Southern Stewed Potatoes are a simple, humble dish that speaks volumes about Southern comfort food tradition. Creamy, buttery, and richly flavored with optional bacon grease, this dish transforms basic pantry staples—like potatoes, flour, and milk—into a warm, starchy side that’s hearty enough to stand on its own or sit perfectly beside just about any main dish. The gentle simmering and thickened broth give the potatoes a velvety, almost gravy-like coating that soaks into every bite, delivering old-school comfort with every spoonful.
This dish is a staple in many Southern kitchens not because it’s fancy, but because it’s dependable, delicious, and soul-satisfying. It’s ideal served alongside fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, or green beans and cornbread. It’s the kind of food you might remember from your grandmother’s table—no-frills, but packed with flavor and care. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and just plain good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Classic comfort food with minimal ingredients
• Thick, creamy texture without heavy cream
• Easy to prepare and budget-friendly
• Customizable with bacon grease, onions, or herbs
Ingredients
• 7 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch chunks
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch dried onion flakes (or 2–3 tablespoons finely diced onion)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons bacon grease (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into even 1-inch cubes.
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, about 2 inches above the potatoes.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes for 10–15 minutes, or until fork-tender but not falling apart.
Drain the potatoes gently—do not rinse, as you want to retain some of the starch for thickening.
Step 2: Make the Thickening Slurry
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ cup of water until smooth and no lumps remain.
This slurry will thicken the potato broth and give the dish its signature creamy texture.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Return the drained potatoes to the pot over low heat.
Slowly stir in the flour and water slurry.
Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the broth begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Milk and Butter
Add ½ cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot.
Continue stirring gently to avoid breaking the potatoes too much. You want some to stay chunky while others break down a bit to thicken the sauce naturally.
Step 5: Season and Add Flavor
Add onion flakes or fresh finely diced onion, along with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra richness and a traditional flavor boost, stir in 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (optional but highly recommended).
Simmer for 5–10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and coats the potatoes evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Spoon the stewed potatoes into bowls or serve as a side dish on a plate.
Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or an extra pat of butter if desired.
Tips for Success
• Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them soft but still holding their shape. Overcooked potatoes may become mushy.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russets: They help naturally thicken the broth and create that rich, creamy texture.
• Stir gently: The goal is a creamy dish with some intact chunks and some broken-down pieces.
• Add bacon bits: If you love bacon, crumble some crispy pieces on top just before serving.
• Use evaporated milk for extra richness: This adds a more old-fashioned taste and makes the broth even creamier.
Storage Options
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezer: Not recommended. The texture of the potatoes can change and become grainy after freezing and thawing.
• Make-ahead tip: You can boil the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the dish with the thickener and finish on the stove just before serving.
Southern Stewed Potatoes are more than a side dish—they’re a tribute to simple, soulful cooking. With their buttery texture and creamy, savory sauce, these potatoes are a comforting presence at any table, especially when served alongside your favorite Southern mains. Whether you’re recreating a memory or making your own tradition, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
