Southern Stewed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Southern Stewed Potatoes are a comforting, creamy side dish perfect for any meal. Soft potatoes simmered in a buttery, lightly seasoned sauce make a delicious addition to your table.

A bowl filled with golden yellow potato chunks soaked in a light brown broth, each potato piece showing a soft texture with a slight shine. On top, finely chopped green herbs are scattered evenly, adding a fresh, colorful touch. The bowl is white with a subtle glossy finish, sitting on a white marbled surface, with some fresh green herbs placed nearby. In the background, a small glass bowl filled with red cherry tomatoes is slightly blurred. The overall scene is well-lit, showing clear, bright colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 7 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 pinch dried onion flakes (or a few tablespoons finely diced onion)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp bacon grease (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Carefully drain the water but do not rinse the potatoes.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the flour and ½ cup water until smooth. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and stir in the flour mixture. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
  4. Step 4: Add the milk and butter, stirring gently to combine. Stir in the dried onion flakes, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  5. Step 5: For extra flavor, optionally stir in the bacon grease.
  6. Step 6: Continue to simmer for 5–10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickly coats the potatoes. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh diced onion instead of dried flakes for a more pronounced onion flavor.
  • Add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
  • Omit bacon grease for a vegetarian-friendly version or substitute with olive oil.
  • Simmer a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky heat.

Storage

Store leftover stewed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with golden yellow potato chunks cooked in a light brown sauce. The potatoes have a slightly glossy texture, showing softness and some browning on the edges. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously on top and scattered over the potatoes, adding fresh color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, starchy potatoes like Russets work best for a creamy, fluffy texture, but you can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly firmer bite.

Is it necessary to add bacon grease?

No, bacon grease is optional. It adds extra flavor but can be omitted or replaced with a neutral oil or butter for a milder taste.

Print

Southern Stewed Potatoes Recipe

Southern Stewed Potatoes are a comforting, creamy side dish featuring tender, cubed potatoes simmered in a buttery, lightly thickened sauce with hints of onion and optional smoky bacon flavor. This traditional recipe highlights simple ingredients cooked gently on the stovetop to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for pairing with any Southern meal.

  • Author: Mila
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 7 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

Liquids and Fats

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup water (for thickening)
  • ½ cup water (for boiling potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp bacon grease (optional)

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tbsp flour

Seasonings

  • 1 pinch dried onion flakes (or a few tablespoons finely diced onion)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain the water gently, avoiding rinsing the potatoes to retain texture and flavor.
  3. Make the Flour Mixture and Thicken: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with ½ cup of water until smooth to create a slurry. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and stir in the flour mixture. Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the potatoes.
  4. Add Milk, Butter, and Seasonings: Pour in the ½ cup of milk and add the 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently to combine and create a creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the dried onion flakes (or fresh diced onion), salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Incorporate Optional Bacon Grease: If desired, stir in 2 tablespoons of bacon grease for a smoky depth of flavor that enhances the richness of the dish.
  6. Final Simmer and Serve: Continue to simmer the potatoes for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened appropriately and coats the potatoes well. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the stewed potatoes warm as a comforting side dish.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon grease or replace with additional butter or olive oil.
  • You can substitute dried onion flakes with fresh finely diced onions for a fresher flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the potatoes to avoid them turning mushy during simmering and thickening.
  • Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best results, as they hold shape well when stewed.
  • Adjust milk quantity for desired creaminess or to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Keywords: Southern stewed potatoes, creamy potatoes, stewed potatoes recipe, Southern side dish, stovetop potatoes, comfort food

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating