It’s official… I’ve found my new favorite way to cook (and eat) potatoes! These slow cook potatoes are the definition of simple and delicious. All you need is a handful of pantry ingredients and a cooking pot. Before you know it, you’ll be digging your fork into the easiest and tastiest side dish. The preparation is minimal enough to repeat this for weeknight dinners, but this classic and cozy recipe is also a great addition to the Christmas table!
About this easy slow cooker potato recipe
By now, you’ve probably realized that if you can cook in the slow cooker, there’s a GOOD chance you’ve tried it (and, when it goes right, I’ve shared it here with you to try it at home too).
And let me tell you… These slow-cooking potatoes are a revelation.
Don’t let the simple list of ingredients fool you: they’re as buttery, rich and tender as the potatoes I’ve made on the stove or in the oven.
But fortunately, this easy-to-throw and use slow cooking method requires significantly less practical preparation.
Plus, they make an easy and elegant side dish to
just about anything, and are appropriate for an effortless vegetarian brunch, a Thanksgiving side, a holiday celebration (as a side to St. Patrick’s Day corned beef!), or a cozy dinner every day at home.
Of course, these potatoes are a no-brainer in the cold winter months, But I also love cooking potatoes in the slow cooker in the spring and summer because I can make them without turning on the stove or oven, keeping my kitchen very cool.
Process & Tips
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make and is one of my favorite dishes for busy weeks or fun gatherings with family and friends
.
Simply add your small potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt to your slow cooker, and then let your slow cooker work its magic.
After it’s cooked, you can add any fun extras you want (like fresh herbs, an extra splash of olive oil, or flaky salt) and you’re good to dig!
Tip: Instructions on how to cook this up for a shorter cooking time are also included on the recipe card below to keep your options open in busy weeks.
Why slow cooker
is a great option for making
vegetable side dishes I love using the slow cooker
because it completely simplifies the process of adding vegetarian side dishes to any meal
.
And, because almost all of my slow-cooker vegetables are throw-and-use (meaning no pre-browning or sautéing is required), preparation is quick and easy.
Just chop, stir and go!
As a bonus, the slow cooker takes the load off the oven and stove, making it a fantastic choice for meals, parties, and holiday meals
.
Best potatoes to use in the slow cooker
Look for small potatoes
that measure 1 to 2 inches in diameter
.
Small or waxy, unpeeled red potatoes work, as do fry potatoes and baby
potatoes.
If the potatoes are on the larger side, cut each one in half lengthwise.
You can also use a potato mixture
(as I did in the photos you see here): I used a mixture of baby yellow potatoes and small red potatoes, and to ensure even cooking, I cut the red potatoes in half so that everything cooks evenly
.
Tip: Please note that this recipe will not work with large reddish potatoes. If you want to use large reddish potatoes, make this easy slow-cooking roast potato recipe!
Ingredients and substitutions
Potatoes: Small unpeeled potatoes (such as small red potatoes, baby yellow potatoes, or even fry potatoes) work best for this recipe. You can even use a variety of those mixes. But keep in mind that this method will not work with large reddish potatoes. If you prefer to use reddish potatoes, try this slow cooker potato roast recipe, or this slow cooker baked potato recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil
: I love the light, buttery flavor of extra virgin olive oil in this recipe. But you can also use any other neutral-tasting oil instead like avocado, vegetable oil, or canola.
Garlic cloves: Chopped fresh garlic definitely elevates this simple recipe, but if you have very little time or none on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder.
Kosher salt: Look for
kosher salt with regular iodized salt at the grocery store (it has a more subtle flavor). Use less iodized salt if that’s what you have on hand.
More fun variations to Rry
If you want to add more vegetables to potatoes: add 1 pound of
carrots, scrub, and cut into a 1-inch diagonal instead of 1 pound of potatoes. If you want
Make potatoes with
garlic and herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary) after cooking and mix while the potatoes are still hot. Also, be sure to use fresh garlic (instead of garlic powder) for maximum garlic flavor.
If you want to make potatoes with garlic and parmesan: just sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese (traditional Parmesan or vegan) on top of the potatoes after cooking. I like to add mine just before serving to get the best flavor.
What to serve with these slow cook potatoes Instant 5-Ingredient Pot “
Grill” Whole 5-Ingredient Chicken
Slow cooking
Garlic Balsamic
chicken
Easy Italian chicken Zucchini pan
Slow cooker Turkey breast
This
versatile side dish pairs well with just about anything, including chicken, pork, beef, or fish dishes.
Advice You can also build your own nutritious bowl with these slow cook potatoes as a base. Then, simply add any fresh green, protein of choice, fresh or cooked vegetables, and top with your favorite easy dressing or sauce.
This recipe is…
Dairy-freeGluten-freeNut-freePaleoveganVegetarianWhole30
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