Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Crispy outside, creamy inside—Syracuse Salt Potatoes are little new potatoes simmered in briny water, then bathed in hot, melted butter. Irresistibly salty, charmingly simple. This humble, comforting side is a classic Upstate New York treat—easy, affordable, naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, and basically impossible not to love.
6
people
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lb (1.8 kg) new potatoes small; about 1.8 kg, unpeeled, well-scrubbed
- 8 cups (2 liters) water enough to cover potatoes
- 1 cup (250 g) fine salt use table salt or finely ground sea salt (not coarse salt)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter or salted butter, melted (about 115g)
Optional Toppings
- fresh herbs chopped parsley, chives, or thyme
- grated Parmesan or crumbled feta
- smoked paprika or chili flakes
- cracked black pepper
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes: Scrub the new potatoes under cool water to remove any dirt, but leave the skins on. No peeling needed!
- Make the brine: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add the water and salt. Stir well until all the salt is fully dissolved. (If it settles, keep stirring.)
- Add the potatoes: Place the cleaned potatoes in the salty water. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer (uncovered) for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender and a fork pierces them easily.
- Drain and rest: Pour the potatoes into a colander and let them sit for a few minutes. As they dry, a thin, white salty crust will naturally form on the skins.
- Butter them up: Melt the butter, then pour generously over the hot potatoes. Gently toss to coat every spud in glossy butter.
- Serve hot: Enjoy right away! Sprinkle with chopped herbs, grated cheese, or cracked black pepper if you'd like extra flavor.
Notes
Salt potatoes are best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet (with a bit more butter, if desired). Avoid freezing, as the texture suffers. For an herby twist, add chopped parsley or chives to the melted butter before drizzling. Top with a sprinkle of chili flakes or Parmesan for variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 1180mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.6mg