If you’re looking for a dish that’s warm, comforting, and practically effortless, these Slow Cooker Potatoes are exactly what you need. Picture this: perfectly tender potatoes, cooked low and slow with garlic, butter, and a mix of savory seasonings. They absorb all the flavors while becoming melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the best part? You don’t have to lift a finger after you toss everything in the slow cooker. It’s a hands-off side dish that’s full of flavor and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or as a side to a weekend BBQ, these slow-cooked potatoes are the kind of dish everyone will reach for again and again.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Potatoes
This Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe is a winner for so many reasons, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
Hands-Off Cooking
Once you prep and toss everything in the slow cooker, you’re done! It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that frees you up to focus on other parts of your meal.
Tender & Flavorful
Slow cooking allows the potatoes to soak up all the flavors from garlic, butter, and seasonings, making them incredibly tender and bursting with taste.
Perfect for Any Meal
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these potatoes pair well with just about anything. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to make for large groups!
Simple Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples and fresh potatoes, you can make a flavorful, hearty side dish without breaking the bank.
Easy Cleanup
Because everything cooks in the slow cooker, cleanup is a breeze. No messy pots and pans to scrub—just one pot and you’re done!
Ingredients
To make these Slow Cooker Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes work best for this recipe, as they cook up tender and don’t fall apart easily.
- Butter: A rich and creamy base to help the potatoes get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the buttery potatoes.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for a fragrant finish.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: To add moisture and flavor to the potatoes as they cook.
- Onion (optional): Adds a sweet and savory layer of flavor to the dish.
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Ready to make these Slow Cooker Potatoes? It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how:
Prep the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. You can leave the skins on for extra texture, but if you prefer, you can peel them. Cut larger potatoes into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
Season the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the slow cooker. Add the garlic, butter, salt, pepper, and any herbs or seasonings you’re using. Pour in the broth to provide moisture while the potatoes cook. Toss everything gently to coat the potatoes evenly in the butter and seasonings.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If you’re in a rush, you can cook them on high for about 2-3 hours, but the low setting gives the best results for tenderness.
Optional: Crispy Finish
If you like your potatoes a little crispy, you can transfer them to a baking sheet after they’re done cooking and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes, until the edges get a nice golden crisp. This step is optional, but it adds a great texture!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are tender and seasoned to perfection, give them a final sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra salt and pepper, and serve. They’re ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 (based on 1 serving per person)
Calories per serving: 180
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 3g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4-5 hours
How to Serve Slow Cooker Potatoes
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost anything. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Roast Chicken: Serve these potatoes alongside a juicy roast chicken for the perfect comforting meal.
- Steak: The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the rich, savory flavor of grilled or pan-seared steak.
- BBQ Ribs: These potatoes are a fantastic side dish to serve with smoky, saucy BBQ ribs.
- Holiday Dinners: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, where they can take the place of mashed potatoes or just add a second potato option to the table.
- Grilled Veggies: Pair with some grilled veggies for a lighter, more balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to change up the herbs to suit your tastes. Try adding dill, basil, or even a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy version, mash the potatoes once they’re cooked and stir in some heavy cream or sour cream.
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheese to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Add Bacon: If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crispy cooked bacon bits on top of the potatoes before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of potato?
A1: Yes, you can use russet potatoes or red potatoes, though they may need to be cut into smaller pieces as they can cook faster or break apart more easily than Yukon gold or baby potatoes.
Q2: Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the potatoes in the slow cooker a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly softer if they sit in the fridge before cooking.
Q3: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A3: Frozen potatoes can be used, but make sure to thaw them before cooking. If you add them directly from frozen, the cooking time might need to be adjusted.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of broth to keep them moist.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
A5: Absolutely! You can add carrots, onions, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Just chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking.
Q6: Can I cook these potatoes on high in less time?
A6: Yes, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours, but the potatoes will be more tender and flavorful when cooked on low.
Q7: How can I make these potatoes spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
Q8: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A8: Yes! Vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Q9: Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
A9: Yes, you can use olive oil, but butter gives the potatoes a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Q10: Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?
A10: Yes! You can freeze the cooked potatoes for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra broth.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are the ultimate in ease and flavor—tender, savory, and so satisfying. With minimal effort, you can create a side dish that everyone will love. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with almost anything, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Just set it and forget it, and let your slow cooker work its magic!
PrintSlow Cooker Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are the perfect easy side dish, made with tender, buttery potatoes and a blend of seasonings. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals!
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the halved or quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed butter, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) over the potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir the potatoes halfway through cooking, if possible, to ensure even seasoning and moisture distribution.
- Once cooked, give the potatoes a quick stir and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any type of potatoes, but baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe.
- If you prefer crispy potatoes, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
- For extra flavor, try adding shredded cheese or bacon bits before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg