There’s something wonderfully comforting about a pot of Southern Stewed Potatoes simmering on the stove. Tender chunks of potatoes and sweet onion cook slowly in a savory broth before being finished with butter and a lightly creamy sauce. The result is simple, hearty, and full of old-fashioned Southern flavor.
This budget-friendly side dish is easy to make with everyday ingredients and pairs beautifully with cornbread, fried chicken, meatloaf, roasted meats, or almost any comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
- 2½ lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Southern Stewed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into fairly even chunks. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.
Finely chop the onion.
2. Start the Stew
Place the potatoes and chopped onion in a large heavy-bottomed pot.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. The potatoes should be mostly covered by the liquid.
Add the butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Avoid stirring too aggressively because the potatoes can break apart.
4. Make the Creamy Thickener
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until completely smooth.
If you’re using heavy cream, the finished sauce will be richer and creamier.
5. Thicken the Broth
Slowly pour the flour-and-milk mixture into the pot while gently stirring.
Continue simmering for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens into a light, creamy sauce.
Don’t boil too aggressively after adding the milk mixture.
6. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the potatoes and broth.
Add additional salt or black pepper if needed.
If you like a richer flavor, you can stir in another small pat of butter just before serving.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished potatoes with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm with homemade cornbread, fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, or your favorite Southern-style main dish.
Tips for the Best Stewed Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give the dish a naturally buttery texture, while russets become softer and help thicken the broth.
- Cut evenly: Similar-sized potato chunks cook at the same rate.
- Don’t over-stir: Gentle stirring helps keep some potato pieces intact.
- Thicken gradually: Add the milk mixture slowly so you can control the final consistency.
- Adjust the broth: If the stew becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk.
- For extra flavor: Cook the onion in the butter for a few minutes before adding the potatoes and broth.
Easy Variations
Add Bacon
Cook 4–6 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and stir some into the potatoes. Sprinkle the rest over the top.
Make It Extra Creamy
Use heavy cream instead of milk and add an extra tablespoon of butter.
Add Fresh Herbs
Parsley works beautifully, but fresh thyme or chives can also add wonderful flavor.
Add Cheese
For a cheesy variation, stir in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar after thickening the sauce.
Add Ham
Diced cooked ham makes these potatoes heartier and turns them into a more substantial side dish.
What to Serve With Southern Stewed Potatoes
These potatoes are especially delicious alongside:
- Southern fried chicken
- Meatloaf
- Pork chops
- Fried or baked fish
- Roast chicken
- Country ham
- Green beans
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has become too thick. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
Southern Stewed Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dish. Tender potatoes, onions, buttery broth, and a light creamy sauce come together in one comforting pot that’s perfect for family dinners.
Serve them piping hot with a piece of cornbread on the side, and you’ve got the kind of homemade comfort food that never goes out of style.