This cozy slow cooker potato dish is the kind of simple supper side that feels right at home on a late-summer table, especially when the evenings start to cool off and everybody is ready for something warm and filling. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, raw russet potato halves turn tender and flavorful in the crock, making this an easy Amish-inspired country-style dish that fits busy family days and potluck nights alike.
Serve these tender potatoes alongside roast chicken, meatloaf, ham, pork chops, or simple grilled sausage for an easy family meal. They also pair nicely with green beans, buttered corn, a crisp garden salad, or applesauce if you want a full comforting plate with a little freshness to balance the richness.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish August Evenings
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half lengthwise
1 packet onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Directions
1. Wash the russet potatoes well, then cut them in half lengthwise. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Place the potato halves into the slow cooker in an even layer as much as possible.
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the potatoes, then drizzle the melted butter all across the top.
4. Pour the chicken broth around the potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Carefully spoon some of the cooking liquid over the potatoes before serving. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like.
Variations & Tips
For extra richness: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar over the hot potatoes just before serving. It melts beautifully and makes this side dish especially popular with kids and hungry spouses alike.
For a heartier supper: Add sliced smoked sausage during the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking so the dish can serve as a one-pot meal. This is a nice trick on busy school nights when you want dinner to stretch a little further.
For picky eaters: Use less of the onion soup mix for a milder flavor, and serve the potatoes with sour cream on the side. Let everyone add their own toppings at the table to make the meal feel a little more fun.
Cooking tip: Try to choose potatoes that are close in size so they cook evenly. If your potatoes are very large, quarter them instead of halving so they become tender within the recommended cooking time.
Make-ahead tip: You can wash and halve the potatoes ahead of time, then keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator for several hours. Drain and pat dry before adding them to the slow cooker.