavor, color, and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates in potatoes are an excellent source of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling dish.
Source of Potassium
Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Contains Vitamin C
Potatoes provide a good amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Bratkartoffeln contains approximately 400-450 calories, primarily from the potatoes and bacon fat. The exact number can vary based on the type of bacon used and the amount of butter added.