I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something remarkable. This Sausage And Fried Potatoes dish features smoked sausage, russet potatoes, and sliced onions mingling with garlic and paprika. Each bite carries a hint of cayenne that adds just the right kick to this satisfying one-pan meal.

I recently tried a new twist on a classic, and I have to say, this Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage dish has quickly become one of my favorites. I started by browning slices of smoked sausage in a hot skillet with a bit of vegetable oil, then tossed in sliced onions until they turned soft and sweet.
The russet potatoes, cut into perfect little chunks, were coated in garlic and a mixture of salt, pepper, and paprika and added right to the mix. The whole thing came together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
I love how the dish delivers a hearty meal thats perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and budget-friendly. It’s one of those recipes that really fills the kitchen with amazing smells and promises a delicious dinner full of comforting flavors like a deep, satisfying sausage dinner.
Enjoy this delightful twist on fried potatoes, sausage and onions!
Why I Like this Recipe
I really love this recipe because it brings together so many flavors in a simple way. I like how the smoked sausage mixes with the crispy potatoes and onions to create a hearty, satisfying meal that never fails to hit the spot. I also appreciate how easy it is to make in just one pan. It makes cleaning up way less of a hassle and lets me spend more time enjoying my food. On top of that, the spices like paprika and a little pinch of cayenne give it a kick that makes every bite fun and exciting. Overall, its budget-friendly and comforting so it always feels like a treat after a long day.
Ingredients

- Smoked sausage is high in protein and adds a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
- Russet potatoes are loaded with carbs providing body and a satisfying texture.
- Onion gives a sweet zing and fiber while balancing the savory sausage taste.
- Garlic infuses a punchy aroma and natural antioxidants for extra goodness.
- Vegetable oil helps fry everything evenly and improves the overall texture.
- Paprika offers mild heat and a smoky depth that ties the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and a hint of herby freshness.
- Salt and pepper season the dish right, brightenin all the flavors.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper provides optional extra heat to spice it up.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1.5 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a kick)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make this
1. Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat and get all your ingredients ready.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch cubes, then thinly slice the onion.
3. In the heated skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and toss in the potatoes and onions along with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a kick.
4. Cook the potatoes and onions for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start gettin golden and a bit crispy.
5. Add the sliced smoked sausage into the skillet, stir it into the mix so all the flavors start to blend.
6. Toss in the minced garlic, and stir it around for about a minute. Make sure the garlic don’t burn.
7. Lower the heat to medium and let everything cook for another 8-10 minutes. This way the sausage will brown nicely and the potatoes become fork tender.
8. Keep stirring occasionally so every bit gets cooked evenly.
9. Taste the dish and add extra salt if needed.
10. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you want, and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet – used for frying the potatoes, onions, and sausage on a stovetop.
2. Stove – needed to heat the skillet on medium-high and then adjust to medium.
3. Cutting board – essential for chopping the potatoes, slicing the onion, and slicing the sausage.
4. Chef’s knife – for peeling, dicing the potatoes, slicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
5. Vegetable peeler – necessary to peel the potatoes efficiently.
6. Measuring spoons – to measure out spices like salt, black pepper, paprika, and the pinch of cayenne.
7. Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the ingredients to ensure even browning.
FAQ
Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can use kielbasa or even chorizo which gives a similar smoky flavor and heartiness.
- If russet potatoes are scarce, try using Yukon Gold potatoes; they tend to be creamier and still hold up well when fried.
- If a large onion isn’t on hand, red onions or even shallots can work pretty well to bring some sweetness to the dish.
- If you’re out of vegetable oil, canola or sunflower oil are good substitutes and work just fine for frying.
- Instead of using fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove) if that’s what you have in your spice rack.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you dont overcrowd your skillet because if its too full, the potatoes will steam instead of getting that crispy, golden texture you want.
2. Try letting the sausage sear for a little longer on one side before stirring so you get some nice browned bits that really boost the flavor.
3. When you add the garlic, be super careful not to let it burn cause once garlic is burned its bitter and ruins the taste.
4. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, toss in a little extra paprika or cayenne at the end, but only a pinch at a time so you dont end up with too spicy of a dish.
Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Recipe
My favorite Southern Fried Potatoes & Sausage Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet – used for frying the potatoes, onions, and sausage on a stovetop.
2. Stove – needed to heat the skillet on medium-high and then adjust to medium.
3. Cutting board – essential for chopping the potatoes, slicing the onion, and slicing the sausage.
4. Chef’s knife – for peeling, dicing the potatoes, slicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
5. Vegetable peeler – necessary to peel the potatoes efficiently.
6. Measuring spoons – to measure out spices like salt, black pepper, paprika, and the pinch of cayenne.
7. Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the ingredients to ensure even browning.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1.5 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a kick)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat and get all your ingredients ready.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch cubes, then thinly slice the onion.
3. In the heated skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and toss in the potatoes and onions along with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a kick.
4. Cook the potatoes and onions for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start gettin golden and a bit crispy.
5. Add the sliced smoked sausage into the skillet, stir it into the mix so all the flavors start to blend.
6. Toss in the minced garlic, and stir it around for about a minute. Make sure the garlic don’t burn.
7. Lower the heat to medium and let everything cook for another 8-10 minutes. This way the sausage will brown nicely and the potatoes become fork tender.
8. Keep stirring occasionally so every bit gets cooked evenly.
9. Taste the dish and add extra salt if needed.
10. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you want, and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!













