There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of something delicious cooking—especially when you didn’t have to stand over a stove to make it happen. That’s the magic of these Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes. As a busy mom who still wants to put a home-cooked meal on the table, my slow cooker is my secret weapon. This recipe is a no-fuss, hands-off side dish with just a handful of ingredients, but the garlic and olive oil make it taste like you spent way more time than you actually did. Trust me, once you try these tender, flavorful potatoes, they’ll become a regular in your rotation!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Potato Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? These potatoes are a total game-changer for busy weeknights—or lazy Sundays when you just want good food without the fuss. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to:
- Set it and forget it: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and let the magic happen. No babysitting required!
- Five minutes of prep: Chop nothing (hello, unpeeled potatoes!), measure a few things, and you’re done. Even my kids can help with this one.
- Crazy flavorful: The garlic infuses into every bite, and that olive oil makes them rich without being heavy. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
- Plays well with others: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pile them next to grilled salmon, or heck—eat them straight from the pot like I sometimes do.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
Okay, here’s the beautiful part—you probably have most of this in your kitchen right now. This recipe is all about simplicity with big flavor, and I promise, no weird ingredients hiding in the back of your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds small potatoes, unpeeled – Red, yellow, or fingerlings are my go-tos because they hold their shape so well. And yes, leave those skins on for extra texture and nutrients!
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – The good stuff here, please. It makes all the difference in giving those potatoes that rich, almost buttery taste.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Don’t skimp! They mellow out while cooking and add that deep, savory note we all love.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Start with this—you can always add more later. I like kosher because it distributes so evenly.
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional) – Parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary take this from “yum” to “WOW.” I always grab whatever’s looking perky at the store.
- Flaked sea salt (optional) – A sprinkle right before serving gives that perfect little crunch. My kids call it “fancy salt” and love helping with this part.
See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
Alright, let’s get these potatoes going! I promise, if you can stir ingredients together, you can make this recipe. Here’s my foolproof method for perfect slow cooker potatoes every single time.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker – this size gives the potatoes just enough room to cook evenly without crowding. Toss in those beautiful unpeeled potatoes (yes, we’re keeping the skins on for extra texture and nutrients!), drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle in the minced garlic, and add that kosher salt. Give it all one good stir to coat everything evenly. That’s it – prep is done! See why I love this recipe?
Step 2: Cook Without Peeking
Here’s where the magic happens. Put the lid on and leave it alone – no peeking! Every time you lift that lid, you’re letting heat escape and adding cooking time. Set it on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. I usually go with low when I’m out running errands – come home to perfectly cooked potatoes that fill the house with the most amazing garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
Okay, now you can peek! Give the potatoes a gentle stir and taste one (careful, they’re hot!). This is where I usually add another pinch of salt or drizzle of olive oil if needed. The flavors intensify as they cook, so go easy at first – you can always add more but you can’t take it out!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Time to make them pretty! If you’re using fresh herbs, toss them in now while the potatoes are still warm – the heat helps release their oils and fragrance. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt adds that perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately while they’re at their peak of tenderness and flavor. Watch them disappear faster than you can say “slow cooker magic!”
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Easy Slow Cooker Potato Recipe: 4-Ingredient Comfort Magic
Easy slow cooker potatoes with garlic and olive oil, perfect for a simple side dish.
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small potatoes, unpeeled (such as small red potatoes, baby yellow potatoes, or fingerling potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as flat leaf parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary), optional
- Flaked sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Add potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Do not uncover during cooking.
- Uncover, stir, and taste. Add more olive oil or salt if needed.
- Toss with fresh herbs and flaked sea salt if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use small potatoes for even cooking.
- Do not overcook to avoid mushy texture.
- Fresh herbs add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
After making these potatoes more times than I can count (my family adores them), I’ve picked up some tricks to guarantee perfect results every time:
- Size matters: Stick with small potatoes – they cook evenly. Big ones will be mushy outside before the centers soften. If you only have large potatoes, cut them into 1-inch chunks.
- Don’t overcook! Check at the minimum time – you want tender but still holding their shape. They’ll keep cooking a bit even after you turn off the heat.
- Herb hack: Add delicate herbs like parsley or basil at the end. Hearty ones like rosemary can go in earlier if you prefer stronger flavor.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have potato perfection every time!
Variations for Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists we love:
- Cheesy goodness: Right after cooking, toss with a handful of grated Parmesan—the residual heat melts it into the most delicious cheesy coating.
- Herb swaps: Try fresh dill with lemon zest for a brighter flavor, or smoked paprika for a Spanish twist. My kids go crazy for ranch seasoning mixed in!
- Buttery finish: Stir in a pat of butter at the end for extra richness. Bonus points if you use garlic or herb butter!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
These potatoes shine as a sidekick to almost any main dish! Try them with my go-to weeknight roasted chicken – the garlic flavors pair perfectly. For something lighter, they’re amazing alongside grilled salmon or seared pork chops. Leftovers? (If you have any!) Toss them in a hot oven for 5 minutes to crisp up the edges – they’re even better the second day!
Easy Slow Cooker Potato FAQs
I get asked about these potatoes all the time—here are the most common questions that pop up (along with my tried-and-true answers!):
Can I use large potatoes instead of small ones?
Oh honey, I learned this the hard way! Large potatoes cook unevenly—the outsides turn to mush while the centers stay hard. If small potatoes aren’t available, cut larger ones into 1-inch chunks. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrots and onions are my favorite additions—just cut them into similar-sized pieces. Hearty veggies like carrots can go in at the start, but tender ones (think zucchini or bell peppers) should be added during the last hour. Watch the liquid though—some veggies release more moisture.
How should I store leftovers?
These keep beautifully for about 3 days in the fridge (if they last that long!). Store them in an airtight container, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back that perfect texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they’ll be softer.
Nutritional Information for Easy Slow Cooker Potatoes
Okay, let’s talk numbers—because even though these potatoes taste indulgent, they’re actually pretty wholesome! Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 28g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g)
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g (Saturated: 1g, Unsaturated: 5g)
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Now, here’s my little nutritionist disclaimer (learned from years of recipe testing!): These estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Using more olive oil? That’ll increase the fat content. Skip the salt? Sodium goes down. But overall, this is a pretty balanced side dish that gives you energy without weighing you down!
Share Your Easy Slow Cooker Potato Experience
Nothing makes me happier than seeing these potatoes on your dinner tables! Did your family gobble them up like mine does? Did you try any fun twists with the herbs or cheeses? Drop a comment below to let me know how it went—I read every single one (and might steal your brilliant ideas!).
Or better yet, snap a pic of your creation and tag me @FrostyRecipes on Instagram—I love featuring your kitchen wins in my stories! Whether it’s your first time making them or they’ve become a weekly staple, I want to hear all about your slow cooker potato adventures. Happy cooking, friends!
