These 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish August Picnic Spuds are the kind of easy side dish that saves the day when supper needs to be simple but still feel special. Using raw whole pee-wee potatoes gives you that tender, buttery bite with almost no prep, and the slow cooker does all the work. This style of humble potato dish fits right in with old-fashioned picnic and potluck cooking, where a few pantry staples come together into something filling, cozy, and family-friendly.
Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken, burgers, ham, meatloaf, or barbecue sandwiches for an easy meal. They also fit beautifully on a picnic table with baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and sliced fresh tomatoes. If you want to round things out for a lighter supper, add a crisp green salad and some fruit on the side.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish August Picnic Spuds
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw whole pee-wee potatoes, washed
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Wash the pee-wee potatoes well and pat them dry. If any are much larger than the rest, cut those in half so the potatoes cook evenly.
2. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter and olive oil over the top, then sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over everything.
3. Toss gently to coat the potatoes as evenly as possible. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Stir once or twice during cooking if convenient, especially if your slow cooker runs hot around the edges. When tender, transfer to a serving bowl and spoon any buttery seasoning from the cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
For garlic lovers: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder along with the onion soup mix for a deeper savory flavor that goes especially well with grilled meats.
For picky eaters: If your family prefers milder flavors, use only about three-quarters of the onion soup mix packet. The potatoes will still be flavorful but a little gentler for younger palates.
For a little color: Stir in a spoonful of chopped fresh parsley at the end for a fresher look and a nice pop of green on the table.
Make it a fuller meal: You can add smoked sausage pieces during the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking if you want to turn this easy side into a simple one-pot supper.
Best potato tip: Try to keep the potatoes close in size so they finish cooking at the same time. Very small pee-wee potatoes can soften faster, so check early if your slow cooker tends to cook quickly.