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.
Contents
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 roasted meats, and poultry, or as a standalone comfort food. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how to make the melting potatoes:
Melting Potatoes
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.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Melting potatoes complement a wide range of main courses and pair well with many drinks.
- Food Pairings
- Melting potatoes pair wonderfully with juicy steaks such as ribeye or bavette steak, as well as with beef tenderloin.
- They are great alongside pork dishes, including crockpot pork tenderloin and pork loin roast.
- Green bean casserole, sautéed asparagus, or brown sugar-glazed carrots pair well with the dish.
- Oven-baked chicken breasts or pan-seared chicken thighs go well with the dish.
- Salmon fillets or crabmeat stuffed salmon is a great option.
- Braised lamb shanks and roast turkey breast are perfect for the holiday.
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Moscow Mule complements melting potatoes.
- Classic Martini balances their creaminess.
- Bloody Mary enhances herb-seasoned potatoes.
- Pimm’s Cup pairs nicely with the dish.
- Merlot or Pinot pairs well with rich, buttery potatoes, especially when served alongside beef or pork.
- Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is a great match if you pair potatoes with chicken or seafood dishes.
- Light lager or pale ale balances the richness of the potatoes.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Sparkling water enhances the flavors of the potatoes.
- Herbal iced tea contrasts their creamy texture.
- Lemonade complements their savory flavors.
- Hard cider complements savory dishes.
- Craft sodas add a unique twist to the meal.
When serving melting potatoes with cocktails, use herbed sour cream or cheese sauce as a dip. This can complement the cocktails.
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