There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker full of potatoes quietly doing their work while the rest of the meal comes together, and this 5-ingredient Amish Labor Day Prep is just the sort of simple side dish that earns a permanent place on the family table. With humble red potatoes, butter, broth, onion soup mix, and a little parsley, you get tender, savory potatoes with that plainspoken country goodness so loved across Midwestern and Amish-style kitchens, where stretching a few pantry staples into something memorable has always been a point of pride.
These potatoes go beautifully alongside grilled burgers, roast chicken, pork chops, smoked sausage, or a platter of Labor Day picnic favorites. I also like serving them with sweet corn, baked beans, sliced tomatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad, since the rich buttery potatoes welcome something fresh and bright on the side.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish Labor Day Prep
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds red potatoes, washed and quartered
1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 ounce)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
1. Wash the red potatoes, cut them into quarters, and place them in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the onion soup mix, chicken broth, and melted butter, then pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. 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 tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, gently toss to coat, and serve hot straight from the crock or transfer to a serving bowl.
Variations & Tips
Make it heartier: Add sliced smoked sausage during the last hour of cooking if you want to turn these potatoes into more of a main dish for a busy holiday weekend supper.
Use the right potato size: Try to keep the potato pieces close in size so they cook evenly. If some red potatoes are quite small, just halve them instead of quartering so you do not end up with bits that go overly soft.
For extra color and flavor: A handful of chopped green onions or a little minced garlic can be added near the end, though the beauty of this dish is its plain and easy character.
Keep it from sticking: A quick coating of cooking spray or a light rub of butter inside the crock helps with cleanup and keeps the potatoes from catching around the edges during a longer cook.
Make it richer: For a more special supper table version, stir in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving, or scatter a little shredded cheddar over the hot potatoes and let it melt for a minute or two.