Creamy Dreamy Butter Potatoes: A Simple Recipe for Potato Perfection

Butter potatoes. The name itself conjures up images of golden, glistening spuds, bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce. This seemingly simple dish is a testament to the power of quality ingredients and proper technique. It’s comforting, versatile, and surprisingly elegant. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner side dish or a show-stopping addition to a holiday feast, butter potatoes are sure to please. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating perfect butter potatoes every time, exploring variations and serving suggestions to elevate your potato game.

Why Butter Potatoes?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s consider why butter potatoes deserve a place in your culinary repertoire. Here are a few compelling reasons:

* **Simplicity:** At its core, this dish requires only a handful of ingredients. The magic lies in how those ingredients are combined and cooked.
* **Flavor:** The combination of butter, potatoes, and aromatics creates a symphony of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
* **Versatility:** Butter potatoes pair well with a wide variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and grilled steak to pan-seared salmon and vegetarian stews.
* **Customization:** The basic recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs, spices, or even a touch of cream for a unique twist.
* **Comfort Food:** There’s something inherently comforting about potatoes cooked in butter. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

## Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose will significantly impact the final result. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

* **Yukon Gold:** These potatoes are known for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking and are an excellent choice for butter potatoes.
* **Red Potatoes:** Red potatoes have a waxy texture and a slightly earthy flavor. They’re also a good option for butter potatoes, as they won’t fall apart easily.
* **Russet Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are starchy and tend to become fluffy when cooked. While they can be used for butter potatoes, they may not hold their shape as well as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. If using russets, be gentle when handling them.
* **Fingerling Potatoes:** These small, elongated potatoes have a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavor. They’re a visually appealing option for butter potatoes, especially if you leave the skins on.
* **Baby Potatoes:** These small, round potatoes are quick and easy to cook. They’re a good option for a weeknight meal.

Ultimately, the best type of potato to use is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.

## The Perfect Butter Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and adaptable to your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and cooking times as needed.

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds potatoes, Yukon Gold or red, peeled or unpeeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
* Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for added flavor

**Equipment:**

* Large pot or saucepan
* Colander
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

* Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. If desired, peel the potatoes. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.
* Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

**Step 2: Boil the Potatoes**

* Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot or saucepan.
* Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
* Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart.

**Step 3: Drain the Potatoes**

* Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander.
* Return the potatoes to the empty pot or saucepan. This will help to dry them out slightly, preventing them from becoming soggy in the butter sauce.

**Step 4: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic**

* While the potatoes are draining, melt the butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* If using fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, add them to the butter and garlic during this step to infuse the butter with their flavor. Remove the sprigs before adding the potatoes.

**Step 5: Add the Potatoes to the Butter Sauce**

* Add the drained potatoes to the skillet with the melted butter and garlic.
* Gently toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the butter sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the potatoes to break apart.

**Step 6: Simmer in Broth**

* Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) over the potatoes.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broth has reduced slightly and the potatoes are heated through.
* During this step, the potatoes will absorb some of the broth, becoming even more flavorful.

**Step 7: Finish and Season**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* If using, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness. This will create a creamier sauce.
* Season the potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

**Step 8: Serve**

* Serve the butter potatoes immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Butter Potatoes

* **Don’t overcook the potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and won’t hold their shape well. Cook them until they are fork-tender but still slightly firm.
* **Don’t burn the garlic:** Burnt garlic will make the dish taste bitter. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Use good-quality butter:** The butter is a key ingredient in this dish, so use the best-quality butter you can find. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Season generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you’re making a large batch of butter potatoes, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam instead of sauté, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
* **Keep warm:** If you’re not serving the potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F or 93°C) or in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Add a little extra butter or broth to keep them from drying out.

## Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about butter potatoes is their versatility. Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

* **Cheese:** Add grated Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, or cheddar cheese to the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or chives. Add the herbs to the butter sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to the butter sauce for extra flavor.
* **Lemon:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the potatoes at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
* **Bacon:** Cook crumbled bacon and add it to the potatoes at the end of cooking.
* **Caramelized Onions:** Caramelize sliced onions and add them to the potatoes for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the potatoes for an earthy flavor.
* **Spinach:** Wilt fresh spinach and add it to the potatoes for a healthy and flavorful twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Butter potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** Butter potatoes are a classic accompaniment to roasted chicken. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory flavor of the chicken.
* **Grilled Steak:** Butter potatoes are a delicious side dish for grilled steak. The potatoes provide a creamy and comforting contrast to the grilled steak.
* **Pan-Seared Salmon:** Butter potatoes are a flavorful side dish for pan-seared salmon. The potatoes complement the richness of the salmon.
* **Pork Chops:** Butter potatoes are a hearty side dish for pork chops. The potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to the pork chops.
* **Vegetarian Stew:** Butter potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying side dish for vegetarian stew. The potatoes add richness and heartiness to the stew.
* **Holiday Feast:** Butter potatoes are a show-stopping addition to any holiday feast. They’re a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

## Making Butter Potatoes Ahead of Time

Butter potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the potatoes according to the recipe.
2. Let the potatoes cool completely.
3. Store the potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
4. To reheat, place the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra butter or broth to keep them from drying out.
5. Heat until the potatoes are heated through, stirring occasionally.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-300 per serving
* Fat: 15-20 grams per serving
* Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams per serving
* Cholesterol: 40-50 mg per serving
* Sodium: 200-300 mg per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
* Protein: 5-7 grams per serving

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Butter potatoes are a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a favorite. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and comforting side dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the magic of butter potatoes! Enjoy!