Buttered Potatoes

Name: Buttered Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4-5 large Idaho russet potatoes (about 2lb) (peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks); 1/4 cup salted or unsalted butter; Salt/Black Pepper (as desired)

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Simple ingredients, simple steps, simply delicious! Buttered Potatoes are an excellent side dish to so many meals! With just 2 ingredients and 20 minutes, you can have this classic Southern side dish on the table in no time.

Buttered potatoes are a classic dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Also called melting potatoes or boiled potatoes, they’re savory, cozy, and downright delicious! With only 2 basic ingredients, it's an easy recipe that's budget-friendly and can go with nearly any dinner.

The trick to these southern-style potatoes is the perfect cook time. You want to cook them just until they’re fork-tender. Any longer and they will disintegrate. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato you use, the chunk size of your potatoes, and altitude. I personally prefer Idaho russet potatoes, but that’s just because it’s what my mom always used.

Mom would often serve buttered potatoes with fried pork chops, salmon patties, and roast chicken. Add on one of Mamaw’s Hoe Cakes and sliced fresh garden tomatoes, and you're in sweet Southern dinner heaven!

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Table of Contents

Why You'll Like This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: With only two ingredients, this potato recipe is incredibly simple and budget-friendly.
Quick and Easy: Buttered potatoes are easy to prepare and cook, making them perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
Versatile Side Dish: This dish pairs well with a variety of mains, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables.
Customizable: You can easily enhance this basic recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, bacon, ham, or cheese for added flavor.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Potatoes: The star of the dish, potatoes provide a hearty, starchy base that absorbs the richness of the butter. Depending on the type of potato you use, you can achieve different textures—from fluffy to creamy.
Salted or Unsalted Butter: The key to the dish’s richness, butter adds a creamy, silky texture and a savory flavor that complements the natural taste of the potatoes. It also helps to keep the potatoes moist and prevents them from drying out during cooking.

Tools You’ll Need

Large Pot/Saucepan

How to Make Buttered Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into ¾-1-inch wide chunks.

In a large pot, combine the potatoes, butter, salt, black pepper, and enough cold water to be almost 1 and ½ inches below the top of the potatoes. Cover with a lid, turn the pot on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.

Once the potatoes come to a boil, crack the lid and turn the heat to medium heat. Cook until half of the liquid has been soaked up/evaporated and the potatoes are fork tender, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve with a protein and another side dish.

buttered potatoes plated with meat and green beans

Tips and Substitutions

Types of Potatoes: For a fluffier texture, use Russet or Idaho potatoes. For a creamier result, try Yukon Gold potatoes or new potatoes.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh or dried herbs like chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme. When you add the butter, you can also add fresh garlic, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, onion powder, or bacon grease.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese, cheddar, or Gruyère cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Cooking Liquid: Water can be substituted with chicken broth.
Toppers: Add your favorite baked potato toppings to Buttered Potatoes like cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or chives.
Overcook Troubleshoot: If you accidentally overcook them, no worries! You can easily transform this dish into potato soup. Just add some cream or milk to your desired soup texture and serve with cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream.

What to Serve with Buttered Potatoes

Buttered potatoes are versatile and can be served with a wide range of dinners! A few of our favorite main dish favorites to serve them with are:

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover buttered potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter to keep them moist.

While buttered potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil, margarine, or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

To prevent mushy potatoes, be sure not to overcook them. Boil them just until they are tender when pierced with a fork, then drain them immediately to stop the cooking process.

Can I add other ingredients to the buttered potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed garlic for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle the finished dish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for added depth.

More Delicious Potato Side Dishes

This is a picture of a bowl of boiled potatoes with black pepper on top.

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