Warm, comforting, and packed with herby, garlicky goodness, Slow Cooker Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any occasion. This is one of those recipes that lets your slow cooker work its magic in the background while you focus on the rest of your meal (or just relax!). The potatoes cook to perfection: tender, full of flavor, and ready to soak up every bit of the delicious olive oil and butter mixture. Whether you’re serving them for a busy weeknight family meal or a festive gathering, Slow Cooker Potatoes always deliver on ease and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderfully simple about recipes that rely on everyday ingredients to create something extra special. Each component in this list brings its own personality to these Slow Cooker Potatoes, building layers of flavor and texture that meld together in pure harmony.
- Baby potatoes: Their thin skins and creamy centers make baby potatoes perfect for the slow cooker (try a mix of red and gold for beautiful color).
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together, while also promoting a lovely, silky texture.
- Melted butter: A touch of butter brings luxurious depth and a hint of sweetness, making every bite extra indulgent.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every potato with that irresistible savory aroma—don’t hesitate to add an extra clove!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the potatoes and seasonings.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Dried rosemary or Italian seasoning: These herbs lend earthy, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with potatoes—use what you love best.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a savory finish and a slight crisp when broiled—your secret weapon for extra flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by giving your baby potatoes a gentle scrub and rinse, then cut them in halves or quarters if they’re on the larger size. The goal is to make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate and become perfectly tender.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and your choice of herbs. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse for these Slow Cooker Potatoes—everything melds together for maximum impact.
Step 3: Coat and Combine
Place your cut potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Pour the flavorful olive oil-butter mixture over the top, then toss the potatoes around to ensure every piece is well coated. This step is so satisfying and sets up every bite with deliciously even seasoning.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it: high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours. No need to stir—just let the slow cooker work its magic until the potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully infused with herb and garlic flavor.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes if you’d like (trust me, it’s worth it!). Toss in chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. If you’re after a crispy edge, pop the cooked potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Potatoes
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley wakes up the earthy flavor of the potatoes, and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. If you want to take it up a notch, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright pop.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Potatoes are as versatile as it gets: pair them with roast chicken, grilled steak, or your favorite fish for an effortless meal. They’re also fantastic served alongside vegetarian mains like a hearty salad or sautéed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Slow Cooker Potatoes into a fun appetizer by threading them onto skewers for dipping into aioli or herbed yogurt. Or serve them family-style in a big rustic dish at the center of the table and let everyone dig in—potluck style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re perfect for next-day lunches, brunch hashes, or as a quick, ready-to-go side.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze these potatoes, let them cool completely first. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. They reheat well, retaining their hearty texture.
Reheating
To bring your Slow Cooker Potatoes back to life, simply microwave them until warmed through, or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Yukon gold and red potatoes both work beautifully and deliver that wonderfully creamy texture.
How do I make the potatoes crispier?
Once the Slow Cooker Potatoes are tender, spread them out on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re golden and a little crispy on top. It’s a simple trick to add extra texture.
What herbs work best with this dish?
Dried rosemary brings a classic flavor, but Italian seasoning is just as delicious. You could also experiment with dried thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Slow Cooker Potatoes are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Parmesan cheese and seasoning blends to be sure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Simply use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese (or use a vegan version). The rest of the ingredients are all naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a go-to, crowd-pleasing side, Slow Cooker Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. They’re comforting, impossibly easy, and guaranteed to win hearts—from cozy family dinners to your next potluck. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
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Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are a hassle-free side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender baby potatoes are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning
Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour over the potatoes and toss to coat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings.
- For a crispier texture, broil cooked potatoes for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
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