The Ultimate Melting Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Golden Crust, Creamy Tender Inside

Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Melting Potatoes, a side dish that truly lives up to its name. In this exceptional recipe, perfectly sliced potatoes are lovingly enveloped in a rich medley of aromatic herbs, savory butter, pungent garlic, and comforting chicken broth. The result? Each glorious bite offers an incredibly creamy and tender texture that seems to melt in your mouth, beautifully contrasted by a crisp, golden-brown crust. This isn’t just a potato dish; it’s an experience, transforming humble spuds into a culinary masterpiece that will impress at any meal.

Why This Melting Potatoes Recipe Works Wonders

---

The secret behind these exquisite melting potatoes lies in their ingenious two-stage cooking process. Unlike ordinary roasted potatoes, these thick potato rounds first undergo a quick, high-heat searing in a skillet. This crucial step is what initiates that irresistible crispy, golden exterior – a foundational layer of texture that sets them apart. After achieving this initial browning, the potatoes are transferred to a baking dish, where the real magic unfolds. They’re then roasted slowly in a fragrant bath of savory chicken broth, whole garlic cloves, fresh rosemary sprigs, and generous pats of butter.

During this roasting phase, the potatoes don’t just cook; they braise. They meticulously soak up the flavorful chicken broth and the rich essences of the surrounding ingredients. This slow absorption process is what infuses every fiber of the potato with deep, savory notes, transforming their internal structure into something extraordinarily creamy, delightfully caramelized, and ultimately ultra-tender. The contrast between the deeply flavorful, impossibly soft interior and the satisfyingly crisp crust is what defines a true melting potato, making them far superior to standard roasted varieties and earning them their evocative name. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that elevates a simple vegetable to an unforgettable culinary highlight.

Gather Your Ingredients for Melting Potatoes

---

Creating these sensational melting potatoes requires just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to produce an incredibly rich and satisfying flavor. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the desired taste and texture that makes this dish so memorable. You’ll find a complete list of all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable version of the recipe card located at the end of this post.

Ingredient Insights & Substitution Guide

---

Choosing Your Potatoes for the Perfect Melt

POTATOES – While our recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which are celebrated for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape after cooking, you have flexibility. Red potatoes can also be an excellent choice, offering a slightly waxier texture that remains firm while still absorbing flavor beautifully. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, are starchier and tend to yield a fluffier interior, absorbing flavors intensely. If using Russets, be mindful that they might break down a little more, but will still be wonderfully tender. The key is to slice them consistently for even cooking, regardless of the variety.

Enhancing Flavor: Herbs, Broth & Garlic

HERBS – Fresh rosemary provides a wonderfully aromatic and earthy note to these melting potatoes. However, feel free to personalize your dish. Fresh thyme offers a delicate, lemony nuance, while fresh sage can lend a more robust, savory depth. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried, but remember to use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. A mix of your favorite compatible fresh herbs can also create a unique flavor profile.

BROTH – Chicken broth is essential for infusing the potatoes with a rich, savory base. For a vegetarian or vegan version, a good quality vegetable broth works perfectly. Beef broth can also be used for a deeper, more robust flavor that pairs exceptionally well with red meats.

GARLIC – We use whole, slightly crushed garlic cloves for a mellow, slow-infused garlic flavor without the risk of burning that minced garlic might pose during the long roasting time. Crushing them gently releases their essential oils, allowing them to perfume the broth and potatoes beautifully.

Butter and Seasoning: The Finishing Touches

BUTTER – Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you complete control over the saltiness of your dish. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added garlic salt. The butter contributes to both the crispy crust during searing and the overall richness of the braising liquid, adding a luxurious mouthfeel to the finished potatoes.

SEASONING – Garlic salt and cracked black pepper are the primary seasonings, providing a simple yet potent flavor combination. Always season to taste, ensuring each side of the potato receives a good coating during the searing process. Don’t be shy with the pepper; its fresh bite complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.

