Irresistibly Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Discover the ultimate hassle-free side dish that promises rich flavor and tender perfection: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion when you need a delicious and impressive side without the fuss. Imagine creamy, flavorful potatoes infused with aromatic garlic and savory Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, freeing up your oven and your time. All you need are a few simple ingredients — small Yukon gold or red potatoes, fresh garlic, butter, olive oil, a handful of seasonings, and of course, your trusty slow cooker — to create a dish that will earn rave reviews every single time.

Why Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Are a Must-Try

These slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes aren’t just easy; they’re a culinary delight that brings comfort and robust flavor to any meal. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep time, you can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. No constant stirring, no worrying about burning, just set it and forget it.
• Perfectly Tender Texture: Slow cooking ensures that the potatoes achieve an incredibly tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. They emerge beautifully seasoned and incredibly creamy.
• Saves Oven Space: This is a huge advantage, especially during holidays or when you’re preparing a multi-course meal. By using the slow cooker, you keep your oven free for roasting meats, baking casseroles, or preparing other dishes, significantly reducing kitchen stress.
• Rich and Aromatic Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, fragrant Italian seasoning, subtle dill, and sharp Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible aroma and a depth of flavor that complements almost any main course. The butter and olive oil ensure a luxurious coating on every potato.
• Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or even a hearty vegetarian meal. They’re a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Ideal for Entertaining: Because of the minimal effort and hands-off cooking, these potatoes are fantastic for entertaining. You can prepare them in advance and keep them warm until serving, making hosting a breeze.

While you’re here, don’t forget to explore our other fantastic side dish recipes to complement your meals! Some of our favorites include Orzo Pasta Salad, Southern Green Beans and Potatoes, Oven Roasted Broccoli, Risotto with Basmati Rice, Green Beans With Tomato Sauce, and Quick Mashed Potatoes.

The Magic Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Potatoes

Crafting these delectable garlic parmesan potatoes begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the irresistible flavor and texture of this side dish:

• Small Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes: These varieties are ideal for slow cooking because they hold their shape well and develop a creamy, buttery texture without becoming mushy. Their skins are thin enough to be left on, adding nutrients and a rustic appeal. Aim for potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking, or simply cut larger ones in half.
• Fresh Garlic: The star of the show! Minced fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with a pungent, sweet, and aromatic flavor that is central to this dish. Adjust the amount to your taste – if you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and a classic savory flavor that coats the potatoes beautifully. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps to create a slightly crispy exterior (if you choose to broil them at the end) and ensures the seasonings adhere well to the potatoes. It also adds a subtle fruity note that complements the other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning: This versatile blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing a fragrant and savory base that pairs wonderfully with potatoes and garlic.
• Dried Dill: Dill adds a fresh, slightly tangy, and herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish and enhances the potato flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Kosher salt has larger crystals that dissolve slowly, providing a balanced saltiness, while freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that truly elevates these potatoes. We highly recommend grating your own fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melt, but a good quality pre-grated option will work in a pinch.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean finish to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful side dish is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender and seasoned potatoes every time:

1. Prepare Your Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking; cut any larger potatoes in half to match the size of the smaller ones. Lightly grease the slow cooker liner with a non-stick cooking spray or a pat of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Season and Combine: Place all the prepared potatoes into the crock of your 3.5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, melted unsalted butter, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
3. Coat and Layer: Drizzle the aromatic butter mixture evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious seasoning blend. Then, sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid onto your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the suggested time.
5. Check for Doneness and Garnish: The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender. You can easily test this by inserting a paring knife or fork into a potato; it should slide in effortlessly. Once cooked, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips for Success with Your Slow Cooker Potatoes

Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips to ensure perfect results every time. Here’s how to make your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes truly exceptional:

