There is something mighty satisfying about turning a bag of frozen seasoned curly fries into a hearty slow cooker supper with just a handful of ingredients. This kind of easy crock-pot cooking fits right in with the practical Midwestern way of making a filling meal from what is on hand, and for a festive National Tequila Day twist, a splash of tequila gives these potatoes a little extra spirit while the slow cooker does the work. It is the sort of no-fuss dish that feels playful enough for a celebration but simple enough for a weeknight table.
Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken, skillet sausage, burgers, or a simple green salad to balance their rich, savory flavor. They also fit nicely on a party spread with corn on the cob, baked beans, or a bowl of cool sour cream or ranch for dipping, and if you are setting out something casual for family movie night, a spoonful of fresh salsa on the side is mighty good too.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Tequila Day Potatoes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (26 to 32 ounces) frozen seasoned curly fries
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if you like easier cleanup, then spread the frozen seasoned curly fries evenly across the bottom.
2. Drizzle the tequila over the fries, then add the sour cream in small spoonfuls across the top so it can melt down into the potatoes as they cook.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the fries are tender and heated through. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top during the last 20 minutes of cooking, then cover again until melted.
4. Gently stir before serving so the cheese and sour cream coat the potatoes, then spoon them onto plates or into a serving bowl and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little onion: If you want another layer of homestyle flavor, stir in a handful of thinly sliced onion before cooking. They soften down beautifully and make the dish taste a bit more like loaded potatoes.
Use pepper jack: For a livelier finish, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. It melts nicely and gives the potatoes a gentle kick without making them too hot for the family table.
Watch the cooking time: Frozen curly fries can soften faster than diced potatoes, so start checking on the early side. You want them tender and creamy, not overmixed into mush.
Serve right away: These potatoes are best hot from the slow cooker while the cheese is still melty. If they sit too long on warm, the curls can lose some of their shape, though they will still taste just fine.
