Country Fries
Country Fries are hearty, flavorful skillet potatoes with vegetables, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, offering comforting, rustic flavors that suit any casual meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, pour 2 tablespoons of leftover bacon drippings or cooking oil.
- Turn the heat up to high.
- Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped yellow squash, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until everything starts frying well, then turn the heat to medium or medium-low.
- Cover with a lid and let cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring, flipping, or turning frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs such as rosemary or thyme. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil or vegetable oil works well. To ensure even cooking, cut the vegetables into similar sizes. For a crispy texture, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the ingredients. This dish can also be adapted by including other seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Country Fries can be served as a hearty breakfast or a side dish for lunch or dinner. They pair beautifully with fried eggs or grilled meats and are perfect for a weekend brunch. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad, such as Cranberry Crunch Salad, for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fries in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Fries contains roughly 441 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Country Fries vegan, simply substitute the bacon drippings with vegetable oil or olive oil. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the recipe plant-based. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture when cooked, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also work well. Choose a variety that you enjoy or have on hand for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).