These Fondant Potatoes Recipe are a true delight, perfect for elevating any meal. With their buttery flavor and crispy edges, these potatoes are wonderful as a side dish for family dinners or special occasions. Their unique cooking method creates a beautiful contrast between the soft, fluffy insides and the crispy exteriors, making them a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These potatoes boast a fluffy interior that simply melts in your mouth.
- Crispy perfection: The golden crust on the outside adds an irresistible crunch to each bite.
- Versatile pairing: Fondant potatoes complement various main dishes, from meats to vegetarian options.
- Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you can create this gourmet dish with ease.
- Impressive presentation: Their elegant look makes them perfect for entertaining guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best fondant potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your potatoes come out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: This tool provides excellent heat retention and helps achieve that perfect crispy crust.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing the potatoes, which is important for even cooking.
Ingredients
These fondant potatoes roasted with butter and herbs melt in your mouth with fluffy insides and wonderfully crisp tops and bottoms. Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
For the Potatoes
- 8-10 small/medium Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
For the Flavoring
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 cup vegetable broth
For Serving
- Flaky sea salt (for serving)
How to Make Fondant Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Cut both ends off each peeled potato so they sit flat. Each potato should be about 2 inches tall.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
- Season each side generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Potatoes
- Place avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once shimmering, add the potatoes flat side down.
- Cook until golden brown on one side (about 5 minutes).
- Flip the potatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are nicely browned.
- Drain excess oil from the skillet.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
- Add unsalted butter, garlic cloves, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet with the potatoes.
- Pour in vegetable broth around the potatoes (not directly on top).
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve
To serve, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of each potato and spoon any remaining butter sauce from the pan onto them.
Enjoy these delightful fondant potatoes as a perfect side dish for any meal!
How to Serve Fondant Potatoes Recipe
Fondant potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a rich and buttery flavor that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Grilled Meats
- Steak – The rich flavors of fondant potatoes complement the savory taste of grilled steak beautifully.
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs bring a hearty balance to the fluffy potatoes.
- Pork Chops – Pairing with pork chops adds a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
With Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce create a refreshing counterpoint to the buttery potatoes.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can add brightness and cut through the richness of the dish.
With Sauces
- Herb Butter Sauce – Drizzle additional herb butter over the potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
- Mushroom Gravy – Rich mushroom gravy enhances the earthy tones of the fondant potatoes.
How to Perfect Fondant Potatoes Recipe
Creating the perfect fondant potatoes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor.
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – These potatoes have a creamy texture that works best for fondant preparation.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly – Ensuring the potatoes are dry before cooking helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil Properly – Make sure your oil is shimmering before adding the potatoes. This ensures they sear rather than steam.
- Don’t Rush Baking – Allow sufficient time in the oven for even cooking and tenderness.
- Season Generously – Proper seasoning enhances flavor; don’t skimp on salt and pepper during preparation.
- Finish with Flaky Salt – Adding flaky sea salt just before serving elevates the overall taste.
Best Side Dishes for Fondant Potatoes Recipe
Fondant potatoes can be paired with many side dishes, making them versatile for any occasion. Here’s a list of great options.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized complement the richness of fondant potatoes.
- Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and freshness to your plate.
- Creamed Spinach – This classic dish provides a creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with fondant potatoes.
- Ratatouille – A colorful vegetable medley brings both flavor and nutrition alongside your main dish.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that balances the soft texture of the potatoes.
- Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts – The sweet and tangy glaze complements the buttery notes from fondant potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making fondant potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the potato drying step: Moisture can prevent the potatoes from getting that desired crispy crust. Always pat them dry with a paper towel after peeling.
- Using the wrong type of oil: Not all oils have the same smoke point. Use avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil to ensure even cooking.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland potatoes. Make sure to season both sides generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Rushing the cooking process: Cooking at too high a temperature may burn the outside without cooking the insides. Follow the recommended heat levels for perfectly cooked potatoes.
- Ignoring doneness tests: Check if your potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. If they’re not tender, they need more time in the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store fondant potatoes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fondant Potatoes Recipe
- Place cooled fondant potatoes in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Fondant Potatoes Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until hot. This method may soften their texture.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Fondant Potatoes Recipe.
What are fondant potatoes?
Fondant potatoes are small, roasted potatoes that have been cooked in butter and broth, resulting in a crispy exterior and creamy interior.
How do I get my fondant potatoes crispy?
Ensure you dry your potatoes well before cooking and use high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil for frying.
Can I customize my fondant potatoes recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences for added flavor.
How long do fondant potatoes take to cook?
The total cooking time is approximately 40 minutes after preheating the oven, including both stovetop and oven cooking.
What should I serve with fondant potatoes?
Fondant potatoes make an excellent side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables, complementing various main courses beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Fondant Potatoes Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to accompany any meal. With its creamy center and crispy edges, it’s bound to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own!