Looking for a hearty, rustic dish that is both comforting and easy to prepare? This Sausage and Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Made with golden crispy potatoes, smoky sausage slices, and caramelized onions, this dish is full of flavor and requires minimal effort. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is made with simple, everyday ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use any type of sausage—smoked, spicy, Italian, or even chicken sausage—and pair it with baby potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon golds. The potatoes are pan-fried until golden and tender, while the onions become sweet and caramelized, blending perfectly with the rich sausage flavor. The result is a dish that is savory, satisfying, and perfect for sharing at the table.

What makes the Sausage and Potato Skillet especially appealing is that it’s a complete meal cooked in just one pan. There’s no need for complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. Pair it with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a well-rounded dinner that everyone will love.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the detailed ingredients list, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for customizing your skillet to match your preferences. Whether you want to keep it simple or add extra flavors like garlic, herbs, or cheese, this recipe can be easily adapted. By the end, you’ll have a go-to dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience every single time. 

Ingredients for Sausage and Potato Skillet

This Sausage and Potato Skillet requires just a handful of simple ingredients, yet the result is a meal full of bold flavors and rustic charm. Here’s the detailed list of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Sausage	400 g (about 14 oz), sliced into rounds	Smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or chicken sausage all work well
Potatoes	700 g (about 1.5 lbs), cut into small wedges or cubes	Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes are best for crisping
Onion	1 large, sliced	Yellow or white onion caramelizes beautifully
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Optional but adds extra flavor depth
Olive oil	2–3 tbsp	Used for sautéing potatoes and sausage
Butter	1 tbsp	Enhances richness and helps caramelize onions
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Basic seasoning for potatoes and sausage
Fresh thyme or rosemary	1–2 tsp	Fresh herbs elevate the rustic flavors
Paprika	½ tsp	Adds warmth and enhances color
Red pepper flakes	¼ tsp (optional)	For a mild spicy kick

The foundation of this dish is the balance between crispy potatoes and savory sausage. Potatoes are cut small enough to cook quickly, but large enough to develop a golden crust when pan-fried. Olive oil and a touch of butter create the perfect environment for browning while adding richness.

The sausage is the star of the skillet. Smoked sausage brings a deep, smoky flavor, while Italian sausage adds herbs and spice. For a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully. No matter what type you choose, slicing them into thick rounds ensures they sear well and release their flavor into the potatoes.

Onions and garlic round out the base flavors, becoming caramelized and sweet as they cook alongside the potatoes. Herbs like thyme or rosemary give a rustic aroma, while paprika and pepper flakes add subtle heat and complexity. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and bursting with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking this Sausage and Potato Skillet is straightforward and requires only one pan, making it perfect for busy evenings. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly golden potatoes, juicy sausage, and caramelized onions every time:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skin on for extra flavor and texture. Cut them into small wedges or cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Slice the sausage into thick rounds and set aside. Peel and slice the onion, and mince the garlic if using.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then stir to coat them in the oil. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender. For extra crispiness, avoid stirring too often—let them sit and sear on one side before flipping.

Step 3: Sauté the sausage

Push the potatoes to one side of the pan and add the sliced sausage to the other side. Let the sausage cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. As the sausage heats, it will release flavorful oils that blend with the potatoes, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Step 4: Add onions and garlic

Stir in the sliced onions and cook for another 5 minutes until they soften and caramelize, mixing them occasionally with the potatoes and sausage. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning while still infusing the dish with rich aroma.

Step 5: Add herbs and seasonings

Sprinkle in the fresh thyme or rosemary, along with red pepper flakes if desired. Stir everything together so the herbs and seasonings coat the potatoes and sausage evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve hot

Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Pair with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or even eggs for a hearty brunch option. 🥔🌭🧅

By following these steps, you’ll create a Sausage and Potato Skillet that is golden, flavorful, and satisfying. The crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and caramelized onions work together to deliver a rustic, comforting meal in less than 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Tips & Variations

One of the best things about a Sausage and Potato Skillet is how adaptable it is. With just a few changes, you can create endless variations to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or even what you already have in your kitchen. Here are some helpful tips and creative variations to try:

Tip 1: Use the right potatoes

Waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better and crisp up beautifully when pan-fried. Starchy potatoes like Russets can also be used, but they may become softer and break apart more easily. To ensure crispiness, cut the potatoes into small, even pieces and avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Tip 2: Parboil for faster cooking

If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potato cubes for 5–6 minutes before pan-frying. This ensures they cook through faster while still developing a golden, crispy crust in the skillet.

Variation 1: Add vegetables

Enhance both nutrition and color by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans. Add them toward the end of cooking so they stay tender-crisp rather than soggy.

Variation 2: Cheesy skillet

For a comforting twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover with a lid until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping.

Tip 3: Choose your sausage wisely

Smoked sausage adds deep, savory notes, while Italian sausage brings herbs and spice. For a lighter option, try chicken or turkey sausage. You can even use chorizo for a bold, smoky-spicy variation that pairs beautifully with potatoes.

Variation 3: Breakfast version

Turn this dish into a hearty breakfast skillet by adding fried or scrambled eggs on top. The runny yolk pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes and sausage, making it ideal for brunch.

Variation 4: Make it spicy

If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot paprika, or cayenne pepper to the skillet. Spicy sausages like andouille or hot chorizo also bring a fiery kick that balances the richness of the potatoes.

Tip 4: One-pan oven method

For an easier hands-off version, you can roast the sausage, potatoes, and onions together on a sheet pan in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This method reduces stovetop work and gives you crispy, roasted flavors.

Variation 5: Herb lovers’ version

Experiment with different herbs to change the flavor profile. Rosemary and thyme provide rustic notes, while parsley or dill bring freshness. A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end can give it a Mediterranean twist.

These tips and variations show that the Sausage and Potato Skillet is more than just a simple recipe—it’s a flexible base that can be adapted to countless tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer cheesy, spicy, loaded with vegetables, or served as a breakfast dish, this skillet will always deliver comfort and flavor in one pan.

Serving Suggestions

This Sausage and Potato Skillet is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and extras. Here are some ideas to make your dish even more enjoyable:

With a fresh salad

Pairing the skillet with a crisp green salad, such as mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, balances the richness of the potatoes and sausage with freshness and crunch.

With crusty bread

Serve with a warm baguette or artisan bread to soak up the flavorful oils and juices from the skillet. Garlic bread also makes a delicious side.

With eggs for brunch

Transform this dish into a filling breakfast by topping it with fried, scrambled, or poached eggs. The runny yolk adds richness that complements the crispy potatoes perfectly.

With roasted vegetables

If you want to add more nutrition, serve the skillet with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The added vegetables balance the meal while keeping it hearty.

As a party dish

This recipe works wonderfully as a sharing platter. Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the potatoes and sausage in advance and reheat them in the skillet with a little oil before serving. This keeps everything warm and flavorful without losing texture.

What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage adds bold flavor, Italian sausage brings herbs and spice, while chicken or turkey sausage provides a lighter alternative. You can choose based on your preference.

Can I use leftover potatoes?

Absolutely. Leftover boiled or roasted potatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Simply cut them into cubes and crisp them up in the skillet before adding sausage and onions.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

The key is not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the potatoes in a single layer and avoid stirring too often. Letting them sear undisturbed on each side creates the best golden crust.

Can I freeze sausage and potato skillet?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven for the best results. Note that the potatoes may lose some crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure no flour-based additives are included. The core ingredients—potatoes, sausage, onions, and herbs—are naturally gluten-free.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to maintain flavor and texture.