If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful side dish that feels both effortless and gourmet, the Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender baby potatoes, infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, slow-cooked to perfection, then topped with a golden layer of Parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish not only steals the spotlight with its vibrant flavors but also boasts simplicity that fits right into any busy schedule. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet absolutely essential ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and perfect textures. From the creamy baby potatoes to the fragrant herbs and the salty Parmesan, every item on this list transforms these humble spuds into something extraordinary.
- Baby potatoes (2 lbs): Yukon Gold or red work beautifully for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors.
- Olive oil or melted butter (3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the herbs and spices stick to the potatoes.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Brings warmth and a fragrant punch.
- Dried rosemary (1 tsp): Offers an earthy, piney note that enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic layer that complements the rosemary perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Provides a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all the natural flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Creates a crispy, savory crust when broiled, adding depth and texture.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your baby potatoes. If some are large, halve them to ensure even cooking and tender bites throughout. Once prepped, place the potatoes in the slow cooker, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture will coat every potato, ensuring a mouthwatering taste in every bite.
Step 3: Coat and Cook
Pour the seasoning mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker and toss gently until each potato is evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The potatoes will become deliciously fork-tender and infused with all the herbs and spices.
Step 4: Optional Crisp Finish
If you love a little crisp and extra flavor, transfer the cooked potatoes onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, then broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. This step adds a lovely textural contrast and enhances the savory depth of the dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the potatoes. This fresh herbaceous touch not only adds a burst of color but also a brightness that perfectly balances the richness from the Parmesan and butter or olive oil.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a vibrant, fresh pop. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are versatile and pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad for a lighter meal. They also complement a hearty stew or a holiday roast beautifully, adding buttery, herb-scented comfort to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy, farmhouse feel, or dish them directly from the slow cooker at the table for a casual, family-style vibe. For entertaining, arrange the potatoes on a platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for a charming, appetizing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your potatoes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes hold their flavor well and make for a fantastic next-day side or snack.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover potatoes is in a skillet over medium heat to regain a bit of crispness, or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the potatoes won’t have that wonderful slightly crispy edge you get when reheated in a pan or oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red baby potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and even cooking, fingerlings or small new potatoes can also work well in this Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
No, Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended. It adds a deliciously savory crust when broiled. If you want a dairy-free version, simply omit it and enjoy the potatoes with fresh herbs alone.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes and seasoning ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then cook in the slow cooker when ready. This makes it perfect for busy days or hosting dinner parties.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the seasoned potatoes in a covered dish at 375°F for about 45 minutes to an hour until tender, then broil with Parmesan on top as instructed.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
To get the crispiest finish, broil the cooked potatoes with Parmesan cheese for 3 to 5 minutes as suggested, or after slow cooking, pan-fry them in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The way those tender potatoes soak up all the fragrant herbs and that golden crust of Parmesan truly makes this dish a standout. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again for effortless, delicious comfort on any day of the week.
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Slow Cooker Seasoned Baby Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy slow cooker potatoes, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Optionally finished under the broiler with Parmesan cheese for a crispy, golden top, and garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful side dish suitable for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, halved if large)
Seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. If any potatoes are large, halve them to ensure even cooking. Place all the potatoes into your slow cooker.
- Mix Seasoning: In a bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Coat the Potatoes: Pour the seasoning mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat all the potatoes evenly with the mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the potatoes on high heat setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.
- Optional Crisp Finish: For a crispy topping, preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the cooked potatoes onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker model and potato size.
- Adding Parmesan cheese and broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely crispy texture.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary complement the potatoes well, but you can use dried oregano or basil as alternatives.
- This recipe works great with Yukon Gold or red baby potatoes because of their creamy texture and thin skins.
- To make the dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
