Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

These Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. With their rich flavors of Italian herbs and melted Parmesan cheese, they are not only simple to make but also a delightful addition to your meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes will impress your guests while allowing you more time to enjoy the event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just mix and set it in your slow cooker. No need for constant attention!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning and Parmesan creates a deliciously savory taste.
• Versatile Dish: These potatoes pair well with various main courses, making them suitable for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, they serve six people easily and can be doubled for larger groups.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables and minimal oil, they offer a nutritious option for your table.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools that simplify the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cooking spray
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that yields tender, flavorful potatoes.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easy after enjoying your meal.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

These set-it-and-forget-it potatoes are loaded with Italian herbs and Parmesan for an effortless side dish that tastes like it took hours of work!

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chunked)
• 1 onion (chunked)
• 2 carrots (chunked)

For Seasoning

• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Extra garlic powder
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Potatoes

Place halved potatoes into the slow cooker evenly.

Step 3: Mix Seasonings

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Italian seasoning
3. Minced garlic
4. Grated Parmesan
5. Kosher salt
6. Black pepper

Step 4: Coat Potatoes

Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss well to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until tender. Stir occasionally if possible to promote even cooking.

Step 6: Check Tenderness

At the minimum cooking time, check tenderness by piercing with a fork.

Step 7: Finish Up

When done, stir in half of the fresh parsley before transferring to a serving bowl. Top with remaining parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes as a delightful side dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes make a fantastic side dish that pairs well with many meals. Their rich flavor and soft texture complement a variety of main courses, enhancing your dining experience.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Grilled Chicken – The savory notes of grilled chicken balance beautifully with the herbed potatoes.
• Steak – A juicy steak alongside these potatoes creates a satisfying meal.

Add to a Salad Plate

• Mixed Greens Salad – The freshness of greens provides a nice contrast to the warm, flavorful potatoes.
• Caprese Salad – This classic Italian salad adds extra flavor and color to your plate.

Serve as Part of a Comfort Meal

• Meatloaf – Pairing these Italian potatoes with meatloaf makes for a hearty and comforting dinner.
• Pot Pie – These potatoes are an excellent side to serve with pot pie, enhancing its richness.

Top with Additional Flavors

• Chili Flakes – Sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an extra kick.
• Extra Parmesan – A handful of grated Parmesan on top before serving elevates the dish even further.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

To ensure your Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and quality olive oil significantly enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker – Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation to cook evenly.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed – Every slow cooker is different; check your potatoes for doneness as they cook.
• Stir Occasionally – If you can, give them a stir halfway through to promote even cooking.
• Taste Before Serving – Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

These delightful Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes pair well with various dishes, making them versatile for any meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Salmon – The lightness of salmon pairs well with the robust flavors of the potatoes.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies enhances the meal’s healthiness and vibrancy.
3. Pasta Primavera – Fresh pasta mixed with colorful vegetables complements the richness of the potatoes.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers add protein and texture that work well together.
5. Baked Ziti – This cheesy pasta dish creates a comforting and filling meal alongside the potatoes.
6. Garlic Bread – For those who love carbs, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser when served with potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adequately seasoning the potatoes can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure your oil and herb mixture is well-seasoned before coating the potatoes.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker past its capacity can result in uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for steam to circulate.
• Ignoring the cook time: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
• Neglecting to stir occasionally: Failing to stir during cooking may cause uneven flavor distribution. If possible, give them a gentle stir midway through cooking.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on time without checking tenderness can lead to overcooked or undercooked potatoes. Use a fork to check doneness before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

• Allow potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil, reheating for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes?

Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes are baby potatoes cooked with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese in a slow cooker, resulting in tender and flavorful side dishes.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on size and type.

How do I spice up my Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes?

For added heat, incorporate more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños into the mix before cooking.

Are there vegan options for this recipe?

Absolutely! For vegan Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust herbs based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Italian Potatoes make an easy yet delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Their versatility allows for endless customization based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and elevate your next dinner with these flavorful potatoes!