Melting Potatoes Recipe

This Melting Potatoes recipe is a tender and caramelized recipe, which features thick slices of potato roasted in butter and then braised in a savory chicken and lemon broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Melting Potatoes Ingredients

A simple combination for an incredibly tender and flavorful potato dish.

2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes (about 6 medium)
6 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped, plus more for serving
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
5 garlic cloves, smashed

How To Make Melting Potatoes

A step-by-step guide to these famously tender potatoes.

Prep the Oven and Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Peel the potatoes and trim the rounded ends so they can lie flat. Cut the potatoes into uniform, 1-inch-thick slices.
Season and First Roast: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chopped oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the potato slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the potatoes, turning them to ensure they are evenly coated.
Roast Until Golden: Roast the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bottoms are a deep golden brown. Flip the potato slices over and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the other sides are also golden brown.
Braise in Broth: Remove the dish from the oven. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan around the potatoes and scatter the smashed garlic cloves over the top.
Final Roast: Return the dish to the oven and continue to roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the potatoes are so tender they are practically “melting.”
Serve: Sprinkle with a little more fresh oregano before serving hot.

Recipe Tips

For the most tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized potatoes.

What are the best potatoes to use? Yukon Gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe. Their creamy, buttery texture holds up to the initial roasting but then becomes incredibly tender and “melty” during the final braising step.
How to get the best caramelization? A high initial oven temperature (450°F) and ensuring the potatoes are in a single layer are key. This high heat helps to create a deep, golden-brown, and flavorful crust on both sides of the potato slices.
Can I make these ahead of time? These potatoes are at their absolute best when served hot and fresh from the oven to enjoy their unique texture. While you can reheat them, they may lose some of their distinct crispy-melty quality.
Can I use a different herb? Yes. While oregano is delicious, fresh thyme or rosemary would also be fantastic substitutes that pair beautifully with the lemon and garlic flavors.

What To Serve With Melting Potatoes

The perfect main courses to pair with this decadent potato side dish.

These rich and tender potatoes are a standout side dish that elevates any meal. They are perfect with:

A simple roast chicken
Pan-seared steak or a beef roast
Grilled pork chops or a pork loin
Flaky baked fish like cod or halibut

How To Store Melting Potatoes

Keeping your delicious potatoes fresh.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat the potatoes in a baking dish in a 375°F oven with a splash of chicken broth until warmed through.

Melting Potatoes Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

Calories: 280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 15 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

For the creamiest, most “melting” texture, peeling is highly recommended. The skins can prevent the potatoes from fully absorbing the broth and becoming as tender as they should be.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, easily. Simply substitute the chicken broth with a good-quality vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Why are they called “melting” potatoes?

The name comes from their unique texture. They are first roasted at a high heat to get a crispy, caramelized crust, and then they are braised in a flavorful liquid. This second cooking stage makes the insides incredibly soft, creamy, and tender—so much so that they seem to “melt” in your mouth.

Try More Recipes:

Lightened Up Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Spiced-Up Potato Chips Recipe
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: Side DIshCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

Calories

280

kcal

Incredibly tender “melting” potatoes that are first roasted in a garlic-oregano butter until golden and crisp, then braised in a savory chicken-lemon broth until they are meltingly soft.

Ingredients

2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
6 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Cut the peeled potatoes into 1-inch-thick slices.
Toss the potato slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Arrange in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Flip the potatoes and roast for another 15-20 minutes until the other side is golden brown.
Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan and scatter the smashed garlic over the potatoes.
Return to the oven and roast for a final 15-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the potatoes are incredibly tender.
Garnish with more fresh oregano and serve hot.

Notes

Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for achieving the signature creamy, “melting” texture.
The high-heat roasting step is essential for creating the delicious caramelized crust before the final braise.
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
These potatoes are best served immediately, fresh and hot from the oven.