How to Make Perfect Melting Potatoes

---

Embark on a culinary journey to create these heavenly melting potatoes. Follow these clear, step-by-step photos and instructions to visualize each stage of the process, ensuring a perfect result every time. For the precise measurements and a convenient printable version of this recipe, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting. Thoroughly rinse your potatoes under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. It’s recommended not to peel them, as the skin adds texture, flavor, and valuable nutrients, but the choice is ultimately yours.
2. Carefully trim off the ends of each potato. These ends can be saved for another recipe, added to a stock, or simply discarded.
3. Slice the potatoes into thick, uniform rounds, approximately 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick. Consistency in thickness is crucial for ensuring all potatoes cook evenly and achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here), melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Use a basting brush to evenly spread the melted butter across the entire bottom surface of the skillet, ensuring no spot is missed for that golden crust.
5. Carefully arrange the sliced potato rounds in a single layer in the hot skillet. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, as this is vital for achieving a proper sear and crisp crust.
6. Generously season the exposed side of the potatoes with garlic salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy; the potatoes will absorb these flavors beautifully.
7. Cook the potatoes undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. This initial sear is critical for developing that beautiful, crisp golden-brown crust on one side.
8. Using tongs, carefully turn each potato slice over to expose the unbrowned side. Season this newly exposed side to taste with garlic salt and cracked black pepper. You may not need to use all of your remaining seasonings, depending on your preference.
9. While the second side is searing, pour the chicken broth into a 13×9 baking dish. Once the potatoes have a nice brown crust on both sides, carefully transfer them from the skillet into the chicken broth in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
10. Take your whole garlic cloves and slightly crush them. A simple method is to place the flat side of a chef’s knife onto the clove and give it a firm whack with the heel of your hand. This releases their aromatic oils. Distribute the crushed garlic cloves throughout the broth, nestling them between the potato slices.
11. Slice the remaining butter into small pats, ensuring you have one pat for each potato slice. Place a pat of butter on top of each potato round in the baking dish.
12. Divide the fresh rosemary into small bundles and place a small bunch on top of each butter pat, allowing the herb’s fragrance to infuse the potatoes as they bake.
13. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the dish, turn the potatoes over using tongs, and return them to the oven to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and have absorbed most of the broth.

Expert Tips for Mastering Melting Potatoes

---

Achieving the perfect melting potatoes involves a few key techniques. First, **uniform slicing** is paramount. Aim for consistent 3/4-inch thick rounds to ensure every piece cooks evenly. Uneven slices will result in some potatoes being overcooked and mushy, while others remain undercooked. Secondly, **do not overcrowd the skillet** during the initial searing stage. Potatoes need space to brown properly and develop that coveted crispy crust. If your skillet is too small, work in batches to allow enough surface area for caramelization. Overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of searing them, preventing a crisp exterior.

Another crucial tip is to ensure the **broth level is just right** in the baking dish. You want enough liquid to braise the potatoes and infuse them with flavor, but not so much that they are submerged and become soggy. The potatoes should be partially immersed, allowing them to absorb the liquid while the exposed tops can still get a bit of oven crisp. Finally, **flipping the potatoes halfway through the baking process** is vital. This ensures even absorption of the flavorful broth and helps both sides of the potato rounds become tender and infused with all the wonderful ingredients like garlic and rosemary. It also promotes uniform browning on the tops for that all-important contrast in texture. Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily, indicating a perfectly “melted” interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Serving Suggestions for Melting Potatoes

---

Melting potatoes are a remarkably versatile side dish, perfectly suited to complement a wide array of meals, from simple weeknight dinners to elegant holiday feasts and special gatherings. Their rich, savory flavor and delightful texture make them an ideal pairing for almost any main course. Imagine them alongside succulent roasted salmon, adding a comforting depth to seafood. They are equally magnificent with robust meats like a perfectly cooked reverse sear ribeye or a tender pork tenderloin. For poultry dishes, they pair wonderfully with the delicate flavors of chicken francese, roasted chicken, or even a classic turkey dinner.

Beyond these, their versatility knows no bounds. Serve them with a hearty beef stew, grilled lamb chops, or a rich pot roast. For vegetarian options, they make a substantial and flavorful accompaniment to a robust lentil loaf or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. Don’t limit them to just main courses; these potatoes can even be presented as an elegant appetizer, perhaps with a side of creamy herb dip. With their captivating combination of a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior, melting potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal.

More Irresistible Potato Recipes to Try

---

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting versatility of potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our cherished recipes. From cheesy and decadent to crispy and savory, there’s a potato dish for every occasion. Discover your next favorite:

• Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
• Garlicky Parmesan Potatoes
• Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Chive Twice Baked Potatoes
• Simple Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Decadent Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes

I absolutely adore creating and sharing delicious recipes, and I’m passionate about bringing my kitchen experiences directly to you! It can be tricky to remember to check back every day, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered right to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe to start receiving your free daily recipes and never miss out on culinary inspiration!