Melting Potatoes is one of my favorite side dishes. Their golden crust and creamy interior always impress my guests. This recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary. Let me show you how to make them perfectly every time.
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Melting Potatoes Recipe
Melting potatoes, also known as fondant potatoes, are a popular and luxurious side dish. They are characterized by their crispy exterior and creamy, tender interior.

The dish is infused with flavors from butter, fresh herbs, and broth. This rich flavor profile makes them suitable for various occasions, from everyday meals to holiday feasts.
The dish pairs well with many proteins. They complement roast chicken, roasted turkey, and all cuts of beef and pork beautifully. They are also an excellent match for lamb dishes like braised lamb shanks.
For weeknights or elegant dinners, these potatoes work well with simpler mains. They are fantastic alongside oven-baked chicken breasts, pan-seared chicken thighs, or various fish like salmon fillets and crabmeat stuffed salmon. They can even be served with burgers for a hearty meal.
The dish is a natural fit for holiday feasts or Sunday dinners alongside roast turkey breast. Their rich flavor makes them a standout accompaniment for any occasion.
It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how to make the melting potatoes:

Melting Potatoes
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh
- ½ tsp paprika optional, for a hint of smokiness
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut potatoes into thick slices (about 1-inch thick).
- In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear the potato slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Dot with the remaining butter. Transfer to the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Spoon some of the buttery broth over the potatoes before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Swap butter for plant-based butter and use vegetable broth.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
Here are some variations of the popular melting potatoes:
- Herb & Parmesan Version:
- Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Replace thyme with an herb blend: 1 tsp each fresh rosemary and sage
- Add 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish
- Mix Parmesan with the seasonings before adding to potatoes
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan in the last 5 minutes of baking
- Garlic Butter Mushroom:
- Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- Double the garlic (6 cloves)
- Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce to the broth
- Include 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- Sauté mushrooms with potatoes before adding broth

- French Onion Style:
- Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced and caramelized
- Use beef broth instead of chicken broth
- Top with 1 cup gruyere cheese in last 5 minutes
- Add 1 tsp onion powder to seasonings
- Replace thyme with 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Lemon & Herb Mediterranean:
- Add zest of 1 lemon
- Replace thyme with 2 tsp Greek seasoning
- Use 1/2 cup white wine + 1/2 cup broth
- Add 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh oregano
- Spicy Southwest:
- Add 1 diced jalapeño
- Replace paprika with chipotle powder
- Add 1 tsp ground cumin
- Use cilantro instead of thyme
- Finish with Mexican crema and cilantro