Melting Potatoes: Your New Favorite Crispy, Creamy Side Dish
Prepare to be amazed by these Melting Potatoes, an effortlessly elegant side dish that promises to transform your weeknight meals. With the irresistible combination of golden-brown crusts, impossibly creamy interiors, and the aromatic flavors of herbs, garlic, and butter, these potatoes don’t just cook—they literally melt in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, these Melting Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire.
The Irresistible Allure of Melting Potatoes
Potatoes are, without a doubt, one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in the kitchen. From fluffy mashed potatoes to crispy fries, there are countless ways to enjoy them. But if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Melting Potatoes, you are truly missing out on a culinary revelation. This recipe takes ordinary potatoes and elevates them into something extraordinary, offering a delightful contrast of textures and a depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled.
What makes these potatoes “melt”? It’s a clever cooking technique that involves a high-heat sear followed by a gentle braise. First, thick slices of potato are browned in butter until they develop a gorgeous, caramelized crust. This initial step is crucial for building flavor and creating that desirable crispy exterior. Then, they are bathed in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and finished in the oven. The result is a potato that is remarkably tender and creamy on the inside, almost custard-like, while retaining its beautifully crisp edges. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory, buttery, and herbaceous notes, making them an unforgettable accompaniment to any meal.
Beyond their incredible taste and texture, Melting Potatoes are surprisingly simple to prepare. The ingredients are humble and readily available, and the cooking process, while requiring a couple of stages, is straightforward and forgiving. They are perfect for a special occasion dinner, yet easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. If you’re searching for a new and exciting way to prepare potatoes that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this fantastic Melting Potato recipe.
The Simple Science Behind the “Melt”
The secret to the “melting” texture lies in the dual cooking method. When the potato slices are first seared in a hot skillet with butter, the high heat initiates the Maillard reaction. This chemical process is responsible for the browning and caramelization of the potato’s starches and sugars, creating that rich, savory crust and locking in flavor. The exterior becomes wonderfully crisp and golden, developing an incredible depth of taste.
Following the initial sear, the potatoes are submerged in a shallow layer of flavorful chicken broth and further baked in the oven. This braising process gently steams the potatoes from the inside out. The starchy cells absorb the savory liquid, softening them to an almost ethereal creaminess. The combination of the initial crisping and the subsequent braising creates a potato that holds its shape but yields to the slightest touch, truly seeming to “melt” as you eat it. The butter and broth not only tenderize but also infuse every fiber of the potato with their rich, aromatic essence, resulting in a dish that is deeply satisfying and full of robust flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Melting Potatoes
Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to selecting the right ingredients. For Melting Potatoes, a few key components work in harmony to create their signature taste and texture:
- Potatoes: The star of the show. Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe due to their waxy texture and naturally buttery flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking while becoming wonderfully creamy inside. Russet potatoes are another excellent choice; their starchy nature allows them to become incredibly fluffy and absorbent, though they might require slightly more careful handling to prevent them from becoming too soft. Whichever variety you choose, ensure they are peeled and sliced into uniform one-inch-thick rounds. Consistency in size is key for even cooking.
- Butter: Essential for both searing and braising, butter imparts a rich, luxurious flavor that is central to this dish. It helps create the golden crust and contributes significantly to the melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, gently bruised or minced, release their pungent, aromatic oils, infusing the potatoes and cooking liquid with a delightful savoriness.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs are added during the braising phase, releasing their earthy and fragrant notes directly into the broth and potatoes. For seasoning the raw potatoes, dried basil and parsley are mixed in, offering a robust flavor profile. If you prefer to use fresh basil and parsley, remember that fresh herbs are generally less potent than dried ones. A good rule of thumb is to substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Chicken Broth: This savory liquid is vital for the braising process, providing moisture and a foundational layer of flavor. It mingles with the butter and herb aromatics to create a rich, flavorful sauce that the potatoes absorb. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial seasonings that enhance all the other flavors, bringing them into perfect balance.
These ingredients, while basic, combine to create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Melting Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable potato side dish:
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is crucial for the final baking stage, ensuring the potatoes finish with a perfect golden caramelization.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and uniformly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure every potato slice is evenly coated with the seasonings. Set the seasoned potatoes aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Initial Sear: Melt half of the stick of butter in a large, oven-safe cast iron skillet (or another heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan) over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, carefully arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer in the hot pan. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the potatoes in batches.
Develop the Golden Crust: Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes. This is critical for forming that beautiful, crispy, golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to move or flip them too early. Once the bottoms are a light, golden color, carefully flip each slice over. Continue cooking on the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes, until they are also light and golden.
