Name: Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Mini Potatoes (such as baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes) (Look for firm, blemish-free ones.); 4 tbsp Butter (Salted or unsalted; ghee is a great alternative.); to taste Salt (Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor.); to taste Pepper (Freshly cracked black pepper makes all the difference.); optional Fresh Herbs (like chives, parsley, or rosemary) (Sprinkle over just before serving.)

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A Cozy Kitchen Memory: Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan

There’s something about the smell of buttery mini potatoes sizzling in a pan that instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. As a kid, I’d perch on a rickety stool, swinging my feet and watching her work her magic with just a handful of ingredients. Those golden bites—crispy on the outside, creamy inside—felt like tiny treasures (and honestly, I still feel the same way). That’s the pure comfort I want to share with you in this recipe for mini potatoes with butter in a pan.

Why You’ll Adore This Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan Recipe

Making these buttery pan-cooked mini potatoes is the culinary equivalent of slipping into your favorite sweater. Let me tell you why:

Ridiculously Easy: You need just a pan, a few fresh ingredients, and 20 minutes. That’s it!
Ultimate Comfort Food: The smell of butter and potatoes is heartwarming—like a hug you can eat.
Super Versatile: These crispy mini potatoes work as a breakfast side, easy dinner addition, or late-night snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve yet to meet anyone who can resist sneaking one of these golden bites right out of the pan (I’m certainly guilty).

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this classic potato side:

Mini Potatoes: I love using baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Look for firm, blemish-free ones—they cook evenly and keep their shape (plus, no need to peel!).
Butter: Salted or unsalted butter adds that unmistakable richness and creates the crispy outer layer. (Ghee is a great alternative if you want a nuttier flavor.)
Salt & Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper makes all the difference, trust me!
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Think chives, parsley, or rosemary. Sprinkle them over just before serving for extra color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make the most irresistible pan-cooked mini potatoes:

Rinse & Dry: Give the mini potatoes a good wash (no one likes gritty potatoes, right?). Dry them really well so you get that crispy skin.
Melt the Butter: Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a generous knob of butter and let it melt (enjoy the aroma!).
Add Potatoes: Toss your dry mini potatoes into the pan. They should sizzle when they hit the butter.
Season: Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir everything to coat the potatoes in buttery goodness.
Cook & Turn: Let them cook for 15–20 minutes, giving them a turn every few minutes so they get evenly golden brown and crispy.
Herb Finish: If you like, toss in chopped fresh herbs in the last minute of cooking. Serve ‘em hot!

Tip: Don’t crowd the pan. Give the potatoes some space for maximum crispiness (pan-frying tip 101).

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Mini Potato Success

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about making the ultimate mini potatoes with butter in a pan:

Start with Dry Potatoes: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skins! After rinsing, spread your potatoes on a towel and let ‘em dry while your pan heats up.
Low and Slow Wins: If your potatoes are browning too fast, drop the heat a notch. Low-medium lets the inside cook through while the outside crisps up (pan-roasting magic).
Finish with Herbs: Fresh chives, thyme, or dill add a pop of color and flavor just before serving.
Butter Timing: Add a small pat of butter at the end for a glossy finish and even more flavor (because more butter is never wrong).

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

Want to switch it up? Here are some fun ways to make this classic pan-fried mini potato dish your own:

Garlic Butter: Toss a crushed garlic clove (or two) in during the last five minutes for a savory upgrade.
Lemon Zest: Swap herbs for a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness (especially good in spring).
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or vegan butter for plant-based crispy potatoes.
Cheesy: Finish with a dusting of parmesan or crumbled feta right before serving.
Spiced Up: Try smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes for a little extra kick (I do this when I want something bold).

How to Serve and Store Your Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan

Serving ideas? Oh, so many! Pile them alongside scrambled eggs for brunch, pair with roasted chicken for dinner, or enjoy them solo with a little sour cream dip (pan-roasted potatoes are always a hit).

Storing leftovers? Just pop any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to three days. Reheat in a hot pan to crisp them back up—way better than the microwave!

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Mini Potatoes with Butter in a Pan Answered

1. Can I make mini potatoes with butter in a pan ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pan-cooked mini potatoes reheat beautifully. Just re-crisp them in a hot skillet before serving.

2. What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Small, waxy ones: think baby Yukon Golds, red potatoes, or even fingerlings. They hold their shape (and soak up butter perfectly).

3. Why aren’t my pan-fried mini potatoes getting crispy?
Usually, it’s excess moisture or overcrowding. Make sure to dry your potatoes well and don’t pile too many in the pan.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
For sure! Toss in sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. Just watch your pan space so everything crisps up nicely.

5. How do I make these mini butter potatoes extra flavorful?
Try finishing with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of truffle oil for that “wow” factor!

Let me know if you try this mini potatoes with butter in a pan recipe! I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Happy cooking, friends—may your kitchens (and hearts) always be this cozy. 🥔💛

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