Roasted Melting Potatoes: The Crispiest, Creamiest Side Dish Ever!

Forget everything you thought you knew about roasted potatoes. These Roasted Melting Potatoes are a game-changer. They’re unbelievably crispy on the outside, incredibly creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This method transforms humble potatoes into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will impress everyone at your table.

## Why These Potatoes Are Called “Melting Potatoes”

The name says it all! These potatoes literally melt in your mouth. The magic lies in the cooking technique: searing them hard in a hot pan, then braising them in flavorful stock until they’re tender and practically falling apart. The high heat creates a beautifully golden-brown crust, while the braising liquid steams the inside, resulting in a supremely creamy texture.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold potatoes are the star of the show. Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for this recipe. You can also use red potatoes, but Yukon Golds are highly recommended.
* **Olive Oil:** A generous amount of olive oil is crucial for searing the potatoes and achieving that perfect crispy crust.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the braising liquid. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic cloves, minced or sliced, infuse the potatoes with a delicious aroma and savory flavor.
* **Fresh Thyme:** Fresh thyme sprigs add an earthy, herbal note to the braising liquid. You can substitute with other herbs like rosemary or sage.
* **Chicken or Vegetable Broth:** The braising liquid. Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the potatoes and braising liquid.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for serving.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the most incredible Roasted Melting Potatoes:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy edges.
2. Wash and peel the Yukon Gold potatoes. Peeling ensures the potatoes get extra crispy. If you prefer to leave the skins on, scrub them thoroughly.
3. Cut the potatoes into uniform, 1 1/2-inch thick slices. Maintaining a consistent size ensures even cooking.

**Step 2: Sear the Potatoes**

1. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil – enough to coat the bottom of the skillet.
2. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the potato slices in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent them from browning properly. You may need to work in batches.
3. Sear the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to let them get nice and dark!

**Step 3: Braise the Potatoes**

1. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the potatoes. Add the butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

**Step 4: Roast the Potatoes**

1. Roast the potatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork and almost falling apart.
2. If the potatoes are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting.

**Step 5: Finish and Serve**

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Melting Potatoes

* **Use the Right Potatoes:** Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Red potatoes will also work.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Sear the potatoes in batches to ensure they get a good sear and develop a crispy crust.
* **Use an Oven-Safe Skillet:** A cast-iron skillet is ideal, but any oven-safe skillet will work. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the potatoes in a single layer.
* **Don’t Skimp on the Oil:** A generous amount of olive oil is essential for achieving crispy potatoes.
* **Adjust the Broth:** The amount of broth needed will depend on the size of your skillet and the thickness of your potato slices. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the potatoes.
* **Check for Doneness:** The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated. They should be easily pierced with a fork and almost falling apart.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes and braising liquid generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
* **Add a Touch of Acid:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten the flavor of the potatoes.

## Variations and Additions

* **Garlic Herb Butter:** Before roasting, melt a few tablespoons of butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the potatoes before roasting.
* **Parmesan Garlic:** Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley before serving.
* **Spicy Melting Potatoes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the braising liquid for a spicy kick.
* **Bacon Melting Potatoes:** Cook bacon in the skillet before searing the potatoes. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Use the bacon fat to sear the potatoes. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the potatoes before serving.
* **Sweet Potato Melting Potatoes:** Substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter, slightly different flavor profile. Note that sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Mashed Melting Potatoes:** For an even creamier texture, mash the potatoes lightly with a fork after roasting. Stir in a knob of butter and a splash of cream or milk, if desired.

## Serving Suggestions

Roasted Melting Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** A classic pairing. The crispy skin of the roasted chicken complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
* **Steak:** Serve alongside a grilled steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Pork Chops:** Roasted Melting Potatoes are a delicious accompaniment to pan-fried or baked pork chops.
* **Fish:** They also work well with baked or grilled fish, such as salmon or cod.
* **Vegetarian Main Courses:** Pair them with vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or a hearty vegetable stew.

## Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes up to the searing stage a day in advance. Store the seared potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to roast, simply proceed with the braising and roasting steps.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Roasted Melting Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent them from drying out.

## Recipe Card

**Roasted Melting Potatoes**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chives, grated Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear potato slices in a single layer for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Add garlic and thyme to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in broth, add butter, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and liquid has mostly evaporated.
7. Garnish and serve immediately.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Protein: 5-7g

## Conclusion

These Roasted Melting Potatoes are a truly special side dish. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior, combined with the flavorful braising liquid, make them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them with roasted chicken, steak, or a vegetarian main course, these potatoes are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the most delicious potatoes you’ve ever tasted!

Enjoy!