If there’s one side dish that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, it’s the Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe. These golden, buttery potatoes are perfectly tender on the inside, with a mouthwatering crisp on the outside, thanks to a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and fragrant garlic. Each bite melts effortlessly, soaking up the savory chicken broth and aromatic herbs that make this recipe a standout every time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, these potatoes are pure comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy texture of Yukon gold potatoes to the fragrant, herby aroma that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
- Yukon gold potatoes (2 pounds): These potatoes have a buttery flavor and creamy texture that’s perfect for melting into softness while crisping up beautifully.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich, silky flavor and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Oil (2 tablespoons, avocado or olive): Helps the potatoes crisp evenly while complementing the butter with a subtle fruity note.
- Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon, finely chopped): This herb lends an earthy, pine-like fragrance that pairs brilliantly with garlic.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, finely chopped): Offers a bright, slightly minty herbaceous touch that balances the richness perfectly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Infuses every potato morsel with warm, pungent flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting all the flavors and seasoning the potatoes just right.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and depth to the dish without overpowering.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): The secret ingredient that steams and infuses the potatoes, leaving them tender and bursting with savory goodness.
How to Make Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the potatoes hit the pan. Take your Yukon gold potatoes and trim about half an inch off the rounded ends. Then cut each potato in half to form thick 1-inch rounds. This shape is perfect for getting that crisp exterior and tender interior.
Step 2: Make the Herb and Garlic Coating
In a large bowl, combine your melted butter, olive or avocado oil, freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully blended to create a fragrant, golden bath for the potatoes.
Step 3: Toss and Arrange the Potatoes
Drop the potato halves into the herb mixture and toss them gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is fully coated with the garlicky, buttery goodness. Then place the potatoes cut side down in a single layer in a 13×9-inch baking dish that’s been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Don’t forget to pour any leftover sauce on top before baking.
Step 4: Bake and Flip
Pop the potatoes into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, use tongs to carefully flip every potato to ensure both sides get that gorgeous golden crust. This step is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Finish Baking
Once they’re nicely browned on both sides, pour in the chicken broth around the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The broth will steam the potatoes gently, melting them into softness while keeping their flavorful crust intact.
Step 6: Serve with Fresh Herbs and Sauce
Remove the dish from the oven, and before serving, drizzle the flavorful juices from the bottom over the potatoes. Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness that makes this Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe shine.
How to Serve Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds an herbaceous brightness and a splash of green that contrasts perfectly with the golden potatoes. A squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of Parmesan can add an unexpected, delightful twist.
Side Dishes
These potatoes love good company. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple sautéed green vegetable like spinach or green beans to complete a wholesome, comforting meal. Their rich, garlicky flavor holds its own against many mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the potatoes in a rustic cast-iron skillet right from the oven to keep them warm and showcase their inviting crust. Or arrange them on a platter garnished with herb sprigs for a stunning centerpiece everyone will want to dig into immediately.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover melting potatoes into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain most of their flavor and texture, making for a quick and delightful next-day side.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may slightly change the texture. If you want to freeze them, arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
To bring your Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe back to life, reheat in an oven set at 375°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yukon gold are ideal because of their creamy texture that melts beautifully, but you can experiment with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just avoid starchy varieties like russets, as they don’t hold their shape as well in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs give the brightest flavor and aroma, but if you only have dried rosemary and thyme, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the potatoes moist and flavorful without meat-based ingredients.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be golden and crisp on the outside but tender and “melting” when pierced with a fork, especially after baking with the broth in the final step.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
No worries! Olive oil works perfectly, as it adds a lovely flavor and aids in crisping without overpowering the herbs and garlic.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe enough. It’s one of those simple dishes that feels special every time you make it, bringing warmth and comfort in every buttery bite. Once you’ve tasted these potatoes, they’re guaranteed to become your go-to side that everyone asks for again and again. So grab those Yukon golds and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a soul-satisfying potato experience!
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Melting Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6.6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender Yukon gold potatoes roasted with fresh herbs, garlic, and a savory butter and oil blend, finished with a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture and taste. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 8 potatoes)
Herb Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh, finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth (regular sodium)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes evenly and getting a crispy exterior.
- Prepare Potatoes: Trim about ½ inch from the rounded ends of each potato, then cut each potato in half to create two 1-inch thick rounds. This ensures uniform cooking and a nice presentation.
- Mix Herb Butter Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the potato halves to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the herb butter mixture, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
- Arrange and Bake: Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the coated potatoes in a single layer in the dish. Pour any leftover herb sauce over the potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through roasting to brown both sides beautifully.
- Add Broth and Continue Baking: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the baking dish around the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the broth has infused into the dish.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and serve hot. Drizzle with the flavorful sauce collected at the bottom of the baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs for extra aroma and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during roasting.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried rosemary and thyme can be substituted at half the amount.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking ensures even browning and crispiness.
- Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor but can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
