This skillet classic brings all the savory comfort you could want in a single dish. Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage is the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy from the first bite—crispy-edged potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and juicy smoked sausage, all kissed with herbs and golden browning. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a quick weeknight dinner, it’s hearty, fuss-free, and deeply satisfying.
What makes this dish special is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or a long list of ingredients to be full of flavor. Instead, it celebrates the natural beauty of caramelized onions, well-seasoned potatoes, and the smoky richness of Polish sausage. It’s a dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can easily be paired with eggs, greens, or a slice of crusty bread.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for This Recipe?
You want a potato that holds its shape and crisps up beautifully. Yukon Golds are ideal here because they have that perfect balance between waxy and starchy. They brown well and stay tender inside. Russets can work too, but they tend to break apart more easily, while red potatoes can give you a firmer bite.

Ingredients for the Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage
Yukon Gold Potatoes – These are your base. They’re golden, creamy, and crisp up beautifully when pan-fried.
Smoked Polish Sausage – The star protein! It brings a deep, smoky, savory bite to every forkful.
Yellow Onion – Sliced thick so they caramelize just enough to turn sweet and golden, not mushy.
Olive Oil – Helps everything brown evenly and adds a touch of richness.
Butter – For flavor depth and that beautiful golden crust on the potatoes.
Garlic Powder – A quick and easy way to add that garlicky goodness.
Dried Oregano and Parsley – Adds herby brightness and depth.
Salt and Black Pepper – To season everything perfectly.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
How To Make the Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and cube your Yukon Gold potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice the smoked Polish sausage into thick rounds, and cut your onion into chunky slices. Have all your seasonings ready to go because this dish cooks quickly once the pan is hot.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and parboil the potatoes for 5–7 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still firm. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This step ensures crisp edges and a soft center when pan-fried.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add the sausage rounds and let them sear until browned and slightly crispy on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add a bit of butter. Toss in the onions and sauté until they become soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning.
Step 5: Crisp the Potatoes
Add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and a little more butter if needed. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that crispy, golden crust. Then stir and continue to cook until all sides are nicely browned.
Step 6: Season Everything
Sprinkle in garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors mingle.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy the savory comfort in every bite.
Best Ways to Serve and Store Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a satisfying main meal. It pairs beautifully with fried or scrambled eggs for breakfast, or a fresh green salad for dinner. If you want to make it more filling, try adding sautéed bell peppers or a side of cornbread.
For storing, let any leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in a hot skillet with a splash of oil to bring back the crispiness, or warm them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sausage?
Absolutely! Andouille or kielbasa both work great. Just make sure it’s a smoked sausage for the best flavor punch.
Do I have to parboil the potatoes?
You don’t have to, but it helps tremendously. Parboiling speeds up the cooking and guarantees a soft inside with a crispy edge.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be delicious. Add them in after the onions start to soften.
What type of skillet is best?
A large cast iron skillet works best for achieving that irresistible crispy edge on the potatoes. Nonstick can work too, but cast iron gives you better browning.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the potatoes and sausage a day before. Store them separately and cook when ready to serve for the freshest texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just check your sausage label to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?
If you’re into one-pan wonders like these Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage, here are more comforting and flavor-packed dishes to try:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a hands-off hearty meal.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving creamy, cheesy pasta.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a weeknight pasta packed with protein and veg.
- Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet if you’re watching carbs but still want flavor.
- Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip for something golden and kid-friendly.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always on hand when you need a cozy, flavorful skillet meal.
And don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out! Did you add veggies or swap the sausage? I’d love to hear your version in the comments.
You can find more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest at Life with Jam. Follow along for easy meals with big flavor.

Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy golden potatoes, tender caramelized onions, and smoky seared sausage come together in this one-pan classic. Fried Potatoes with Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage is a comforting skillet meal that’s perfect for any time of day—quick to make, deeply flavorful, and family-approved.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
12 oz smoked Polish sausage, sliced into rounds
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Wash and cube Yukon Gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice sausage into rounds and onions into thick slices.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Parboil potatoes for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and pat dry.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear sausage until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté the onions for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden.
5. Add remaining olive oil and the parboiled potatoes. Let them crisp undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir and continue cooking until golden brown on all sides.
6. Season with garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return sausage to the skillet and stir everything together.
7. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure to parboil the potatoes just until tender—don’t overcook or they’ll fall apart during frying.
For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the potatoes. Cook in batches if needed.
A cast iron skillet delivers the best browning and crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: fried potatoes, smoked sausage, skillet dinner, easy sausage recipe


