The Ultimate Fondant Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Outside, Buttery Inside

Crispy, golden fondant potatoes offer a luxurious twist on the classic side dish that elevates any meal.

Culinary magic happens when humble spuds are transformed into elegant rounds with perfectly caramelized edges.

Chefs adore this technique for its impressive presentation and rich, buttery flavor.

Professional kitchens have long cherished these potato medallions as a sophisticated accompaniment to main courses.

Salt and herbs bring depth to the crisp exterior and creamy interior of these delectable potato rounds.

French cooking techniques shine through in this simple yet refined preparation that requires minimal ingredients.

You’ll want to master this technique and impress everyone at your next dinner gathering.

Why James Martin Fondant Potatoes Recipe Is So Satisfying

• Perfectly Crisp and Creamy: These fondant potatoes deliver an incredible contrast between a golden, crunchy exterior and a luxuriously soft interior that melts in your mouth.
• Master Gourmet Technique at Home: Learn a professional chef's method for creating restaurant-quality potatoes with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Versatile Side Dish Champion: Elevate any meal from weeknight dinners to special gatherings with these stunning potatoes that pair beautifully with roasted meats and green vegetables.
• Herb-Infused Flavor Explosion: Fresh thyme and rosemary transform ordinary potatoes into an aromatic, restaurant-worthy side dish that will impress family and friends.

All The Ingredients For James Martin Fondant Potatoes Recipe

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the base of this classic side dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating a crispy golden-brown exterior on the potatoes.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a luxurious coating for the potatoes.

• Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herbs and spices that provide depth and traditional flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and enhances the overall savory profile of the potatoes.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How To Cook James Martin Fondant Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel potatoes and slice them into cylindrical shapes with flat tops and bottoms. Pat the potato pieces completely dry using paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Create Gorgeous Brown Exterior

Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Carefully place potato cylinders into the hot pan, browning each side thoroughly. This process will take approximately 6-7 minutes per side, creating a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor with Herbs and Liquid

• Garlic slices
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Butter
• Chicken stock

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake until potatoes become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious herbal flavors. The cooking time will typically range between 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once potatoes are cooked, sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and crispy to enjoy the maximum flavor and texture.

Tips For Soft James Martin Fondant Potatoes

• Dry for Crispiness: Pat potatoes completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when browning.
• Select Sturdy Potatoes: Choose large, uniform russet or Yukon gold potatoes for consistent cooking and perfect upright shape.
• Herb Infusion Trick: Add fresh thyme and rosemary during final butter and stock stage to intensify aromatic flavors throughout the potatoes.
• Low and Slow Browning: Use medium heat when searing potatoes to achieve even, deep golden-brown color without burning.
• Temperature Control: Maintain 400 degrees oven temperature to guarantee potatoes cook evenly and develop a perfectly tender interior.

Fun Takes On James Martin Fondant Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Vegan Option: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter for a plant-based version that keeps the aromatic herb profile.
• Spicy Cajun Variation: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and replace fresh herbs with dried Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower steaks, maintaining the same cooking technique but creating a lighter, keto-friendly side dish with similar crispy edges.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate oregano, lemon zest, and swap chicken stock with white wine for a Mediterranean-style preparation that brings bright, tangy notes to the fondant potatoes.

Pairing Ideas For James Martin Fondant Potatoes Recipe

• Herb-Infused Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complement the herb notes in the fondant potatoes, enhancing the thyme and rosemary flavors with their bright, zesty profile.
• Protein Companion: Roasted chicken or herb-crusted lamb perfectly match these potatoes, creating a harmonious blend of earthy flavors and tender textures that elevate the entire dish.
• Salt and Texture Balance: Serve with a tangy green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the buttery potatoes and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Umami Booster: Add a sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese on top to introduce a nutty, salty dimension that deepens the overall taste experience of the fondant potatoes.

How To Store James Martin Fondant Potatoes Well

• Place cooled fondant potatoes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual potatoes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and taste quality.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil to restore moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy edges return and center becomes hot.
• Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to turn potatoes. Add a small splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out and maintain original flavor profile.

FAQs For James Martin Fondant Potatoes Recipe

• What are fondant potatoes?

Fondant potatoes are a classic French cooking technique where potatoes are cut into cylinders, browned in oil, and then slowly cooked in butter and stock until they develop a crispy golden exterior and a creamy, soft interior.

• Why is drying the potatoes important?

Drying the potatoes ensures they brown evenly and develop a crispy, golden crust without steaming. Excess moisture prevents proper caramelization and can make the potatoes soggy instead of crisp.

• Can I use different herbs?

While thyme and rosemary are traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley. However, these classic herbs provide the most authentic and complementary flavor to the rich, buttery potatoes.

Fondant Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elevate dinner with these luxurious fondant potatoes, where crispy golden exteriors give way to creamy, buttery centers. Delicate herbs and careful technique make this French classic a remarkable side dish that impresses without overwhelming.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter (cut in tablespoons)
• 1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot cooking environment for perfectly crisp potatoes.
2. Carefully peel the potatoes, then slice them lengthwise to create stable, flat-bottomed pieces that will stand upright during cooking.
3. Pat the potato halves thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a golden-brown exterior.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for browning.
5. Place potato halves cut-side down, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized crust for 6-7 minutes until deep golden brown.
6. Flip the potatoes and brown the opposite side for an additional 6-7 minutes, ensuring even coloration and texture.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and add garlic slices, fresh thyme, rosemary, butter, and chicken stock, coating the potatoes with aromatic ingredients.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes become tender and fully cooked through.
9. Remove from oven, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the herb-infused, buttery potatoes at their peak deliciousness.

Notes

• Crisp Up Perfectly by ensuring potatoes are completely dry before browning, which helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without steaming.
• Choose Waxy Potato Varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture and ability to maintain shape during cooking.
• Adjust Herb Combinations by swapping thyme and rosemary with other herbs like sage or parsley to match different main course flavors.
• Make Vegetarian-Friendly by replacing chicken stock with vegetable stock, maintaining the rich, savory profile of the dish while keeping it meat-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg