Hearty Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe

Robust Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort finds its perfect match in this delectable slow cooker potatoes recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender, golden potatoes simmered in a rich, savory broth will make your taste buds dance with delight.

The magic of slow cooking infuses every bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Layers of flavor develop slowly, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Each potato absorbs the surrounding seasonings, transforming into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks.

Prepare to savor a side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next meal.

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Potatoes

For Base Ingredients:
  • Baby Potatoes: Creamy stars of the dish, choose firm and smooth spuds without blemishes or green spots for best texture and flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior while adding rich, smooth coating to potatoes.
For Seasoning Elements:
  • Garlic: Adds vibrant, aromatic punch that elevates the potatoes' natural earthiness.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings complex herbal notes with balanced blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps draw out potatoes' natural sweetness.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and warmth, complementing the other seasonings perfectly.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Parsley, Fresh Chives: Bright, green garnishes that add fresh color and light herbal brightness to completed dish.

Tools That Help Make Slow Cooker Potatoes Effortless

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking potatoes evenly and keeping them tender.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing potatoes with seasonings and olive oil.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for trimming potato sprouts or cutting larger potatoes.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in cutting potatoes into uniform pieces.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and coating potatoes with oil and herbs.
  • Fork: Helps check potato tenderness during cooking.
  • Serving Dish: For presenting the finished potatoes.

How to Prep and Slow Cook Tender Potatoes

  • Scrub and Ready Potatoes

Clean baby potatoes thoroughly, removing any sprouts or blemishes. For larger potatoes, chop into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.

  • Dress Up the Spuds

Toss potatoes in a generous splash of olive oil, minced garlic, aromatic herbs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure every potato gets a flavor hug.

  • Slow Cooker

Spread seasoned potatoes in your slow cooker, creating a single layer that allows each potato to cook perfectly. Don’t stack them too densely.

  • Low and Slow Transformation

Cover and let the slow cooker work its wonder. If you’re in a hurry, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. For a more relaxed approach, use LOW setting for 4-5 hours until potatoes are fork-tender and golden.

  • Fresh and Fabulous Finish

Shower your potatoes with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite protein for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ways to Elevate Basic Slow Cooker Potatoes

  • Choose small, uniform baby potatoes or cut larger potatoes into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout.
  • Experiment with different herb blends like rosemary and thyme, or add grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor depth and a crispy finish.
  • Prep potatoes the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time during busy weekdays, or freeze cooked potatoes for quick future meals.
  • Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile, or use vegan butter for dairy-free diets. Gluten-free and paleo-friendly when using natural herbs and spices.
  • For crispier edges, spread potatoes on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking, or sprinkle with breadcrumbs before the final cooking stage for added crunch.

Serve Slow Cooker Potatoes at Any Table, Any Time

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these herb-infused potatoes with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a mouthwatering meal that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Brunch Buddy Boost: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to create a hearty weekend breakfast spread that'll impress family and friends.
  • Veggie Lover's Delight: Complement the potatoes with a fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious and colorful dinner plate that's both satisfying and visually appealing.
  • Potluck Party Star: Bring these slow cooker potatoes to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well and stays warm, guaranteeing you'll be the hit of any social event.

Keep Slow Cooker Potatoes Fresh and Ready to Reheat

  • Store cooked potatoes in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
  • Cool completely before storing in sealed containers, which stay delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual potato portions in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Warm refrigerated potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to restore crispy exterior and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, you don’t need to peel baby potatoes or smaller potatoes. The skin adds nutrition and helps the potatoes hold their shape during slow cooking.

  • Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots or onions work great. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and add them with the potatoes for a complete side dish.

  • How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re easily pierced with a fork and have a soft, tender texture. They should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 7

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Smoked Pulled Pork Poutine Recipe

Smoked Pulled Pork Poutine Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Canadian pulled pork poutine elevates comfort cuisine with smoky, rich layers of tender meat, crispy fries, and melting cheese curds. Savory culinary magic delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4.5 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • ¼ cup BBQ rub (your favorite blend)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for tossing)

Spritzing and Flavor Liquids:

  • 1 cup apple juice or chicken broth (for spritzing)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Wood chips or pellets (hickory, apple, or cherry)

Gravy and Seasoning:

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Poutine Components:

  • 1.5 pounds frozen or homemade French fries
  • 1.5 cups cheese curds (or chopped mozzarella)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the smoker by calibrating the temperature to a precise 225°F, selecting aromatic wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry to infuse rich, smoky essence into the meat.
  2. Massage the pork shoulder with a light coating of olive oil, then generously distribute the BBQ rub, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
  3. Carefully position the seasoned pork onto the smoker grates, allowing it to absorb the wood’s delicate flavors. Maintain moisture by periodically misting with apple juice or savory broth every 60 minutes.
  4. Monitor the internal temperature closely. When the pork reaches 165°F, encase it securely in butcher paper or aluminum foil to retain its succulence and continue the smoking process.
  5. Continue smoking until the internal temperature climbs to 200-205°F, which typically requires an additional 2-3 hours of patient cooking.
  6. Remove the meat from the smoker and allow it to rest for half an hour, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the muscle fibers.
  7. Using two forks, gently pull and shred the tender meat into delicate strands. Optionally, drizzle with a complementary BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

  • Choose wood chips carefully for a subtle, complex smoky flavor that complements the pork without overpowering other ingredients.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked meat during the smoking process.
  • Consider making the pulled pork ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to develop and makes assembly easier.
  • Experiment with different BBQ rubs or create a homemade blend to personalize the pulled pork’s taste profile and make the dish uniquely yours.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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