These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a comforting, creamy side dish that’s full of rich flavor. The potatoes become tender and soak up all the savory goodness of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter as they cook slowly to perfection. It’s the perfect pairing for roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
This dish is an easy way to elevate any meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful side without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the addition of fresh parsley on top adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these Garlic Parmesan Potatoes will definitely be a hit!
Full Recipe:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, melted butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender and creamy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: A Comforting, Easy Side Dish
When it comes to creating a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a perfect choice. Rich, creamy, and infused with the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan, this dish is a true comfort food favorite that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a casual weeknight meal, this simple yet indulgent dish is sure to be a hit. Best of all, the slow cooker takes care of the cooking process, leaving you with more time to focus on other aspects of your meal.
The History Behind Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Garlic Parmesan potatoes are an American twist on the classic Italian combination of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, which has been used in a variety of Italian dishes for centuries. The addition of potatoes makes it even more versatile and satisfying, creating a hearty side dish that can complement a wide range of main courses. Over the years, recipes for garlic Parmesan potatoes have evolved, with many variations including roasted, mashed, or boiled potatoes. However, the slow cooker method has gained popularity for its ease and convenience, allowing home cooks to make this rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort.
The slow cooker, also known as a Crockpot, became popular in the mid-20th century and has since become a kitchen staple. Its ability to cook food slowly at a low temperature allows for deeper flavors and tender textures, making it an ideal method for cooking potatoes. In recent years, slow cooker garlic Parmesan potatoes have become a go-to recipe for busy home cooks looking for an easy, delicious side dish that doesn’t require much hands-on attention.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- Effortless and Time-Saving
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Once the ingredients are assembled, all you need to do is toss them in the slow cooker, set the timer, and let the appliance work its magic. You don’t have to worry about constantly stirring, checking on the potatoes, or ensuring they don’t burn. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you’re left with perfectly tender and flavorful potatoes without much effort. - Perfectly Creamy Texture
The slow cooker excels at creating soft, tender potatoes. The potatoes absorb all the flavors from the garlic, Parmesan, and other seasonings as they cook slowly, ensuring that each bite is creamy and full of flavor. The richness of the cream and butter combines with the potatoes’ starches, making for a satisfying dish that’s not only delicious but also comforting. - Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, from baby potatoes to russet or Yukon Gold, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference. Additionally, the garlic Parmesan flavor can be adjusted to your liking – if you love garlic, feel free to add extra cloves or garlic powder for a bolder taste. - Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is ideal for gatherings, whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or holiday feast. The combination of potatoes, garlic, and Parmesan is universally loved, making it a safe choice when serving a group of people. Plus, it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you can free up valuable oven space for other dishes and still have a delicious side dish ready to go.
Variations of Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
While the basic recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes is already delicious, there are several variations you can try to make the dish even more exciting. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano pair beautifully with garlic and Parmesan. Simply add a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the slow cooker, or chop them up and stir them into the potatoes for an aromatic, herb-infused flavor. - Cheesy Variations
For an extra cheesy kick, you can add more cheese! Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella are all great options to mix in for added flavor and creaminess. You can also top the potatoes with additional cheese and let it melt before serving for a gooey, indulgent treat. - Spicy Kick
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. This will balance the richness of the garlic and Parmesan with a bit of spice, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor. - Bacon Lovers
Who doesn’t love bacon? For a savory, smoky addition, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the potatoes after they’ve finished cooking. Bacon adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. - Vegan Option
For those following a vegan diet, this dish can easily be adapted. Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy cream substitute, like coconut cream or almond milk, to maintain the creamy texture without using dairy. Nutritional yeast can also replace the Parmesan for a cheesy, umami flavor that vegans will love.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Evenly Sized Potatoes
To ensure even cooking, try to use potatoes that are similar in size. Halve or quarter larger potatoes so they cook at the same rate as the smaller ones. Baby potatoes work particularly well in this recipe, as they tend to cook evenly and have a smooth, creamy texture when done. - Layering Matters
When placing the potatoes in the slow cooker, try to spread them out evenly and avoid overcrowding. This will help ensure that the potatoes cook uniformly and get coated with the garlic Parmesan mixture. - Check for Tenderness
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your potatoes. Check the potatoes for doneness after 4 hours on low. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. If they’re not quite there, give them another 30 minutes and check again. - Garnish for Extra Flavor
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the potatoes to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This simple garnish makes a big difference in both the appearance and flavor of the dish.
Serving Ideas
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
- With Grilled Meats
This dish is the perfect complement to grilled chicken, steak, or pork. The creamy, rich potatoes balance out the smoky flavors of the grilled meats, making for a satisfying meal. - As a Comforting Side for Holidays
Serve these potatoes at your next holiday dinner, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The rich flavors and easy prep make them a crowd-pleaser during festive meals. Pair them with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main dish. - With Salads
For a lighter meal, serve these potatoes alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of the creamy potatoes and the crisp, refreshing salad makes for a well-rounded and satisfying dish. - With Roasted Vegetables
These potatoes also work wonderfully alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. The earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the richness of the potatoes, creating a balanced meal.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Home Cooks
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or preparing for a large gathering, this dish is both easy and impressive. With its creamy texture, savory garlic and Parmesan flavor, and the convenience of the slow cooker, it’s no wonder this recipe has gained popularity. The ability to customize it with different herbs, spices, and cheese makes it a versatile option for any meal.
If you haven’t tried making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes yet, now is the perfect time to do so. This recipe is a great way to introduce new flavors to your meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its rich taste and minimal effort required, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and make your family feel like they’re being treated to something special.