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Southern Stewed Potatoes Recipe

4.6 from 129 reviews

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.

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