Picture this: a cozy evening, the table beautifully set, and the tantalizing scent of buttery, herb-infused fondant potatoes wafting from the oven. These golden beauties aren’t just a side dish; they’re the kind of culinary delight that transforms an everyday dinner into something spectacular. I first discovered fondant potatoes while experimenting with a few leftover ingredients, and I’ve never looked back since! Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a crispy exterior creates a dish that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet night in, these fondant potatoes are outrageously simple to prepare but deliver a taste experience that rivals any five-star restaurant. They epitomize the joys of homemade cooking: comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re pairing them with a succulent roast or serving them alongside a fresh salad, their versatility shines bright. Join me in diving into the world of fondant potatoes—your new favorite side that promises to elevate any meal!
Why are fondant potatoes a must-try?
Buttery goodness: Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with a rich, buttery flavor that brings comfort.
Herb-infused delight: Infused with herbs, they provide a delightful aroma that elevates your dining experience.
Impressive presentation: Their golden, crispy exterior makes them beautiful on any plate, perfect for your dinner parties.
Versatile pairing: These potatoes complement a variety of dishes, whether it’s steak, chicken, or vegetables.
Effortless to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a culinary pro without the stress.
Crowd-pleaser: Fondant potatoes are sure to impress both family and guests, making every meal feel special.
Fondant Potatoes Ingredients
• Discover the secrets to buttery, herb-infused fondant potatoes!
For the Potatoes
• Floury Potatoes (e.g., Sebago, Russet, King Edward) – Essential for achieving that fluffy interior and perfect flavor absorption.
• Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; remember to adjust if using salted stock.
• Black Pepper – Adds a touch of subtle heat to balance the richness.
For the Cooking
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Ideal for searing the potatoes, ensuring a delightful crispy exterior.
• Unsalted Butter – Best cubed for even melting, amplifying richness and browning.
For Flavoring
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs (or dried thyme) – Infuses a lovely herbal aroma; fresh is always preferred for the best flavor.
• Chicken Stock (low sodium or vegetable stock) – Provides moisture and a savory infusion during baking, making these fondant potatoes irresistibly delicious!
How to Make Fondant Potatoes
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 390°F. This ensures a perfect cooking environment for those golden bites.
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Prepare Potatoes: Peel and trim your floury potatoes, then carve them into cylinders about 6cm in diameter and 3.5cm tall. If you prefer, thick slabs work well too—just be mindful of even cooking!
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Season: Pat your potato cylinders dry with a kitchen towel. Toss them gently in half the olive oil, along with a sprinkle of cooking salt and black pepper, enhancing their natural flavor.
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Sear: In an ovenproof skillet heated over medium-high, add the remaining olive oil. Sear the potatoes for 6-8 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown, developing that delightful crust.
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Add Butter and Thyme: Once perfectly browned, toss in the cubes of unsalted butter and fresh thyme sprigs, lovingly basting the potatoes in that luscious melting butter.
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Add Stock: Pour in your chicken stock, bringing it to a gentle boil. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and prepares for the next step!
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Consider basting at the 15-minute mark, ensuring that the potatoes soak up that savory stock and become tender.
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Serve: After baking, basting one more time is ideal! Serve your fondant potatoes on individual plates, lovingly drizzling the buttery sauce over each for an extra touch of luxury.
Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Fondant Potatoes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Herb Swap: Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different aromatic flavor.
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Cheesy Twist: Add grated Parmesan or aged cheddar during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
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Garlic Infusion: Toss in minced garlic along with the butter and thyme to enhance the flavor with a delicious garlicky aroma.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving for a touch of heat.
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Vegetable Broth: Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version, still packed with flavor.
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Sweet Potato Version: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a sweeter, colorful twist on this classic dish.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the potatoes before baking to add a hint of sweetness and caramelization.
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Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts sprinkled on top before serving add a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
Explore these variations to find your family’s favorite version of fondant potatoes and truly make them your own!
Storage Tips for Fondant Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftover fondant potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze fondant potatoes for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to maintain their flavor.
Reheating: To reheat frozen potatoes, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through and crispy again.
Leftover Sauce: If you have extra buttery sauce, store it separately in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for drizzling over future meals!
