Name: Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled); 1½ cups unsalted butter (melted, 3 sticks); 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon herbs de provence; Fresh herbs (such as rosemary and sage, optional)

There’s something truly magical about potatoes that practically melt in your mouth, and that’s exactly what you get with this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender and buttery inside, these potatoes make every meal feel just a little more special.

A white plate with a decorative rim holds about two layers of golden brown, round potatoes that look fried or roasted. The potatoes have a crispy, shiny surface spotted with small bits of chopped garlic and black pepper. Tiny green herb sprigs, possibly thyme, are scattered lightly on top. The potatoes sit in a light brown sauce that glistens under soft lighting, with visible small garlic pieces and a few herb leaves. The plate is on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe has saved dinner parties or family meals when I wanted something comforting yet impressive. It’s simple to make but impressively delicious, bringing out the best in Yukon Gold potatoes.

Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with an irresistibly soft, almost buttery center thanks to the slow roasting and butter bath.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Fresh herbs, garlic, and just the right amount of seasoning make these potatoes deeply flavorful without fuss.
Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to weekday veggies, making meal planning a breeze.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once you pop them in the oven, you can relax, knowing the final product will be a hit every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe plays a key role: the potatoes provide the canvas, the butter adds richness, the herbs and garlic layer in fresh, aromatic notes, and the chicken broth gently steams the potatoes to that perfect softness.

Flat lay of a stack of peeled Yukon Gold potatoes cut into thick disks, a few whole brown garlic bulbs with two cloves separated, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl filled with low-sodium chicken broth, a tiny white bowl holding fresh green thyme sprigs, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a tiny white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a miniature white bowl containing crushed red pepper flakes, a small bunch of fresh rosemary and sage sprigs arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their natural buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for melting potatoes.
Unsalted butter: Melts perfectly around the potatoes to create that rich, luscious coating while roasting.
Fresh thyme: Offers a subtle earthy brightness that complements the buttery potatoes beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps to steam and tenderize the potatoes, adding a subtle savory note.
Garlic: Gives a wonderful aromatic punch that infuses the potatoes during roasting.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch brings a gentle warmth (optional but worth trying!).
Herbs de Provence: A fragrant blend that elevates the dish with hints of lavender and savory herbs.
Fresh herbs like rosemary and sage: Perfect for garnish and an extra pop of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste. I often swap herbs or add a little parmesan to change things up, and you should too—don’t hesitate to make this your own.

Variation: I love adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist; it gives a nice depth when serving with grilled meats.
Dietary swaps: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.
Seasonal herbs: In spring, fresh tarragon or chives add a subtle brightness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of golden-brown roasted potato rounds arranged closely on a baking tray. Each potato piece is thick, roughly circular, and has a crispy caramelized surface with specks of black pepper and small bits of chopped garlic scattered on top. The potatoes have a slightly oily shine from the roasting, with a textured and slightly rough surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to a high heat of 500°F, and make sure your oven rack is in the middle position. This high temp helps get that golden crispness on your potatoes. Don’t forget to spray your baking pan with nonstick spray—preparing the pan ensures the potatoes don’t stick and crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Slice Your Potatoes Just Right

Peeling helps with smooth melting texture. Cut your Yukon Golds into 1-inch thick disks—try to keep them all the same size so they cook evenly. I like to square off the pointy ends to keep them consistent, making flipping easier later.

Step 3: Butter Up and Season

Toss your potatoes in that melted butter along with fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. This coating locks in moisture and flavor. Be generous but not so much that they’re swimming in butter—you want just enough to create that velvety exterior as they roast.

Step 4: Roast and Flip with Care

Arrange the potatoes single-layered in the pan with little gaps around them for air circulation. Roast for about 20 minutes until the bottoms start turning golden brown. Then, flip carefully using a flat metal spatula—loosening them gently prevents breakage but keeps that crisp crust intact.

Step 5: Add Broth and Garlic for Melting Magic

Whisk chicken broth with minced garlic and pour it over the potatoes after flipping them again. This liquid steams and tenderizes the potatoes while the roasting continues, creating the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Roast for another 15 minutes so the sauce reduces to a luscious glaze.

Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly for about five minutes, then spoon some of that buttery sauce over before serving. You’ll be amazed how soft and flavorful they get.

Top Tip

Over the years, roasting potatoes has taught me a few life-changing tricks that make this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe foolproof every time. Here are the keys to that perfect melty finish.

Consistent Slicing: Keeping your potatoes the same thickness ensures they cook evenly—a big help in getting that melt without mush.
High Heat Is Your Friend: 500°F gives that beautiful golden crust without drying out the insides, thanks to the broth infusion.
Gentle Flipping: Use a flat spatula and loosen gently to keep the crispiness intact and avoid breaking your potatoes apart.
Let Them Rest: Allow potatoes to cool for a few minutes after roasting—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and soak into the potatoes.

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these melting potatoes with fresh rosemary or sage leaves—they add an extra herbal punch and look gorgeous. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end brings out all the rich flavors. Sometimes I went simple with just a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh, peppery finish.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are my go-to side for roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even pan-seared salmon. They also shine alongside sautéed greens, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad when you want a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes arrange the potatoes in a circular pattern and drizzle with a rosemary-infused olive oil for a rustic look. Serving them in a cast-iron skillet right from the oven is also a crowd-pleaser, adding warmth and charm to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover potatoes refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay good for up to 3 days, and the buttery coating actually tastes even better the next day after settling in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing these isn’t my first choice since the texture softens, but if you must, flash freeze the cooled potatoes on a tray, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Use within 1 month, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, a quick reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes works best—this helps restore some crispness without drying them out. Skipping the microwave keeps the texture nice and tender yet not soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes melting potatoes different from regular roasted potatoes?

Melting potatoes are sliced thick and cooked in butter and broth at a high temperature, which crisps the edges but steams and melts the inside, creating a soft, buttery texture unlike standard roasted potatoes that are usually chunkier and drier.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe?

Yukon Golds are preferred because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture. Russet potatoes work but may turn out a bit fluffier and less creamy, while red potatoes tend to hold their shape too much, lacking the melting quality.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Spraying the baking pan generously with nonstick spray before adding the potatoes is key. Also, the butter coating and roasting at high heat help create a natural crust that makes flipping and removal easier without sticking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes up to the butter toss and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before roasting. However, for best texture and flavor, roasting them fresh is ideal. Leftovers reheat well in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Roasted Melting Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation — it's that perfect blend of ease and elevated flavor that impresses guests but never stresses me out. Give this recipe a try; I promise once you taste those tender, buttery bites, you’ll be making them again and again—and so will everyone lucky enough to share your table.