• Choose the Right Slow Cooker Size: A 3.5-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the potatoes to cook evenly without overcrowding. If your slow cooker is too small, the potatoes might steam rather than roast gently, affecting the texture.
• Potato Variety Matters: While small Yukon gold or red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, you can absolutely use regular-sized potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks or wedges to ensure consistent cooking. Russet potatoes, for example, will work but might yield a slightly fluffier texture.
• Make it Vegan or Dairy-Free: Easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs by swapping out the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and using a good quality dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute. The flavor profile will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan for Best Flavor: For the most authentic and robust flavor, we highly recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block. The pre-grated varieties in a can often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and flavor. However, in a pinch, the convenience of canned Parmesan will certainly do!
• Understand Your Slow Cooker: Every slow cooker is a little different, and some run hotter than others. The cook times provided are a guide. If you know your slow cooker tends to cook fast, start checking the potatoes earlier. Conversely, if it cooks slowly, you might need an extra 30-60 minutes.
• Crispiness — An Optional Upgrade: Slow-cooked potatoes are incredibly tender, but they won’t develop the crispy skin of oven-roasted potatoes. If you desire a golden, slightly crispy exterior, spread the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet and broil them in your oven for 3-5 minutes, watching them carefully to prevent burning.
• Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning blend to your liking! While Italian seasoning and dill are fantastic, you could also try adding dried rosemary, thyme, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Prevent Sticking: Always remember to lightly grease your slow cooker liner. This small step ensures easy serving and cleanup, preventing any delicious bits from getting stuck to the bottom.
• Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently during cooking. Each time you open the slow cooker, you release accumulated heat, which can add significant time to the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

These versatile Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes make a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Their rich, savory flavor and tender texture pair beautifully with:

• Roasted or Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside a succulent roasted chicken, tender pork loin, juicy steak, or a holiday ham.
• Seafood Dishes: The garlic and Parmesan flavors complement baked salmon, grilled shrimp, or a delicate white fish beautifully.
• Vegetarian Meals: Serve them as a hearty side with a vibrant vegetable medley, a flavorful lentil soup, or a substantial veggie burger.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Don’t limit them to dinner! These potatoes can be a delicious addition to a weekend brunch, served alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a frittata.

Creative Variations & Customizations

While the classic recipe is outstanding, these slow cooker potatoes are also perfect for customization. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a subtle or pronounced heat.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Beyond parsley, experiment with other fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives for different flavor profiles. Add fresh herbs at the very end to preserve their vibrant taste.
• Cheesy Deluxe: Incorporate other types of cheese! A blend of Parmesan with a little shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère could add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: A little lemon zest added with the seasonings can brighten the flavors and add a fresh, zesty note.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes store wonderfully, making them excellent for meal prep. Allow any cooled leftovers to reach room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave, or for a slightly crispier texture, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

More Delicious Potato Recipes

If you’re a potato lover, we’ve got you covered with more fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile root vegetable!

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

A blend of baby potatoes, garlic, butter, olive oil, and seasonings delivers an easy side dish cooked in a slow cooker.

• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Small Yukon gold or red potatoes
• 1/2 tsp Dried dill
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced (more or less to taste)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. The potatoes should be similar in size, so cut any larger ones in half. Lightly grease the slow cooker liner with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the potatoes in the crock. In a small bowl mix the seasonings and garlic with the butter and oil. Drizzle the butter mixture over, and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly. Then sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the top.
3. Place the lid on a slow cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Test the potatoes by inserting a paring knife or fork into a potato — it should slide in easily. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

You can also use regular potatoes and cut them into chunks or wedges. Store any leftover cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 981mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 2mg

Conclusion: Your Easiest & Tastiest Potato Side Yet!

There you have it — a wonderfully simple, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully tender slow cooker garlic parmesan potato recipe that’s destined to become a household favorite. This dish proves that great taste doesn’t have to come with a lot of effort. Whether you’re looking to simplify your holiday cooking, enjoy a comforting side on a busy weeknight, or impress guests with minimal stress, these potatoes deliver every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy the easiest and tastiest potato side you’ve ever made!