Backyard Barbecue Magic: Only 3 ingredients. I make this whenever I need a hands-off crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.

This 3-ingredient slow cooker savory crescents recipe is my go-to when I need something hands-off, hearty, and totally crowd-pleasing for backyard barbecues and holiday gatherings. It leans into pure Midwestern comfort: frozen potato wedges slow-roasted until they’re tender and starchy inside, then coated in a dark, glossy, umami-rich glaze that clings to every curve. Everything happens right in the slow cooker, so you can focus on your guests, the grill, or just putting your feet up while the house fills with that cozy, savory aroma.

Serve these savory crescents straight from the slow cooker on warm mode, with toothpicks or a big spoon so people can help themselves. They’re perfect alongside grilled burgers, brats, or pulled pork at a barbecue, and they also fit right in next to a holiday ham or roast turkey. Pair with crisp, fresh sides like a green salad, coleslaw, or a veggie tray to balance the richness. A little dish of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on the side is great for dipping, and a cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling water makes the whole spread feel like effortless entertaining.

Servings: 6–8

2 pounds frozen seasoned potato wedges (about 1 standard bag)

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and soy sauce until completely smooth and glossy. This will be your dark, umami-rich glaze.

Add the frozen seasoned potato wedges to the slow cooker in an even layer, breaking up any large clumps so the glaze can coat them well. There’s no need to thaw the potatoes first.

Pour the barbecue-soy glaze evenly over the potato wedges. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss and turn the wedges until they’re all well coated and every crescent has some sauce clinging to it.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the potato wedges are very tender in the center and the edges look slow-roasted and slightly caramelized.

About halfway through cooking, gently stir the potatoes from the bottom up to re-coat them in the thickening glaze and help them cook evenly. Replace the lid quickly so you don’t lose too much heat.

Once the potatoes are tender and the glaze has reduced to a dark, shiny coating that clings heavily to the crescents, switch the slow cooker to WARM. Give everything one last gentle stir so every wedge is coated in the savory sauce.

Serve the savory crescents directly from the slow cooker on WARM so they stay hot and steamy. Spoon them into a serving bowl or onto plates, making sure to drizzle any extra glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top.

To lean even more into that backyard barbecue vibe, you can choose a smoky or spicy barbecue sauce to change the flavor profile without adding extra ingredients. If you prefer a slightly less salty result, use low-sodium soy sauce and a milder barbecue sauce; you can always sprinkle a little salt at the table if needed. For a sweeter note that still stays within the 3-ingredient spirit, pick a honey or brown sugar-style barbecue sauce so you get that sticky, caramelized finish without extra work. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the potatoes 30 minutes earlier than the suggested time so the glaze doesn’t burn around the edges. Stir gently each time to keep the crescents from breaking apart too much. Food safety tips: Always start with frozen wedges straight from the freezer; don’t let them sit out at room temperature for long before cooking. Keep the lid on the slow cooker as much as possible so the temperature stays safely in the cooking zone. Leftovers should be cooled and refrigerated within 2 hours; store in a shallow container in the fridge and reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before serving again.