These slow cooker potatoes are the kind of easy side dish that saves a busy day and still makes dinner feel comforting. Using just five ingredients and raw peeled whole red potatoes, this recipe lets the crock do the work while the potatoes turn tender, buttery, and full of savory ranch-style flavor. It is a handy dish for cookouts, burgers, sandwiches, or any family meal where you want something filling without turning on the oven.
Serve these potatoes alongside burgers, grilled chicken, meatloaf, barbecue sandwiches, or even breakfast-for-dinner with eggs and sausage. They also pair nicely with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans to round out the plate, and a little extra chopped parsley on top makes them look special enough for a potluck table.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Drive-Thru Day Potatoes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 pounds small red potatoes, peeled and left whole
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Add the peeled whole red potatoes to the bottom of the crock in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes, then dot the top with the sliced butter.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender. Gently stir once near the end if you would like the butter and seasoning distributed more evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes, cover again, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl or serve straight from the crock. Top with chopped parsley and spoon some of the buttery seasoning from the bottom over the potatoes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers simpler flavors, use a mild cheddar and go easy on the parsley. You can also stir the cheese in instead of sprinkling it on top so the potatoes look extra creamy and less fussy.
Add bacon: A sprinkle of cooked crumbled bacon over the finished potatoes makes this dish feel a little like loaded potatoes. It is especially good when serving these with burgers or sandwiches.
Use baby potatoes if needed: If you cannot find small red potatoes, baby potatoes work nicely too. Just try to keep them close in size so they cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
Keep warm for parties: Once the potatoes are done, switch the slow cooker to warm for serving at a potluck or casual family gathering. Stir gently once in a while and add a little extra butter if they start to look dry.
