This potatoes O’Brien recipe is a vegan twist on a classic creamy and dreamy potato dish that will hit all the cozy high-notes for you.

It is one of my mom’s (and my) favorite dishes and you’ll know why the second you taste it.  

Enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch with this easy-to-make recipe.

Potatoes O'Brien served in a skillet

Why you’ll love this potato O’Brien recipe

  • Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for beginners in the kitchen. It requires only a few basic ingredients and can be made in just 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: You can serve this dish as a side dish, breakfast or brunch dish, or even as a main course. It’s perfect for any meal of the day.
  • Flavorful: The combination of potatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic powder creates a delicious and flavorful dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
  • Budget-friendly: Potatoes are an inexpensive ingredient, making this recipe a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients and substitution notes

  • Potatoes: You can use any type of potato for this recipe, but Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. If you prefer, you can also use sweet potatoes.
  • Red pepper: If you don’t have red pepper, you can substitute it with yellow or orange pepper.
  • Green pepper: If you don’t have green pepper, you can substitute it with any other type of pepper.
  • Sweet onion: You can use any type of onion for this recipe, but sweet onion has a milder flavor that works well with the other ingredients.
  • Garlic powder: You can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, but be aware that it will have a stronger flavor.
  • Olive oil: You can use any type of oil for this recipe, but olive oil adds a nice flavor.
  • Parsley: You can use fresh or dried parsley. If you don’t have parsley, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Potatoes O’Brien Recipe variations and add-ins

  • Vegan meat: Add in vegan meats like vegan meat crumbles, vegan bacon, or vegan sausage for a heartier dish.
  • Herbs: Add in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Sweet potatoes: Swap out some of the white potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
  • Spices: Add in some cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms would be a great addition to this dish.
  • Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes would add a pop of color and flavor to the potatoes.
  • Bell peppers: Try using different colored bell peppers, such as red or yellow, for a more colorful dish.

Top tips

  • Cut the potatoes and vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook the potatoes in boiling water for about 5 minutes before baking to help them cook faster and evenly.
  • Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the potatoes get crispy and browned.
  • Season generously with salt and any other seasonings or herbs you like.
  • Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure all sides get browned and crispy.
  • If you like a crispy texture, avoid covering the pan while cooking. If you prefer a softer texture, cover the pan for the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Make ahead instructions and storage

Potatoes O’Brien can be partially prepared ahead of time, but it is best to cook them fresh before serving to ensure they are crispy and delicious. Here are some make-ahead instructions and storage tips:

  1. Potatoes and vegetables can be chopped and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  2. To save time, you can partially cook the potatoes by boiling them for 5 minutes, then drain and cool them before storing in the refrigerator.
  3. To reheat leftover Potatoes O’Brien, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until crispy, stirring occasionally.
  4. Leftover Potatoes O’Brien can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Potatoes O’Brien Serving suggestions 

FAQs

Are potatoes O’Brien vegan-friendly?

Yes, potatoes O’Brien are typically vegan-friendly as they consist of diced potatoes, peppers, onions, and seasonings.

Can I use frozen diced potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Skip boiling the potatoes in water and jump to the baking step.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through?

Test the potatoes with a fork or knife. They should be soft and easily pierced.

Can I substitute other types of onions for sweet onions?

Yes, you can substitute other types of onions, such as yellow or white onions, for sweet onions.

Print
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Potatoes O'Brien served in a skillet

Potatoes O’Brien

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  • Author: Chef Ani

Description

Enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch with this easy-to-make recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large red pepper, petite diced
  • 1 large green pepper, petite diced
  • 1 large sweet onion, petite diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sea salt (more if needed)
  • Parley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes. Place in a sauce pan, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat, let simmer for 5 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
  3. Add the diced vegetables to the drained potatoes. Gently stir in oil, salt and garlic powder.
  4. Bake in oven at 425 F for 30 minutes. Flip gently half way through cooking time.
  5. If you prefer crispier potatoes, up the temperature to 475 F for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
  6. Or cook in a skillet while stirring until done. (This method works well when the potatoes are fully cooked.) Then just sauté until the peppers and onions are done, and serve.
  7. Garnish with some minced fresh parsley.

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