Add Aromatics and Broth: Once both sides are golden, reduce the heat slightly. Scatter the peeled garlic cloves, fresh rosemary sprigs, and fresh thyme sprigs around the potatoes in the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it comes up to about halfway on the potato slices.
Bake to Perfection: Place the remaining slices of butter on top of the potatoes. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will absorb the broth, butter, and herb flavors, becoming incredibly tender and “melty.” The high heat will also help caramelize the butter and edges, creating a glorious golden finish.
Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional thyme for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the unbelievably tender, crispy, and flavorful Melting Potatoes!
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Melting Potatoes
They earn their name because the unique cooking process transforms them into an incredibly caramelized, buttery, and creamy dish. The potatoes become so tender that they literally melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.
Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape while softening beautifully. Russet potatoes can also be used, offering a fluffier interior, but they might be slightly more delicate after cooking.
As a general guideline, fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried ones. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (like basil or parsley), you would typically substitute it with 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of fresh, finely chopped herbs. For sprigs of rosemary and thyme, simply follow the recipe as written for fresh sprigs.
Finishing the potatoes in the oven is crucial for several reasons. It allows the potatoes to fully absorb the chicken broth and butter, becoming exceptionally tender. The high oven temperature also promotes caramelization, giving the potatoes a beautiful golden color and intensifying their savory flavor, and ensures the remaining butter melts perfectly into the sauce.
Leftover Melting Potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to retain some of their crispness.
While these potatoes are best served fresh, you can perform some prep steps in advance. You can peel and slice the potatoes, keeping them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator for up to a day to prevent browning. You can also mix the dried seasonings. The searing and baking should ideally be done just before serving for the best texture.
A large cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it retains heat exceptionally well, which helps create a beautiful crust on the potatoes. Any other heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet will also work effectively.
Yes, as long as you ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free (most are, but always check the label), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with an equal amount of good quality vegetable broth to make this a delicious vegetarian side dish.
Tips for Achieving the Best Melting Potatoes
- Uniform Slicing: Aim for potato slices that are consistently 1-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect texture simultaneously.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For that ideal golden crust, give your potatoes space. If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all slices in a single layer without touching, cook them in two batches.
- Resist Early Flipping: When searing, let the potatoes cook undisturbed for the recommended time (3-5 minutes per side). This allows the crust to properly form and caramelize, which is key to their unique texture.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is fantastic for this recipe as it goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Ensure your chosen pan can withstand high oven temperatures.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. The chicken broth can be salty, so start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs are used for the initial seasoning, the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs added during the braise contribute a profound aromatic depth that is hard to replicate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Melting Potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Their rich, savory flavor and unique texture make them a fantastic pairing for both simple weeknight meals and elegant dinner parties:
- Roasted Meats: They are an ideal companion for roast chicken, turkey, beef tenderloin, or pork loin. The juices from the meat can mingle with the buttery potato sauce, creating an even more decadent experience.
- Steak or Chops: A perfectly seared steak or juicy pork chops find a wonderful partner in these potatoes. The hearty flavors balance beautifully.
- Fish and Seafood: For a lighter option, serve alongside baked salmon, pan-seared cod, or even grilled shrimp. The delicate flavors of seafood are enhanced by the rich potato side.
- Vegetarian Mains: Pair them with a hearty mushroom steak, a lentil loaf, or a vibrant vegetable gratin for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Garnish for Elegance: A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the potatoes.
- With a Simple Salad: Sometimes, all you need is a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and complete your meal.
No matter what you serve them with, Melting Potatoes are sure to be a star on your dinner table, guaranteed to garner rave reviews.
Craving More Recipes?
- Ranch Smashed Potatoes
- Crunchy Roasted Potatoes
- Potato Cakes
- Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
- Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- French Potato Salad
- Garlic Herb Butter
- Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Cowboy Butter Potatoes
- Honey Glazed Carrots
Melting Potatoes
With herbs, garlic and butter, these Melting Potatoes are an easy side dish recipe for any night of the week!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (4 Reviews)
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 5 potatoes, peeled and sliced into one-inch-thick slices)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 stick butter (sliced and divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss the potatoes, basil, parsley, salt and pepper together in a large bowl then set aside.
- Melt half of the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat then place the potatoes into the pan evenly spaced.
- Let them cook without touching them for 3-5 minutes or until they start to turn a light, golden color on the bottom.
- Flip them over and let them cook again on the other side until light and golden. Add the cloves of garlic around the potatoes along with the fresh rosemary and thyme then pour in the chicken broth.
- Add the remaining slices of butter on top and bake for 15 minutes.
- Serve with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Russet potatoes can also be used.
- Make sure you peel your potatoes for this recipe.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried.
- Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
Recipe Details
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 1343mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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