There’s something irresistibly cozy about a dish that’s buttery, tender, and loaded with flavor — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe with you. These potatoes practically melt in your mouth, and they’re the perfect side to elevate any meal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe has seriously won a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation — it’s that good. The way the potatoes get golden and tender with every butter-soaked bite is just pure magic, and it’s simpler than you'd expect.
- Perfectly tender texture: These potatoes literally melt with every bite, offering a soft yet slightly crispy experience.
- Buttery, herb-infused flavor: Butter, thyme, garlic, and herbs de Provence create a rich and fragrant combination you’ll crave again and again.
- Easy to prepare: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress without stress.
- Versatile side dish: Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, these potatoes fit right in.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients really makes all the difference here. Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally creamy texture that’s perfect for roasting and melting in that buttery sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring bright notes to cut through the richness, while chicken broth adds just enough moisture and depth.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their waxy texture helps the potatoes hold shape while still getting tender inside.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter infuses every bite with richness—don’t skimp here!
- Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch that brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the potatoes moist during roasting without overpowering them.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a subtle, savory warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick to stop the richness from feeling heavy.
- Herbs de Provence: This classic blend complements the potatoes with a fragrant mix of herbs.
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage): Optional but recommended for extra depth and garnish.
Make It Your Way
I love changing up the herbs depending on the season — sometimes swapping in sage or rosemary, or even a touch of smoked paprika for a different twist. Don’t hesitate to tailor this recipe to your taste; it’s very forgiving and all about comfort.
- Variation: Once, I added caramelized onions to the mix before roasting, and it took these potatoes to a whole new level of sweetness and depth — highly recommend trying that if you want something extra special.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can swap butter for olive oil, but the buttery richness is key to that melting effect, so try to use a good quality oil.
- Spice it up: Toss in some smoked paprika or a pinch more red pepper flakes for some smoky heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes Just Right
After peeling, I like to cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch-thick disks that are all roughly the same size. This helps ensure even cooking — trust me, no one wants undercooked slices! Square off the pointed ends first so they sit nicely in the pan.
Step 2: Coat In Butter and Herbs
In a big bowl, toss those lovely potato disks with melted butter, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until every piece is glossy. This step locks in flavor and starts the magic of that golden crust.
Step 3: Roast Until Crispy on the Bottom
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in your pan, leaving space between pieces—this allows the heat to circulate and makes the edges crisp and delightful. Roast at 500°F for about 20 minutes until you see that gorgeous browning around the edges.
Step 4: Flip and Continue Roasting
Carefully slide a flat spatula under each disk and flip them over without tearing. This step can be a bit tricky—don’t pull up or press too hard, or they might break apart. Pop the pan back in for another 15 minutes to brown the other side.
Step 5: Add Garlic Broth and Herbs
Whisk the chicken broth with minced garlic, herbs de Provence, and red pepper flakes, then pour it gently over the potatoes. This adds moisture and a punch of fragrant flavor. Roast for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your potatoes sit for 5 minutes so the flavors settle. When serving, spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top — it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together.
Top Tip
After making this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned that the secret is all in spacing and flipping properly. Here are the tips that saved me from soggy or broken potatoes:
- Space the Potatoes: Make sure there’s at least half an inch between the potato slices so they roast evenly and get that tantalizing crust.
- Gentle Flipping: Use a wide, flat spatula to flip the potatoes carefully — don’t pull or tug to avoid breakage.
- High Heat Roasting: The 500°F oven setting is key for getting the outsides golden and crispy while keeping the insides tender.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the potatoes sit a few minutes out of the oven helps them soak in all those beautiful buttery juices.
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping these potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or chopped sage right before serving — it adds that burst of herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the rich butteriness. A little flaky sea salt on top never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This recipe is incredibly versatile, but some of my favorite pairings include roasted chicken, garlic butter steak, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness. It also makes a fantastic comfort food complement to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these potatoes in individual ramekins with a drizzle of extra herb butter and a sprig of rosemary perched on top. It’s simple but adds a touch of elegance — plus, everyone loves their own personal potato pot!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover melting potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture stays surprisingly good, especially if you reheat them properly.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze these because I find the texture changes a bit, but if you’re careful to cool them completely and freeze in a single layer, they do freeze okay. Just expect them to be best eaten within a month.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers on a rimmed baking sheet in a 400°F oven until warmed through and the edges crisp back up — usually around 10 minutes. Microwave reheating tends to make them a bit mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While Yukon Gold are ideal for their buttery texture and ability to roast evenly, you can use other waxy potato varieties like red potatoes or fingerlings. Russets will work but may become more crumbly and less creamy.
The potatoes are done when they’re tender all the way through and have a nice golden crust on the edges. You can test doneness by piercing a slice with a fork — it should slide in easily without resistance.
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with high-quality olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will still be deliciously rich and herb-forward.
Flipping the potatoes ensures they brown evenly on both sides, creating that irresistible contrast of crispy edges and meltingly soft centers. It also helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my stomach!). It’s one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want to feel cozy and indulgent without a ton of fuss. Once you try it, I promise you’ll have a new favorite side that feels both elegant and utterly comforting — just like a warm kitchen chat between friends.
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Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Melting Potatoes Recipe features tender Yukon Gold potatoes roasted in a flavorful mixture of melted butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and low-sodium chicken broth. Perfectly crispy on the edges and soft inside, these potatoes make the ultimate side dish to complement any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon herbs de provence
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary and sage) – optional
Butter Mixture
- 1½ cups unsalted butter (melted, 3 sticks)
Broth Mixture
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 500°F. Spray a 12x8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Prepare Potatoes: Square off the pointed ends of the peeled potatoes and cut into 1-inch-thick disks, ensuring the sizes are very similar for even cooking.
- Toss Potatoes with Butter and Seasonings: Place the potato disks in a large bowl and toss them with the melted butter, minced thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange Potatoes in Pan: Lay the potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking pan, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each disk for proper roasting.
- First Roast: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to brown around the edges.
- Flip Potatoes: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip the potatoes over using a flat metal spatula, loosening them gently from the bottom without pulling up.
- Second Roast: Return the pan to the oven and roast the potatoes for another 15 minutes to develop even browning.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, herbs de provence, and any optional fresh herbs like rosemary or sage.
- Add Broth and Final Roast: Remove the pan from the oven again, flip the potatoes once more, and pour the broth mixture evenly over the potatoes. Roast in the oven for a final 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has slightly reduced.
- Rest and Serve: Take the pan out of the oven and let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the potatoes before serving for the best taste.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during roasting.
- Ensure potatoes are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking and browning.
- Nonstick spray helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes and herbs to your preference for heat and flavor variations.
- This recipe pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or mains like chicken or fish.
- Step-by-step photos can help visualize the process and ensure success.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 887 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 70 g
- Saturated Fat: 44 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg

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