Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs

Make easy layered baked cast iron skillet potatoes for the perfect brunch or dinner side dish. This one-skillet recipe produces tender, flavorful potatoes with a crisp golden top, enhanced by onions, garlic and fresh herbs.

Cast iron skillet potatoes combine contrasting textures: the interior stays soft and creamy while the top and edges turn satisfyingly crisp. They’re an ideal alternative to hash browns for a weekend brunch, a great side for a weeknight dinner, and a natural complement to grilled or roasted mains. This version is vegetarian and naturally gluten free, so it fits many diets.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes – about 3 lb (4 medium), thinly sliced
• White onion – 1 medium, thinly sliced (yellow or red onion will also work)
• Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided (use salted or unsalted depending on preference)
• Garlic – 4 cloves, crushed
• Steak seasoning – 2 tablespoons (a Montreal-style steak seasoning or your favorite blend)
• Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the potatoes and onion. A mandoline gives the most uniform slices, but a sharp knife will work fine—aim for even, thin slices so they cook through evenly.
3. Coat the skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
4. Mix the seasoning. Combine the steak seasoning, thyme and rosemary in a small bowl.
5. Layer the potatoes. Arrange a single overlapping layer of potato slices in the skillet. Add a layer of onions, sprinkle some of the seasoning mix and press one crushed garlic clove over the layer. Repeat the layering process—potatoes, onions, seasonings and garlic—until the skillet is full, usually about 5 layers.
6. Add the remaining butter. Slice the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small cubes and distribute them across the top layer of potatoes.
7. Bake. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crisp. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
8. Rest and serve. Let the skillet potatoes rest 5 minutes before serving so the layers settle. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I prevent food from sticking to a cast iron skillet? Make sure the skillet is well seasoned and warm, then coat it with a thin layer of butter or oil before adding ingredients. That layer of fat helps prevent sticking and promotes browning.
• Is it necessary to parboil potatoes before baking? Not for this recipe. Thin, even slices will cook through in the oven without boiling. If you prefer a shorter bake time, you can parboil slices briefly, but it’s not required.
• Can I use another type of skillet or baking pan? Yes. Use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish that can withstand 375°F. Cast iron gives the best crisping and heat retention, but a heavy stainless steel or ovenproof nonstick pan will work.
• Can I make these ahead? You can assemble the potatoes and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. If you refrigerate assembled potatoes, add a few extra minutes to the bake time so they reach doneness through and through.

What to serve with the potatoes

These rustic cast iron potatoes pair well with roasted, grilled or braised mains. Try serving them alongside:

• Beef Wellington or roast beef
• Baked meatballs with a rich sauce
• Roasted turkey breast with herbs
• Bacon-wrapped meatloaf
• French onion pot roast or other braised beef
• Pork loin with a fruit or chipotle glaze
• Lemon, rosemary or basil roasted chicken
• Smoked turkey breast or other smoked meats

More cast iron skillet recipes

Keep a well-seasoned skillet on hand to explore a range of easy, flavor-packed dishes. Ideas to try in the same pan:

• Maple bacon Brussels sprouts
• Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts
• Baked fish with pesto
• Gluten free chicken Parmesan
• Cheesy baked taco dip
• Breakfast taco hash
• Savory cornbread with seasonal fruit or chiles