If you’ve been searching for a comforting side that’s effortlessly delicious and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to the Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Recipe. This dish takes simple baby potatoes and transforms them with rich butter, fragrant herbs, and garlic, all while cooking slowly to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for guests but is so easy that anyone can whip it up on a busy weeknight. Every forkful brings that perfect balance of herbs and buttery goodness, making it a true favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an important role in creating those delicious layers of flavor and gorgeous texture in your potatoes. From the creamy butter to the savory herbs, every element is essential to bring out that perfect harmony.
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered: The star of the dish, tender and bite-sized for perfect slow cooking.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed: Adds rich creaminess and helps carry the herbs and spices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic garlic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to complement the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme): Brings a woodsy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite sing.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Keeps the potatoes moist and adds savory richness as they cook.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by selecting tender baby potatoes and halving or quartering them depending on their size. This ensures even cooking and allows the buttery herb flavors to soak in beautifully.
Step 2: Layer Your Flavor
Place the cut potatoes in the slow cooker and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over them. Toss in the cubed butter on top—it will slowly melt and infuse the potatoes with creamy goodness throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Add Broth for Moisture
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. This small amount of liquid is key to keeping everything tender and juicy without turning the dish soupy.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. During cooking, try to stir the potatoes once halfway through to help the seasoning and moisture distribute evenly, aiding in uniform tenderness and flavor absorption.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully coated in buttery herbs, give them a gentle stir and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if you like a dash of color and bright flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple way to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery potatoes. You could also add a little grated parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These garlic herb baby potatoes are incredibly versatile. They’re a perfect match for roasted meats like chicken or steak, and they also pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to round out a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small individual ramekins or scooped into lettuce cups for a casual appetizer. You could even toss in some cooked bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream on top when serving to make it extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer the potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or sides throughout the week.
Freezing
While freezing slow-cooked potatoes can affect their texture slightly, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the potatoes in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave them with a damp paper towel over the top to keep them moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use red or new potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Red or new potatoes work well in this recipe; just cut them into similar-sized pieces to the baby potatoes so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Do I have to use butter, or can I substitute with olive oil?
You can substitute butter with olive oil if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version. Olive oil will still infuse the dish with great flavor and help meld the herbs beautifully.
Can I add other herbs to the Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
Test the potatoes by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender and easily pierced but not mushy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the increased quantity, and you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again because of its simplicity, brilliant flavor, and versatility. It’s comfort food without the fuss, a perfect partner to any meal, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how magical slow cooking can make something as humble as baby potatoes.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes 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 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe offers a flavorful and effortless way to prepare tender baby potatoes infused with garlic, onion, and rosemary. Using a slow cooker allows the potatoes to cook gently in butter and broth, resulting in a rich, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the halved or quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker to create an even layer for cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Butter: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes, then dot the cubed unsalted butter on top to add richness and flavor.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth or vegetable broth over the seasoned potatoes to provide moisture and aid in cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the potatoes on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir Midway: If possible, stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure the seasoning and liquids are well distributed and all potatoes cook evenly.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooking is complete, give the potatoes a quick stir to mix flavors, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish if desired.
- Serve: Serve the warm slow cooker potatoes as a delicious side dish that complements any meal.
Notes
- Use either chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary can also be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Stirring midway is recommended but not mandatory if using a sealed slow cooker without interruption.
- This dish is ideal for meal prepping and can be kept warm in the slow cooker until serving.
