There are few meals more comforting than a hot skillet of fried potatoes with bell peppers and ham. This simple, old-fashioned dish turns humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying, with crispy golden potatoes, savory bits of ham, and often a little onion sizzling together in a cast-iron pan.
Originally popular as a way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals, fried potatoes with ham quickly became a staple in many kitchens and diners across the South and Midwest. The salty richness of the ham seasons the potatoes as they cook, creating those irresistible crispy edges while the inside stays tender and fluffy.
Whether served for breakfast alongside eggs, as a quick weeknight dinner, or as a rustic side dish, this skillet classic proves that simple ingredients cooked well can be better than anything fancy. With just a handful of pantry staples and a hot pan, you can have a comforting meal on the table in no time.
Potatoes with ham can be an inexpensive, savory dinner with a dash of green onions and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Breakfast Pairings
If you're considering this dish for breakfast, I love it paired with my Jalapeno Cinnamon Rolls and these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that I make for special occasions!
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of hearty, flavorful ingredients that cook beautifully together in one skillet.
Diced potatoes form the base of the dish, turning golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Diced ham adds a smoky, salty bite that seasons the potatoes as everything cooks. Red and green bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, while green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
When sautéed together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced combination of crispy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make fried potatoes with ham such a comforting classic.
- Diced Ham
- Cubed Potatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Green Onions
- Onion
- Thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Fry the ham until golden brown
- Step 2: Add the onion and bell peppers
- Step 3: Add potatoes
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are soft.
Tips & Tricks
Add your favorite herbs and spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, or thyme, to customize the dish to your tastes.
Substitutions
Potatoes with Ham is an easy dish to use up those extras in the refrigerator.
- Tomatoes - Add diced fresh tomatoes with the other vegetables
- Fresh Spinach -The final 2 minutes of cooking throw in fresh spinach, just until it wilts.
- Any Mirepoix - Any mild peppers and any onions are friendly in potatoes with ham.
Variations
Whether you'd like to fine-tune this dish as a stand alone meal, a hearty side dish, or a breakfast entree, we love these creative twists.
- Cajun - serve with Crystal hot sauce alongside blackened chicken or shrimp
- Breakfast - Serve with fried eggs, or a family-size omelet
- Kid friendly - Keep the veggies minimal and serve with ketchup
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Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out and we love this deep skillet with a snug lid. You'll see it in many of the dishes on this site because I love it so much.
Storage & Reheating Leftovers
Storage
Store leftover fried potatoes with ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the potatoes to cool completely before sealing them to prevent excess moisture from building up inside the container.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the potatoes may lose some of their crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as cooked potatoes tend to become grainy and watery when thawed. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the leftovers within a few days.
Top Tip
The slabs of ham best used in this dish are found in the cold pork section and they are called "ham steaks". You'll find slabs of cooked ham for salads or breakfast ingredients. Cut around the rind and dice this ham for your dish.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Fried Potatoes O'brien With Ham:
Fried Potatoes Obrien With Ham
Equipment
- Deep Skillet with Lid
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp bacon fat or butter
- 8 ounce ham steak cubed
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 orange or red bell pepper diced
- 4 russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Brown the ham
- Cube the slab of precooked ham into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the spoonful of bacon fat (or butter). Add the cubed ham and cook for 4-6 minutes until the edges begin to brown. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables
- Add the diced white onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and fry
- Add the diced russet potatoes to the skillet and toss well with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Add the ham back into the pot. Add the garlic and thyme. Toss well and fry 2-3 minutes. Spread everything into an even layer, cover with a lid, and cook for 6-8 minutes to allow the potatoes to steam and begin softening.
- Crisp the potatoes
- Remove the lid, stir the mixture, and continue cooking uncovered for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes become tender and develop golden crispy edges.
- Finish the skillet
- Toss in the fresh diced green onions. Taste for seasoning adding more salt and pepper as needed, and even a drizzle of hot sauce such as Crystal Hot Sauce or Tabasco if desired. Stir everything together and cook another 2 minutes until fragrant and heated through.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a few shakes of hot sauce over the top.
Sean says
This is such a comforting food for me. Reminds me of a better, less complicated time in society. Thank you!