Perfect Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes in 30 Min

Garlic butter fondant potatoes have become my absolute go-to for elevating any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a special occasion. I remember the first time I tried making them, nervously watching as the potatoes transformed in the oven, filling my kitchen with the most incredible aroma of roasted garlic and butter. This particular fondant potatoes recipe is deceptively simple, yet the results are restaurant-quality. If you’ve ever wondered how to make garlic butter fondant potatoes that are both incredibly tender inside and perfectly golden outside, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

• An absolutely divine taste experience with tender interiors and crispy golden exteriors.
• Super quick prep time means you can whip them up in about 15 minutes.
• A surprisingly healthy side dish, especially when compared to fried alternatives.
• Incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, common ingredients you likely already have.
• The whole family will adore these creamy potatoes, making mealtime a breeze.
• These garlic butter potatoes are a fantastic way to impress guests without much effort.
• They pair beautifully with almost any main course, from chicken to steak.
• The rich flavor of garlic butter potatoes adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Gathering these simple garlic butter fondant potatoes ingredients is the first step to culinary success. The quality of your potatoes really makes a difference here, so I always opt for Yukon Golds. They have a lovely buttery flavor and a creamy texture that’s perfect for this dish. You’ll also need unsalted butter, which helps create that rich, golden crust as it melts and browns. Fresh garlic is key for that amazing aroma and punch of flavor, and a good quality broth (vegetable or chicken) provides the braising liquid. Don’t forget dried thyme for a subtle herbal note, plus salt and pepper to taste. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

• 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes – peeled and cut into uniform cylinders
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – divided, for searing and finishing
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – for that irresistible garlic aroma
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth – provides moisture and flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds a hint of earthy herbiness
• Salt, to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors
• Black pepper, to taste – for a touch of warmth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, bright finish

How to Make Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Let’s get these delicious potatoes into the oven! This garlic butter fondant potatoes cooking method is designed to give you that perfect balance of crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s truly a simple process that yields impressive results.

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to a nice hot 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown sear on our potatoes.
2. Step 2: Peel your potatoes and then cut them into uniform cylindrical shapes, about 2-3 inches tall. Uniformity is key for even cooking, so take your time with this step.
3. Step 3: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. I love using cast iron for this, but any oven-safe skillet will do. Carefully place your potato cylinders into the hot butter, cut-side down, and sear them for about 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown crust to form.
4. Step 4: Once seared, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it with the potatoes for just about 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Step 5: Now, pour in the 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Season generously with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the potatoes. This braising liquid is where all the magic happens, infusing the potatoes with flavor.
6. Step 6: Carefully transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender when you poke them with a fork. You’ll know they’re ready when they yield easily. This part of the garlic butter fondant potatoes cooking method is where the potatoes absorb all that delicious broth.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter right on top of the potatoes. Let it melt and pool, creating a luscious sauce with the remaining broth.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve these glorious garlic butter fondant potatoes immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Achieving that perfect restaurant-style result is easier than you think with a few key tricks. These tips will elevate your garlic butter fondant potatoes from good to absolutely unforgettable.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the potatoes; give them space to get a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Ensure your broth is hot when you add it to the skillet; this helps maintain the oven temperature for consistent cooking.
• Basting the potatoes with the pan juices during the last 10 minutes of roasting can add even more flavor and moisture.
• For extra crispy edges, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching them very carefully to prevent burning.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes?

The absolute secret to perfect garlic butter fondant potatoes is the combination of searing and then braising. This dual method ensures a crispy exterior and a creamy, tender interior. For extra crispiness, focus on getting a good sear and don’t skip the optional broil at the end! For more amazing recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Can I make Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes up to the point of searing. Cut and shape them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, proceed with searing and baking as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are chilled.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes?

A common pitfall is not searing the potatoes properly, which prevents that sought-after golden crust. Another mistake is cutting the potatoes unevenly, leading to some being overcooked and others undercooked. For simple fondant potatoes garlic butter success, ensure uniform cuts and a good sear! If you’re looking for other delicious sides, consider our Romanian Chiftele.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

These incredibly flavorful potatoes are so versatile, they’ll quickly become a favorite side dish. They are absolutely divine served alongside a perfectly cooked steak, making them the ultimate pairing for a special dinner. Imagine juicy, grilled steak with these tender, buttery potatoes – pure perfection! They also pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, adding a touch of elegance to any meal. For a lighter option, serve them with pan-seared salmon or a hearty salad. These garlic butter fondant potatoes are truly a crowd-pleaser and elevate any dining experience. For a complete meal, try them with our Persian Chicken Recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

These decadent potatoes are surprisingly reasonable when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of these delicious creamy garlic butter fondant potatoes:

• Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
• Fat: Approx. 15g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
• Protein: Approx. 3g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
• Fiber: Approx. 3g
• Sugar: Approx. 2g
• Sodium: Approx. 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Understanding the nutritional impact is important, and you can learn more about healthy eating principles from resources like the Eatwell Guide.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

I love making a big batch of these potatoes because they store and reheat so well, making them perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, let your garlic butter fondant potatoes cool completely before storing them. Transfer them to an airtight container and they’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. For the best results, especially if you want to recapture some of that crispy texture, I recommend using your oven or an air fryer. Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet or in your air fryer basket and reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped. The exact garlic butter fondant potatoes cooking time will depend on how many you’re reheating and your appliance. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet with a little extra butter or oil, though they might not be as crispy. For another great side dish, try our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

What exactly are fondant potatoes with garlic butter?

What are fondant potatoes with garlic butter? They’re a truly special way to prepare potatoes! Essentially, they are potato cylinders that are first seared to get a golden-brown crust, then slow-roasted in butter, broth, and aromatics like garlic and thyme. This cooking method results in potatoes that are incredibly tender and creamy on the inside, with a slightly crispy, buttery exterior. They’re a step up from your everyday roasted potatoes and feel quite elegant. For more potato ideas, see our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

While Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can certainly use other waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just ensure they are cut into uniform shapes for even cooking. Starchy potatoes like Russets can become too mushy with this method, so I’d stick to waxy varieties for the best results with garlic butter fondant potatoes.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No oven-safe skillet? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe. Sear the potatoes as directed in a regular skillet. Then, transfer the seared potatoes to a baking dish, add the garlic, broth, and seasonings, and bake in the preheated oven. You’ll just need to add the finishing butter directly to the baking dish after they’re done cooking.

How do I achieve that perfect crispy exterior on my fondant potatoes?

The key to crispy garlic butter fondant potatoes lies in the initial sear and ensuring they aren’t overcrowded in the pan. You want them to develop a good golden crust before adding the liquid. If they still aren’t as crispy as you’d like after roasting, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end, watching them closely to prevent burning. This extra step really enhances the texture! For another great recipe, consider our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole.

Variations of Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll be excited to know there are so many ways to customize these delicious potatoes! These variations offer new flavor profiles and even adapt the dish for different dietary needs, making it even more versatile. Trying these will ensure you always have an easy garlic butter fondant potatoes recipe up your sleeve for any occasion.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth for a subtle heat that complements the richness.
• Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs beyond thyme! Rosemary, sage, or even a sprinkle of dill added in the last few minutes of roasting can create delightful new flavor combinations.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use a good quality plant-based butter (like vegan butter sticks) and vegetable broth. The result is still wonderfully flavorful and tender.
• Air Fryer Method: You can adapt this for an air fryer! Sear the potato cylinders first, then place them in the air fryer basket with the garlic, broth, and seasonings. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and golden.

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