Put frozen steak fries into the pot and 4 other ingredients to get a cookout side so mouthwatering your friends will be begging for more!

These 5-ingredient slow cooker Asiago herb steak fries are the kind of easy, set-it-and-forget-it cookout side that makes everyone hover around the serving bowl. You start with a bag of frozen steak fries, toss in just four more simple ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work. The potatoes soak up buttery garlic and Italian herbs, then get finished with nutty Asiago cheese for a rich, almost roasted flavor without turning on the oven. It’s a great option for busy weekends, potlucks, or anytime you want something a little special without a lot of fuss.

Serve these Asiago herb steak fries piled high in a big bowl or on a platter, with extra grated Asiago or Parmesan on the side for sprinkling. They’re wonderful next to grilled burgers, brats, or chicken, and they also pair nicely with simple sandwiches or sloppy joes on a busy weeknight. Offer a couple of fun dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup to keep kids happy, and round out the meal with something fresh and crunchy, like a green salad, sliced cucumbers, or coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheesy potatoes.

Servings: 6

2 pounds frozen steak fries (thick-cut, straight from the bag, unthawed)

Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Pour the frozen steak fries straight from the bag into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them into an even layer. They should be frozen solid when they go in.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Drizzle the butter and herb mixture evenly over the frozen steak fries. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently toss the fries right in the slow cooker so most of them get a light coating of the seasoned butter.

Sprinkle half of the grated Asiago cheese (about 1/2 cup) over the seasoned fries. This first layer melts down into the potatoes as they cook and gives them a cheesy, almost roasted flavor.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, gently stirring once about halfway through, until the fries are tender in the center and the edges are starting to brown and crisp in spots. (If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking around 2 hours.)

Once the fries are tender, turn the slow cooker to WARM. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Asiago cheese over the top, cover again, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese on top is melted and gooey.

Give the fries a gentle toss to mix in some of the melted cheese while still keeping plenty on top. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, depending on how salty your cheese is.

Serve the Asiago herb steak fries hot right from the slow cooker, or transfer them to a warm serving dish. Top with a little extra cheese or a sprinkle of dried herbs if you’d like to dress them up for company.

For picky eaters, you can cut the garlic powder down to 1 teaspoon or leave out the Italian seasoning and just use a little salt and cheese for a milder flavor. If your family prefers a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the butter mixture. You can also swap the Asiago for Parmesan or a shredded Italian cheese blend if that’s what you have on hand. For a slightly lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the cheese to 3/4 cup total. If you’d like extra crisp edges, prop the slow cooker lid open slightly with a wooden spoon during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to let some steam escape, or quickly broil the finished fries on a sheet pan for a few minutes before serving. Food safety tips: Always start with frozen fries straight from the freezer; don’t let them sit out on the counter for long before cooking, as partially thawed potatoes can turn mushy and encourage bacterial growth. Keep the slow cooker on HIGH as directed so the fries move through the temperature “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) quickly. Once cooked, don’t leave the fries at room temperature for more than 2 hours; if you’re serving them at a party, keep them on the WARM setting and stir occasionally. Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow container within 2 hours and reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before eating.