Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Slow Cooker Potatoes—a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite. Imagine tender baby potatoes infused with garlic, herbs, and just a hint of Parmesan, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a cozy, reliable side for a weeknight meal. With vibrant flavors and an irresistibly creamy texture, Slow Cooker Potatoes are about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Potatoes is in how just a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. Each element brings its own magic, from the buttery potatoes to the punchy seasonings and that optional sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
- Baby potatoes (red or gold, 2 pounds): Their small size and thin skins soak up flavor and stay perfectly tender in the slow cooker.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps coat the potatoes and carries all those delicious seasonings deep into each bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and that classic garlic aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, giving a gentle sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings a pop of color and a touch of earthiness to every mouthful.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in the potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and wakes up the entire dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): For a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the potatoes.
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional): Toss on some parsley, chives, or dill for a fresh and vibrant final touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by giving your baby potatoes a good wash—they often come with a bit of dirt clinging to their tender skins. Slice each one in half; this helps them cook evenly and gives more surface area for the seasonings to cling to. No need to peel them—the skins add color, texture, and extra nutrients!
Step 2: Season Generously
Add the halved potatoes directly to your slow cooker. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together right in the slow cooker until the potatoes are evenly coated with that fragrant, herby mixture. This is the secret to flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Go about your day while the slow cooker transforms those humble potatoes into creamy, savory perfection. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Just before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle toss so the cheese melts and clings to each piece. For extra freshness and color, scatter some chopped fresh herbs over the top as a final flourish. Serve your Slow Cooker Potatoes warm and bask in the compliments!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Potatoes
Garnishes
Garnishing your Slow Cooker Potatoes is where you can really let your creativity shine. A shower of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even dill adds not just color, but a lively burst of flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika can take things to the next level. Don’t be shy—this dish loves a little flourish!
Side Dishes
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are fabulously versatile and pair beautifully with so many mains. Serve them alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish for a hearty meal. They also make an excellent addition to vegetarian spreads, fitting in seamlessly with roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. You’ll be amazed how they elevate even the simplest dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider piling the potatoes into a rustic bowl and topping them with a rainbow of fresh herbs. For potlucks, transfer them to a pretty casserole dish and let everyone help themselves. Or, for a fun twist, skewer a few potatoes on cocktail picks as a bite-sized appetizer—trust me, they’ll disappear in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Potatoes keep very well in the fridge. Just let them cool to room temperature, then pack them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Slow Cooker Potatoes for future meals, allow them to cool completely first. Spread them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and are a lifesaver when you need a quick, tasty side.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the potatoes until warmed through, or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you want to restore some of that just-cooked crispiness, a few minutes under the broiler works wonders. Add a pinch of fresh herbs before serving to brighten the flavors right back up.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut them into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Baby potatoes are especially creamy and quick-cooking, but russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully too.
How do I make my Slow Cooker Potatoes extra crispy?
For crispier edges, transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives them that irresistible golden finish while keeping the insides creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Chopped onions, whole garlic cloves, or even carrots pair well and soak up the same savory flavors. Just make sure everything is cut to a similar size for even cooking.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Not at all—the potatoes are delicious on their own. Parmesan simply adds an extra layer of savory, salty flavor. You can skip it for a vegan version, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
Can I prep Slow Cooker Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can wash and halve the potatoes and mix the seasonings the night before. In the morning, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, and Slow Cooker Potatoes truly deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how simple and rewarding homemade comfort food can be. Give it a go—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe offers a hands-off way to prepare tender, flavorful baby potatoes seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and parsley. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these slow-cooked potatoes are easy to make and can be enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added richness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red or gold), halved
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half to ensure even cooking and quicker tenderness.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in the slow cooker. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes if using. Toss gently to coat the potatoes with the melted cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for extra flavor and color.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a delicious and easy side dish to complement a variety of main courses.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, add chopped onions or whole garlic cloves in with the potatoes before cooking.
- If crispy edges are preferred, after slow cooking, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and broil them for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges turn golden and slightly crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 batch
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
