The Story

Skillet Potatoes were a practical staple on cattle drives and frontier settlements throughout the Great Plains from the Civil War through railroad expansion into the late 19th century. This simple dish used readily available ingredients cooked in heavy iron skillets over open flames or camp stoves, providing needed sustenance for cowboys and working settlers. This recipe captures the straightforward fare that fueled Westward expansion, combining potatoes, onions, and herbs for a filling vegetable side.