What Are Fondant Potatoes and How Do You Make Them?
It's time to grab a bag of spuds and heat up a skillet! This recipe for fondant potatoes is taking TikTok by storm.
If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “potatoes” is a Thanksgiving spread, have we got some news for you. Potatoes are a dynamic food. The options you have when it comes to recipes, cooking methods and types of potatoes are basically limitless—what other food is a holiday staple, crispy snack, breakfast side and a fundamental addition to your McDonald’s order?
To help expand your arsenal of spud sides, we’re sharing a brand-new recipe from TikTok—fondant potatoes, also known as melting potatoes. This trending, melt-in-your-mouth recipe is a foolproof way to broaden your potato palate!
Why Are Fondant Potatoes Also Known as Melting Potatoes?
Before we get into how to make these mouthwatering spuds, let’s break down why melting and fondant potatoes can be used one and the same.
Fondant potatoes are also known as melting potatoes because in French “fondant” literally translates to “melting.” Essentially, the terms are interchangeable. And both happen to describe the popular melted food trend social media users can’t get enough of.
How to Make Fondant Potatoes
Sure, you could look at these fondant potatoes as an upgrade to your regular baked potato, but they’re so much more than that. Cooked in a skillet with your favorite flavors, these potatoes have crispy seared edges and a buttery smooth middle that will melt in your mouth.
TikTok user @kellyscleankitchen shows us exactly how to make fondant potatoes in her viral video, below. Follow the directions to make a batch at home!
@kellyscleankitchen How to make Fondant Potatoes 👩🏼🍳 🥔 #recipe #foodtok #fondantpotatoes #potatorecipe ♬ original sound – Chef Kelly Scott
Step 1: Prepare your potatoes
To start, heat up a cast-iron skillet on the stove. Peel and wash a handful of spuds, then cut them into 1-inch flat slices.
Step 2: Sear and flavor
Add some butter to your hot skillet, and then your potatoes. Cook on one side until it has a golden brown sear, then flip and cook on the other side. Once both sides are seared, add in about a cup of chicken stock and as much fresh garlic, thyme and rosemary as you’d like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake, serve and eat!
Carefully place your skillet in a preheated 400°F oven, and cook for about 30 minutes or until tender enough for a fork to go through the middle. Remove the potatoes from the oven, serve and eat!
Summer Potato Recipes We Can’t Resist
Potatoes, in their many forms, are all popular sides. Trust us, we have list after list of summer potato recipes. If you’ve already made a successful batch of melting potatoes, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and take on homemade potato chips. And of course, we can’t forget about the picnic classic—a generous helping of potato salad.
Potato Recipes for Those Who Love Spuds
Loaded Mashed PotatoesThis contest-winning casserole combines the flavors of loaded baked potatoes with the creamy richness of mashed potatoes to delicious effect. As a bonus, the dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to bake and eat.
Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized OnionsSweet, meltingly tender caramelized onions make these classic roast potatoes unforgettable. Rosemary leans into the sweetness, but you can use any woody, hardy herb like oregano, thyme or marjoram.
Pepper Jack Hash Brown CasserolePrepare yourself for a decadent treat! These cheesy hash brown potatoes bake up to an ooey-gooey bite, while a potato chip crumb topping adds crispy crunch. Feel free to swap out the cheeses in the recipe for whichever ones you have on hand.
Buffalo Wing PotatoesThis recipe is the perfect easy party food. Cubed potatoes slow cook in a simple buffalo sauce, resulting in a zesty dish that's great alongside burgers, chicken or potluck fare.
Slow-Cooker Baked PotatoesCrave the comfort of a baked potato but don't want to turn on the oven? Make them in the slow cooker instead. This method is perfect in warm weather or on a busy day.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato StuffingOne of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, stuffing is cozy but fairly plain, requiring gravy to add moisture and flavor. This version is tasty enough to eat on its own though. Pair with a roasted chicken, or serve at a holiday table for a totally new taste.
Loaded Baked Potato RoundsCan loaded baked potatoes be elegant? These open-face potato rounds definitely make the cut. Serve at a party to please guests of all ages.
Chiles Rellenos Breakfast BakeChiles rellenos are traditionally a labor of love. This breakfast bake simplifies the process, while still delivering the same spicy, cheesy, delicious chile flavor.
Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Mashed PotatoesPacked with flavor from the herbs and feta cheese, these mashed potatoes taste super fancy; you wouldn't even know they're made in a slow cooker! Pair these potatoes with a turkey-based meat loaf and your favorite veggies.
Bacon-Gruyere Smashed PotatoesThese skillet potatoes have a perfectly balanced flavor. Low-cooked onions turn sweet and jammy, boiled potatoes offer creamy comfort and cheese and bacon add savory richness. Serve it as a side, or top it with a fried egg for a one-bowl dinner.
Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato PastriesLooking to use up leftover mashed potatoes (sweet potatoes, in this case)? Think outside the dinner plate and make these stuffed crescent roll pastries.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola SpreadThese grilled potato slices taste equally great with plain or sweet potatoes. The simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and mayo gets an earthy boost from crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
Easy Scalloped PotatoesA comfort food like grandma used to make, scalloped potatoes are totally cozy, but can get a bit...heavy. This recipe lightens up the cream and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Potato SkinsBuffalo chicken meets crispy potato skins! These restaurant copycat appetizers are a total crowd pleaser. Serve them as an appetizer or bring them to a potluck if you're on snack duty.
Best Ever Potato SoupThe title says it all—this soup is among our top-rated potato recipes. It's everything you want in a classic potato soup: cozy, thick, creamy and savory. While the added Velveeta is creamy and easy, you can also swap for your favorite meltable cheese.
Mexican Roasted Potato SaladThis dish is a cross between roasted potatoes and potato salad, with a southwestern twist. Tasty, crispy-edged red potatoes are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing and spiked with green chiles, black beans and spices.
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts used to be the ugly duckling of vegetables, but when roasted, they have a super savory flavor and a crunch that's absolutely delicious. Next time you crave roasted potatoes, give this updated dish a try.
Potato Pumpkin MashMashed potatoes but make them festive! This pumpkin potato mash is a festive holiday side dish that packs in extra flavor (and vitamins). Swirl the mash together in a clear serving dish for optimal presentation.
Pretty Duchess PotatoesNeed a side dish with wow-factor? Try these whirled potatoes. They look incredibly special, but are easy to pipe out with a pastry bag (or even a ziptop plastic bag).
Sweet Corn and Potato GratinNeed to convince kids to eat their veggies? Try this gratin, which combines corn and potatoes with a crispy, irresistible crumb topping.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and AsparagusIs it asparagus season yet? As soon as it is, make this dish. Roasting asparagus gives it a meaty, slightly charred flavor that's absolutely delicious and a nice change from the classic steamed or boiled asparagus.
Cheddar & Spinach Twice-Baked PotatoesNo need for a side salad when you spike your potatoes with a healthy dose of spinach. It's a tasty, lighter take on comfort food. Potato recipes like this are the perfect side for a casual party or family dinner.
Baked Sweet Potato FriesHomemade sweet potato fries are a real treat. Cook them in an air fryer to get all of the crispy flavor and none of the splattering oil.
Campfire HashThis hearty one-pot meal tastes good whether it's cooked over a campfire or on the stovetop. The base recipe calls for sausages, potatoes, corn and chiles, but you can mix and match sausage flavors, vegetables and seasonings however you like.
Colcannon PotatoesA classic Irish dish, colcannon potatoes are made with floury white potatoes, green cabbage, onions and rich butter. For a modern take, substitute the cabbage with your favorite hearty, leafy green.
Baked Potato PizzaNot every pizza has to be topped with red sauce and mozzarella. This recipe transforms a pizza crust into a kind of flatbread topped with the flavors of a loaded baked potato.
Party PotatoesA tangy take on classic mashed potatoes, these party potatoes are packed with garlic and onion flavors. Top with your favorite meltable cheese. This recipe can be made the night before cooking, but hold off on topping with breadcrumbs until you're ready to bake, otherwise they'll get soggy.
Creamy Mushroom-Potato BakeSauteed onions and mushrooms elevate a simple pan of mashed potatoes. In fact, this bake is so flavorful, you might not even need gravy. For best results, use a really good brand of butter, like Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro DipTurn up the heat with a bowl of spicy, crispy sweet potato chips. Make the creamy, cooling dipping sauce while the thinly sliced potatoes bake in the oven, then serve as a snack or as a side to a sandwich wrap.
Favorite Cheesy PotatoesThis casserole cooks up in a trusty 13x9-in. pan. Make it ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it until ready to bake. These decadent potatoes make for a festive side dish at a football potluck or holiday party.
Herbed Potato PacksWhen it's grilling season, we love tossing foil-wrapped veggie packs on the grill. Vegetables cook quicker in the foil than straight on the grill, and since they're essentially swaddled in seasoning, they're super flavorful too.
Ranch Potato CasseroleIt's always handy to have a few make-ahead casserole recipes in your back pocket. Anyone who loves ranch dressing will enjoy this tasty, crunchy bake.
Hash Brown Broccoli BakeWhen cooking for fussy eaters, it can help to mix green vegetables with cozier foods. Here, broccoli is blanketed in crunchy hash browns and your favorite kind of cheese.
Creamy Sweet PotatoesThe secret ingredient in this sweet potato casserole might surprise you: oranges! Not only does the citrus fruit match the color of sweet potatoes, but its sweet yet tart flavor also adds a complementary acidity that balances the dish.
Air-Fryer French FriesIt's much easier (and tidier) to air-fry french fries than to deep fry (and it's a little bit healthier too). Take care to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so they cook and crisp evenly.
Originally Published: February 16, 2023
