Dump frozen potato wedges in the slow cooker and 4 pantry staples to get a meal so delicious the whole family will be begging for more.

This 5-ingredient slow cooker summer wedges recipe is my kind of busy-weeknight magic: you literally dump frozen potato wedges into your slow cooker, add four pantry staples, flip it on, and walk away. A thick, tangy-sweet barbecue-style sauce melts around the frosty wedges, turning into a dark crimson glaze that soaks into the potatoes as they cook. It reminds me of the kind of cookout food I grew up with here in the Midwest—comforting, a little messy, and totally family-friendly—but without having to heat up the oven or stand over a grill. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it side that can absolutely double as a main when you add a simple protein on the side.

Serve these saucy slow cooker summer wedges straight from the crock on busy nights with grilled or shredded chicken, burgers, or pulled pork. They’re also great alongside simple green salads, coleslaw, or sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a no-fuss summer plate. If you want to stretch them into more of a meal, sprinkle with shredded cheese right at the end and serve with a side of steamed veggies or a bagged salad mix. Ranch dressing or extra barbecue sauce on the table never hurts, and leftover wedges reheat well under the broiler for a quick lunch the next day.

Servings: 4

1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen seasoned potato wedges

Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Dump the frozen potato wedges straight from the bag into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, spreading them into an even layer. It’s fine if they’re frosty and a little clumped together.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick and a deep crimson color.

Pour the sauce evenly over the frozen potato wedges, making sure to coat as many of the tops as possible. Some sauce will pool around the edges—that’s perfect and will thicken as it cooks.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the wedges are hot all the way through and tender when pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, gently stir the wedges to coat them fully in the thickened sauce, being careful not to break them up too much.

Taste and adjust seasoning if you like (a pinch of salt or extra barbecue sauce), then serve the wedges hot straight from the slow cooker, scooping up plenty of sauce with each serving.

For a little heat, stir 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the barbecue mixture before pouring it over the wedges. You can also finish the cooked wedges with 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese; sprinkle it on during the last 10 minutes of cooking, cover, and let it melt. If you prefer a smoky flavor, use a smoky barbecue sauce and add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika with the garlic powder. To bulk this up into more of a full meal, top the finished wedges with sliced green onions and serve with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled sausage. For a slightly lighter version, choose a reduced-sugar barbecue sauce and use a lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce. Food safety tips: Always start with fully frozen potato wedges straight from the freezer so they stay at a safe temperature as they heat through. Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking to maintain a safe, consistent temperature, and avoid cooking on the WARM setting from the start. Leftovers should be cooled quickly, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3 to 4 days. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot all the way through before serving.