Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes: The Effortless Side Dish
Transform simple potatoes into a delicious Italian-style side dish that practically cooks itself! These slow cooker potatoes are infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and finished with Parmesan, creating a flavorful, tender dish with minimal effort.
Effortless Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a side dish that requires little attention but delivers big flavor, these slow cooker potatoes are the perfect solution! The Italian herbs and garlic infuse into the potatoes as they cook, with Parmesan cheese adding the finishing touch. Pair them with any meal for a satisfying, hands-off side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes or small red potatoes are ideal, as they hold their shape well during slow cooking. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or carrots make great additions. Add them at the beginning with the potatoes for perfectly tender results.
Do I need to stir during cooking?
While stirring occasionally helps ensure even cooking, it’s not necessary. The slow cooker does most of the work for you!
Pro Tips for Success:
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the olive oil—it helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Check tenderness around the 4-hour mark to ensure they’re cooked through.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their flavor.
- Save some Parmesan for serving to add extra richness.
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 bell pepper, chunked
- 1 onion, chunked
- 2 carrots, chunked
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Extra garlic powder
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add Potatoes: Place halved potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Mix Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Potatoes: Pour the seasoning mixture over the potatoes and toss well to coat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally if possible for even cooking.
- Check for Tenderness: Use a fork to check the potatoes around the minimum cooking time.
- Finish and Serve: When done, stir in half the fresh parsley. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes:
- Make Ahead: You can prep the potatoes and seasoning mixture the night before.
- Storage: Keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Best reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations.
- Leftovers: Perfect for a breakfast hash!
This easy and delicious slow cooker recipe is sure to become a staple at your dinner table.