What to Serve with Buttery Herb Fondant Potatoes?
Imagine a vibrant table filled with delicious flavors, where rich textures and complementary tastes come together beautifully.
- Grilled Steak: The savory char of a grilled steak pairs wonderfully, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner parties.
- Roasted Lemon Chicken: Bright lemon accents enhance the buttery nature of fondant potatoes, making for a refreshing balance.
- Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: The crisp-tender texture and mild garlic flavor provide a fresh contrast, elevating the entire plate.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light and zesty vinaigrette salad offers a refreshing bite that offsets the rich potatoes.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess bring a delightful texture that complements the softness of fondant potatoes.
- Red Wine: A glass of robust Merlot or a fruity Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, enhancing the comforting flavors of your dish.
- Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this luscious treat provides a sweet finish, contrasting nicely with the savory potatoes.
- Herb-Infused Broth: A warm broth refreshes the palate between bites, and its herbal notes echo the flavors of the fondant potatoes wonderfully.
- Crispy Roast Pork: The crispy skin and juicy meat provide a delightful flavor fusion that makes every bite unforgettable.
Make Ahead Options
These fondant potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can peel, trim, and carve the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them submerged in water (to prevent browning) until ready to sear. Additionally, you can prepare the herb-infused butter mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the cooking instructions starting from the searing step. This way, you’ll deliver that restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy these buttery, meltingly tender fondant potatoes without the stress!
Tips for the Best Fondant Potatoes
- Potato Selection: Use only floury potatoes like Sebago or Russet for that fluffy texture; waxy types won’t yield the same melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Searing Technique: Start with a hot skillet to achieve that golden, crispy exterior; under-searing means missing out on the texture contrast.
- Baste Regularly: Basting with the butter and herb mixture every 15 minutes ensures even flavor absorption, enhancing your fondant potatoes’ taste and glossiness.
- Cut Uniformly: Aim for even sizes when cutting your potatoes; this guarantees they cook consistently, avoiding some being overcooked while others remain firm.
- Cooking Vessel Matters: A heavy-based, oven-safe skillet, like cast iron, distributes heat more evenly for perfectly cooked fondant potatoes.
Fondant Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for fondant potatoes?
Choosing the right potatoes is key! I recommend using floury potatoes like Sebago, Russet, or King Edward. These types create a wonderfully fluffy interior that absorbs flavors beautifully. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t provide that melt-in-your-mouth texture we love.
How should I store leftover fondant potatoes?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Can I freeze fondant potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze fondant potatoes, allow them to cool completely after cooking, then wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air enters. Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container for added protection against freezer burn. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
What should I do if my fondant potatoes are not browning properly?
If they’re not browning, it could be that your skillet isn’t hot enough when you start searing. Make sure to preheat your skillet to medium-high before adding the potatoes. Also, ensure you’re not overcrowding the pan, as this can trap steam and prevent that beautiful golden crust from forming. Searing each side for 6-8 minutes should do the trick!
Are fondant potatoes gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, fondant potatoes are both gluten-free and vegetarian! Made primarily from floury potatoes, oil, butter, herbs, and stock, they fit perfectly into various dietary preferences. For a vegetarian-friendly recipe, be sure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for that rich, savory flavor.
Can I use different herbs in fondant potatoes?
The more the merrier! While the recipe calls for fresh thyme, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even sage for unique flavor profiles. Just make sure to use fresh when possible, as they provide a more vibrant aroma and taste.
Savor Fondant Potatoes: Buttery and Herb-Infused Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F.
- Peel and trim your floury potatoes, then carve them into cylinders about 6cm in diameter and 3.5cm tall.
- Pat the potato cylinders dry with a kitchen towel. Toss them gently in half the olive oil, along with cooking salt and black pepper.
- In an ovenproof skillet heated over medium-high, add the remaining olive oil. Sear the potatoes for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once browned, toss in the cubes of unsalted butter and fresh thyme sprigs, basting the potatoes in the melting butter.
- Pour in your chicken stock and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, basting at the 15-minute mark.
- Serve your fondant potatoes on individual plates, drizzling the buttery sauce over each.