If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm, buttery hug from the inside out, then you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes transform simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with perfectly crispy edges and a rich garlic butter sauce that seeps into every tender slice. It’s comfort food elevated to something really special, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a star side dish when you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with twelve round golden-brown fried potato slices that are slightly crispy on the edges. They are spread evenly inside the pan and topped with small pieces of chopped fresh green parsley scattered over them. On the right side, a metal spoon rests inside the pan, partly under a few slices of potatoes. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth peeking out from the upper left corner. The potatoes have a shiny, slightly oily texture from cooking, and the overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor, texture, and a gorgeous golden color. Each one plays a crucial role, so don’t skip or swap them out!

Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature makes them perfect for browning and getting soft inside while staying firm enough to handle the searing and baking.
Unsalted butter: A rich, creamy base that brings depth and helps those potatoes caramelize perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped for that punchy aroma and flavor that infuses the butter and potatoes.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and helping the potatoes’ natural flavors shine.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and earthiness to balance the richness.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture for braising and infuses gentle savoriness without overwhelming the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbaceous finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Start by peeling those russet potatoes and slicing them into generous 2-inch rounds. As you slice, pop them into a bowl of cool water to keep them from browning. This trick also helps remove some excess starch, ensuring your potatoes crisp up nicely without sticking together.

Step 2: Sear the Potatoes to Golden Perfection

Heat up a heavy, oven-safe skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Pat your potato rounds dry—this is key for getting a crispy crust! Place them in the pan in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed until beautifully browned on one side. Then carefully flip to brown the other side. Trust me, this caramelized crust is what makes this Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe unforgettable.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Season

With the potatoes out of the pan temporarily, lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Toss in the chopped garlic, kosher salt, and fresh pepper. Let the garlic gently sizzle until fragrant but not browned. This step builds the rich, aromatic base your potatoes will bathe in later—garlic butter heaven.

Step 4: Braise the Potatoes in Broth

Return your seared potatoes to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer again. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth—it’ll steam and soften the potatoes while allowing that garlicky butter sauce to infuse every bite. Baste delicately with the sauce here and there, ensuring even coverage and flavor penetration. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, basting once halfway through. The result: meltingly tender potatoes with a luscious, buttery glaze coating each slice.

Step 5: The Final Test and Serve

Check tenderness with a paring knife or an instant-read thermometer; the center should be soft and easily pierced or reach about 205 to 210°F. Once perfect, give the potatoes one more generous baste with the garlic butter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with golden brown roasted potato halves, each piece crispy on the edges and soft in the center, showing a slight caramelized texture. The potatoes are topped with small bits of garlic and finely chopped green parsley scattered evenly over the dish. A silver spoon lies inside the bowl beside the potatoes. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a visual pop and light herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. If you want to get a little adventurous, a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan or a few chives chopped thinly work brilliantly too. Just keep it simple so the buttery garlic flavor remains the star.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or alongside a simple green salad for a lighter meal. The richness of the potatoes complements lean proteins and fresh vegetables, making it a versatile partner for any feast. It’s also fantastic beside saucy dishes where you want something to soak up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to make a casual weekday dinner a bit more special, try layering the potatoes in a shallow ceramic dish and finishing with a light gratin topping of breadcrumbs and cheese, then broiling for a minute or two. Or arrange the rounds stacked slightly overlapping on a serving platter for a rustic yet elegant look. Whatever you choose, the flavor is always the star here in the Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, keeping their tender texture and buttery garlic flavor intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to prep in advance. Flash freeze the cooked, cooled potatoes on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just know the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating since potatoes tend to lose a bit of their firmness after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to help re-crisp the edges, adding a small knob of butter if you like. You can also rewarm in a 350°F oven until heated through, basting with any leftover garlic butter sauce to keep things moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Russets are ideal because of their starch content, which yields the best crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth softness. However, Yukon Golds can work too for a slightly creamier texture, but they won’t brown quite the same way.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this dish without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the potatoes in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before placing in the oven. Just make sure to baste well since the sauce won’t continue cooking in the pan.

How do I make sure the garlic doesn’t burn?

Keep the heat at medium-low when sautéing the garlic and watch it carefully. You want it fragrant and soft, not browned or bitter. Adding it after searing also helps because the garlic cooks quicker than the potatoes.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika can add lovely complexity. Just be sure not to overpower the buttery garlic base, which is the heart of this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Garlic Butter Melting Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s straightforward, comforting, and has that incredible combination of crispy edges with a rich, buttery, and garlicky interior that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these potatoes will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So give them a try and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite side dish!