Melting Potatoes

Also known as Fondant Potatoes, Melting Potatoes are a tasty potato side dish that are crispy and brown on the outside and soft inside.

My family absolutely adore this simple but delicious potato side dish. At first glance they appear to be regular old roasted potatoes but these potatoes go so much beyond that.

They get crisped up in loads of butter then made melt in your mouth soft by roasting further in chicken broth.

What are Fondant Potatoes (Melting Potatoes)?

Fondant potatoes is a French side dish.

The traditional recipe involves cutting potatoes into cylinders, browning the ends on the stove top, and then roasting them to perfection in the oven with loads of butter, stock, and fresh herbs.

Can I Brown the Melting Potatoes on the Stove?

If you are going to use a cast iron skillet to make your potatoes then yes, absolutely you can brown the potatoes on the stove. Just be careful to brown them in a well seasoned or enamelled cast iron pan until they easily release without leaving the crispy part behind.

I had tried making them this way many times, but roasting fully in the oven is very fuss-free and I think gives more consistent results. Plus they seem to release from the pan a lot easier.

What to Serve with Melting Potatoes?

Melting potatoes are lovely with a roast chicken, roast beef, steak, pork tenderloin, leg of lamb, or fish.

I particularly love them paired with my best Sirloin Tip Roast recipe – it makes for a super delicious meal that is good enough to serve guests (just double the melting potato recipe as needed!)

How to Store & Reheat Leftover Melting Potatoes

Melting potatoes will last in the refrigerator for up to five days, and retain all their yummy flavour.

When you’re ready to eat them again, warm them up in a skillet with a bit of broth.

About the Ingredients for Melting Potatoes

Potatoes – Russet potatoes work best here but I also really like how they turn out with Yukon Gold potatoes. Just make sure you use large potatoes.

Butter – Salted butter is your best bet. You could experiment with oil but you will get the best flavour using butter.

Chicken Broth – I used regular old store bought boxed chicken broth. You could use vegetable or beef broth instead if you like.

Herbs – I use fresh rosemary and thyme. You can play around with other herbs and/or used dried instead of fresh. Oregano would be another great choice here.

Salt & Pepper – Makes all the other ingredients really shine and keeps it from tasting bland.

Looking for more Easy to Make Side Dishes?

If you are looking for more side dish recipe ideas, check out some of my other favourites:

These Pesto Roasted Potatoes are such a classic side dish that goes well with a variety of proteins! Tender potatoes, coated with flavourful pesto and roasted to crispy perfection.

These glazed carrots are smothered in brown sugar and butter for an easy side dish that’s perfect for a holiday meal or weekday dinner.

Oven-Roasted Vegetables are a delicious side dish staple your family can enjoy all year round as part of your dinner menu. It’s a healthy and super delicious way to get your veg in!

How to Make Melting Potatoes

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and peeled
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
Slice off ends of the potatoes. Cut into thick slices, and place in large bowl.
Pour butter mixture over potatoes and mix to coat.

On a rimmed baking sheet or in a large oven safe skillet place potatoes in single layer.
Roast the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for another 15 minutes.
Remove potatoes from oven and flip one more time, then pour broth over potatoes.
Cut remaining butter into small cubes and place on top of the potatoes.
Place back in oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with more fresh herbs if desired.
Spoon sauce over potatoes before serving.