If you’ve never had French Fondant Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Imagine golden, crispy potato tops giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery center infused with fresh herbs and savory broth.
This is the kind of side dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds—and maybe thirds. For more potato goodness, check out this list of Easy and Delicious Potato Recipes.

Fondant potatoes may sound fancy, but trust me, they’re not complicated. With just a few simple ingredients—potatoes, butter, herbs, and chicken stock—you can create a restaurant-quality side dish right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Texture perfection – Crispy on top, creamy inside.
- Flavor-packed – Herbs and butter infuse every bite with depth.
- Surprisingly simple – Just a few steps for gourmet results.
- Versatile – Pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, fish, or even as a holiday side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh Rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make French Fondant Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut off the rounded ends so each potato becomes a thick cylinder. Slice each into 2-inch pieces so they stand upright like little potato towers.
Step 2: Seared for Crispy Tops
In a heavy oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the flat ends of the potatoes with salt and pepper, then place them cut-side down in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Add Flavor
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and Rosemary to the skillet. Let the butter melt and foam, spooning it over the potatoes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the stock into the skillet (careful—it may sizzle!) until it comes about halfway up the sides of the potatoes. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Serve & Impress
Spoon some of the buttery herbed stock over the potatoes before serving. Pair with your favorite protein or enjoy them as the star of the meal.

Jen’s Tips for Success
- Choose the right potato – Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully, while Russets give a fluffier inside.
- Don’t skip the sear – This step is the secret to that gorgeous golden crust.
- Make ahead – You can sear the potatoes earlier in the day, then finish them in the oven before serving.
There you have it—French Fondant Potatoes that look like they belong in a fine dining restaurant but are doable for a weeknight dinner. Try them once, and I guarantee they’ll earn a permanent spot in your side dish rotation.

French Gastronomy Day
- Crème Caramel à l'Orange Fraîche from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Escargots from Art of Natural Living
- French Beignets from That Recipe
- Mushroom Lentil Bourguignon from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
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For more delicious potato recipes, check these out
- Paula Deen’s Grilled Potatoes
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- TikTok Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
French Fondant Potatoes
Discover how to make French Fondant Potatoes – crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bathed in buttery, herby goodness. Perfect for any dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh Rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut off the rounded ends so each potato becomes a thick cylinder. Slice each into 2-inch pieces so they stand upright like little potato towers.
Step 2: Sear for Crispy Tops
In a heavy oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the flat ends of the potatoes with salt and pepper, then place them cut-side down in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Let the butter melt and foam, spooning it over the potatoes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the stock into the skillet (careful—it may sizzle!) until it comes about halfway up the sides of the potatoes. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Serve & Impress
Spoon some of the buttery herbed stock over the potatoes before serving. Pair with your favorite protein or enjoy them as the star of the meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g
