If you’ve been searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe. These tender little potatoes soak up all the flavors of garlic, fragrant herbs, and a hint of paprika, then get that irresistible cheesy finish that makes every bite simply unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it an essential addition to your comfort food repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe so magical is its clean, straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role, from the earthy baby potatoes to the zesty garlic and fresh herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, halved if large): Perfectly sized for even cooking and a tender, creamy interior.
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter: Adds richness and helps the herbs cling to the potatoes.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic garlicky goodness.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Brings a pine-like, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy note that deepens the herb profile.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and color kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For that savory, nutty finish that crisps up under the broiler.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh, bright flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since they’ll be cooked with their skins on to keep all that natural creamy texture intact. If any potatoes are on the larger side, give them a quick halve to ensure everything cooks evenly and finishes tender.
Step 2: Combine the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture is going to coat every single potato, infusing them with layers of savory, herbal flavor that develop as they slow cook.
Step 3: Toss Potatoes with Seasoning
Place the potatoes in your slow cooker, then pour your olive oil and herb mixture on top. Toss everything together gently, making sure each potato is glistening and well coated—this step is where your flavor foundation truly takes shape.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours. The slow, gentle heat will transform the potatoes, rendering them fork-tender and bursting with all those infused flavors you carefully layered in.
Step 5: Optional Crisp Finish with Parmesan
If you love a bit of crispy texture, transfer your cooked potatoes to a baking sheet, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously on top, then broil in your oven for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and bubbly. This finish elevates the dish, blending creamy softness with a cheesy crunch that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the potatoes. This final touch adds not just a burst of color, but a lovely herbaceous note that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a fresh contrast. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped chives or even a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to bring a silky sheen and enhance herbal notes further.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a juicy steak. The creamy, garlicky potatoes hold their own, giving you a comforting carb component that elevates any protein or salad you serve alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or a colorful ceramic dish to highlight their golden skin and vibrant green parsley. Alternatively, assemble them as a side on individual plates with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them ideal for easy weekday meals or snacks.
Freezing
While freezing cooked potatoes is possible, the texture may change slightly. If you decide to freeze, place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven to maintain their tender, fluffy texture. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry; just be sure to cover and stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red baby potatoes are ideal because of their texture and size, small fingerlings or new potatoes work great too. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using larger varieties.
Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?
No peeling is necessary here—keeping the skins on not only saves time but also locks in flavor and nutrients, giving you that delicious creamy interior with a bit of bite from the skin.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through. The slow cooker, however, provides a uniquely tender and infused flavor profile that’s hard to replicate.
Is Parmesan cheese required?
Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful savory, crispy element, but it’s completely optional. You can skip it for a dairy-free version or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and they feel tender all the way through. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and potato size, so test with a fork starting at 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe enough—it’s hands-down one of those dishes that brings people together and makes any meal feel special. The simplicity of the ingredients paired with the slow cooker magic results in a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for easy, flavorful potatoes!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Baby Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Slow Cooker Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender baby potatoes are seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika, then slow-cooked to perfection. For an optional crispy finish, they can be broiled with Parmesan cheese, resulting in a deliciously golden crust. Garnished with fresh parsley, these potatoes are easy to prepare and yield a hearty side everyone will enjoy.
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 Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. If the potatoes are large, cut them in half to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes directly into the slow cooker.
- Mix Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Coat the Potatoes: Pour the seasoning mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat all potatoes evenly with the seasoned oil and herbs.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking time depends on your slow cooker and potato size. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender.
- Optional Crisp Finish: For a crispy, golden crust, transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.
- Ensure potatoes are halved if they are large for even cooking.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice crispy texture and flavor with the Parmesan.
- These potatoes pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
