Effortless Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Your Ultimate Easy Side Dish

Discover the simplest way to create a show-stopping side dish with these incredible Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor and comfort to their meal without the hassle. Requiring minimal effort and just a handful of staple ingredients – small Yukon gold or red potatoes, fragrant garlic, rich butter, a touch of olive oil, and a blend of savory seasonings – this dish practically cooks itself in your crock pot. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave deliciously tender, garlic-infused potatoes that are effortlessly impressive.

Slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes in a dark bowl garnished with parsley and parmesan cheese.

Why These Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes. Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, their ease of preparation and incredible versatility make them a culinary staple. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of hands-on prep, you can simply mix the ingredients, turn on your slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work. No constant stirring, no worrying about burning, just perfectly cooked potatoes every time.
No Oven Required: One of the biggest advantages, especially during holidays or warm weather, is that there’s no need to heat up your oven or your kitchen. This frees up valuable oven space for other dishes, making meal planning much smoother, particularly for large family meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Irresistible Flavor and Texture: Each potato is beautifully seasoned, boasting a savory blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The slow cooking process results in an incredibly creamy, tender texture that melts in your mouth, absorbing all the aromatic flavors. They are rich, comforting, and packed with a delightful garlicky-cheesy goodness that everyone adores.
Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes are a fantastic accompaniment to virtually any meal. Whether you’re serving up roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or a hearty vegetarian main course, these garlic parmesan potatoes complement a wide array of flavors. They’re suitable for any season, bringing warmth and comfort in winter and light, easy enjoyment in summer.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a simple side dish that appeals to all ages. The classic combination of garlic, butter, and cheese ensures these potatoes are a universal favorite, even among picky eaters. They are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests.
Holiday Friendly: As mentioned, freeing up oven space is a huge plus during the busy holiday season. You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and let them cook while you focus on other elements of your feast, significantly reducing holiday stress.

While these slow cooker potatoes are a star, we also have other fantastic side dish recipes that pair wonderfully with various meals. Consider trying our Orzo Pasta Salad for a fresh, vibrant option, or our Southern Green Beans and Potatoes for a hearty, comforting classic. For a healthy green, Oven Roasted Broccoli is always a hit, and our creamy Risotto with Basmati Rice offers an elegant touch. And for a truly speedy potato fix, our Quick Mashed Potatoes are unbeatable. Each of these recipes is designed to simplify your cooking and elevate your dining experience.

Slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes recipe ingredients on a dark surface.

For a comprehensive list of all ingredients, precise measurements, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this article.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Creating these delightful garlic parmesan potatoes in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender and flavorful results:

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing your small Yukon gold or red potatoes thoroughly. To ensure even cooking, it’s crucial that all potatoes are roughly the same size. If you have any larger potatoes, simply cut them in half. Smaller, uniform pieces will cook more consistently, preventing some from being overcooked while others remain firm. Once prepped, lightly grease the slow cooker liner with a non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Season and Cook: Arrange the prepared potatoes evenly in the greased crock. In a separate small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to create a fragrant, savory coating. Drizzle this butter mixture generously over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious seasoning blend. This even coating is key to maximizing flavor. Next, sprinkle about half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes. Securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker model and the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them.

Slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes herb butter mixture in a dark bowl on a dark surface.

Shredded parmesan sprinkled over the seasoned potatoes in the crock of a slow cooker.

Check for Doneness and Serve: Once the cooking time is nearing its end, test the potatoes for doneness. Simply insert a paring knife or a fork into one of the larger potato pieces. It should slide in easily with little to no resistance, indicating that the potatoes are perfectly tender. If they are still firm, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes and re-test. Once done, serve the potatoes hot. For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant green of the parsley provides a beautiful contrast to the golden potatoes and adds a lovely fresh aroma.

Cooked garlic parmesan potatoes in the crock of a slow cooker.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best possible results and adapt it to your preferences:

Potato Choice & Preparation: While small Yukon gold or red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and thin skin (no need to peel!), you can absolutely use regular-size potatoes. If using larger varieties like Russet or Idaho, cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks or wedges. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Make it Vegan or Dairy-Free: It’s easy to adapt this recipe for dietary needs. Simply swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based butter alternative and use a good quality dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, umami flavor if you don’t have a vegan Parmesan on hand.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Makes a Difference: For the most authentic and robust flavor, we highly recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block. Freshly grated Parmesan has a superior texture and richer taste compared to the pre-grated varieties found in a green can, which often contain anti-caking agents that can alter the dish’s texture. However, in a pinch, the canned version will still work.
Know Your Slow Cooker: Slow cooker temperatures can vary significantly between brands and even models. The provided cook time (3-4 hours on high, 5-6 hours on low) is a general guide. It’s crucial to get to know your specific appliance. On your first attempt, check the potatoes an hour before the suggested minimum cook time. Adjust future cooking times based on your findings.
Achieving Crispy Edges: Slow cooking naturally results in tender, creamy potatoes, not crispy ones like oven-roasted potatoes. If you desire a crispy exterior, you can transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil them in your oven for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and slightly crisped. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Alternatively, an air fryer can also achieve crispiness quickly.
Customize Your Herb Blend: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite blend of herbs and spices. While Italian seasoning and dill offer a wonderful classic flavor, consider adding fresh rosemary, thyme, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for brightness.
Storage and Reheating: Any leftover cooled potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, warm them in a skillet on the stovetop, or gently bake them in the oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions: These potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, beef tenderloin, or grilled salmon. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads with eggs and bacon.

Explore More Delicious Potato Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic potato-centric recipes. Potatoes are a versatile staple, and we have many creative and comforting ways to prepare them. Here are a few more favorites to inspire your next meal:

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Rosemary Garlic Grilled Baby Potato Skewers

Decadent Whipped Potatoes (Dutchess Potatoes)

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

A delightful blend of baby potatoes, fragrant garlic, rich butter, olive oil, and savory seasonings delivers an easy, creamy, and irresistible side dish cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Servings: 6

Calories: 292kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

3 lbs Small Yukon gold or red potatoes
1/2 tsp Dried dill
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Kosher salt or more to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper
3 cloves Garlic minced (more or less to taste)
3 tbsp Unsalted butter
2 tbsp Olive oil
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (optional

Instructions

The potatoes should be similar in size, so cut any larger ones in half to ensure even cooking. Lightly grease the slow cooker liner with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the prepared potatoes in the crock. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this savory butter mixture over the potatoes and toss gently to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the top.

3 lbs Small Yukon gold or red potatoes, 1/2 tsp Dried dill, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp Black pepper, 3 cloves Garlic, 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp Olive oil, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. To test for doneness, insert a paring knife or fork into a potato – it should slide in easily. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

1 tbsp Fresh parsley

Notes

You can also use regular potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks or wedges for this recipe.

Store any leftover cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

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