If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, this Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked baby potatoes infused with the warm scents of garlic, fragrant herbs, and butter, slow-cooked to perfection while you go about your day. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heavenly side that’s bursting with flavor, making it an instant favorite for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the recipe’s irresistible taste, texture, and hue. Simple staples like butter and broth provide moisture and richness, while herbs and seasonings build layers of aromatic flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Baby potatoes (4 cups, halved or quartered): The star of the dish, their small size ensures quick, even cooking and a delightful bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cubed): Adds creaminess and a luscious richness that coats every potato piece.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory depth and complements the garlic beautifully.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Or thyme, provides that unmistakable earthy herb aroma that elevates simple potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the potatoes moist during cooking and infuses them with subtle savory notes.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a mild herbal finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Then, depending on their size, halve or quarter them to ensure they cook evenly. Place these pieces directly in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating the perfect base for all the flavors that will follow.
Step 2: Add the Butter and Seasonings
Scatter the cubed unsalted butter evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. These seasonings start infusing the potatoes right away, building that crave-worthy aroma while cooking.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Gently pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potato mixture. This little addition is key for keeping the potatoes moist, tender, and extra flavorful as they cook slowly throughout the day.
Step 4: Cook on Low or High
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The longer, slower cook will give you super tender potatoes with an even deeper meld of flavors, but the high setting is perfect when you’re pressed for time.
Step 5: Stir Halfway Through
If possible, give your potatoes a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time. This simple step helps distribute the butter and seasonings evenly so every bite is packed with flavor and perfectly moist.
Step 6: Final Stir and Garnish
Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, give them one last stir. Then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright and inviting finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish your slow cooker potatoes onto warm plates and get ready to savor every buttery, garlicky, herb-kissed bite. This Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will soon become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a simple way to lift the dish visually and flavor-wise, but don’t stop there! Try finishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or some thinly sliced scallions to bring extra contrast and brightness to the warm potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetable stew. Their creamy texture and herbaceous notes make them a perfect vehicle for soaking up any rich gravy or sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the potatoes straight from the slow cooker in a rustic bowl accompanied by crusty bread. Alternatively, toss the cooked potatoes with a tangy vinaigrette and serve chilled for a refreshing potato salad twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain much of their delicious flavor, making for a quick and easy side anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked baby potatoes, but keep in mind their texture may become slightly softer once thawed. To freeze, spread them on a tray first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover potatoes gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out, and a quick sprinkle of fresh herbs after warming keeps the flavors bright.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as needed. Baby potatoes cook faster and have a naturally creamier texture, but other varieties work well too.
Do I have to use butter in this recipe?
Butter adds richness and helps develop a luscious texture, but you could substitute olive oil for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter. The herbs and garlic still shine beautifully, making it just as flavorful.
Is it necessary to stir the potatoes halfway through cooking?
While not mandatory, stirring helps distribute the seasonings and moisture for even cooking and flavor, so it’s highly recommended if you have the time.
How long can I leave the potatoes on the warm setting?
You can keep the potatoes on the warm setting for up to an hour without losing texture or flavor, perfect if you’re waiting for the rest of the meal to be ready.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that is both fuss-free and full of soul, this Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Each tender bite is a reminder that simple ingredients, slow-cooked with care, can create magic. I promise once you try it, it will become a go-to for cozy dinners and entertaining alike—give it a try and watch the compliments roll in!
Print
Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (low), or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe offers an easy and flavorful way to prepare tender baby potatoes infused with garlic, onion, and rosemary. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection with butter and broth, making them rich yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Fats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the halved or quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Butter: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes. Then distribute the cubed unsalted butter on top.
- Pour Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth or vegetable broth over the potatoes and seasonings, which will keep the potatoes moist while cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir Halfway: If possible, gently stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to help distribute the seasonings and moisture evenly.
- Final Stir and Garnish: Once the potatoes are cooked, give them a quick stir to combine flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a bright, fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve the warm, flavorful slow-cooked potatoes as a comforting side dish with your favorite main courses.
Notes
- You can substitute dried rosemary with thyme for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegetable broth and substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps with even seasoning but can be skipped if you cannot open the slow cooker.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Baby potatoes do not need peeling and cook evenly due to their small size.
