Crock Pot Cooking: Baby Reds, Perfectly Tender

how long to cook baby red potatoes in crock pot

Cooking baby red potatoes in a crock pot is a convenient way to prepare a tasty and hearty side dish. It is a simple and quick recipe that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. The cooking time for baby red potatoes in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired level of tenderness and the specific crock pot being used. Generally, cooking on high heat for 2 to 4 hours or on low heat for 4 to 6 hours will yield tender potatoes. However, it is important to ensure even cooking by cutting the potatoes to a similar size and stirring occasionally.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 3-7 hours depending on the setting of the crock pot (high or low) and the size of the potatoes
Potato size Small red potatoes, small Yukon gold potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or a combination of these varieties can be used. If using larger potatoes, cut them down to about 1-inch in size for even cooking.
Potato quantity 2-3 pounds
Potato preparation Wash and dry the potatoes. Leave the skin on for added texture and nutritional benefits. Cut the potatoes into equally-sized pieces.
Additional ingredients Olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, dill, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, basil, bay leaf, cheese, bacon bits, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, baby carrots, onions, and parmesan cheese.
Garnish Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, olive oil, or flaky salt.

cycookery

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time for baby red potatoes in a crock pot varies depending on the desired level of tenderness and the specific appliance used. However, on average, cooking baby red potatoes in a crock pot takes around 3 to 6 hours.

For a quicker cooking time, it is recommended to cook the potatoes on a high heat setting. On high heat, the potatoes will be ready in about 2 to 4 hours. This shorter cooking time yields potatoes that are fork-tender and slightly crispy. To achieve this level of doneness, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are cut into evenly sized pieces before placing them in the crock pot.

For a slower cook, the low heat setting can be used, which takes around 4 to 6 hours. This longer cooking time results in more tender potatoes. Again, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are cut into similar sizes to allow for even cooking.

It is worth noting that different crock pots may vary in terms of cooking temperature and time. Therefore, it is advisable to test the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife. If the potatoes are not yet tender enough, additional cooking time in 30-minute increments can be added until the desired level of tenderness is achieved.

Additionally, the cooking time may be influenced by the inclusion of other ingredients. For example, when making loaded baby red potatoes with cheese and bacon bits, the cooking time on high heat is extended to 3 to 4 hours, while on low heat, it is extended to 6 to 7 hours. This longer cooking time ensures that the potatoes are cooked thoroughly and that the toppings are heated through.

cycookery

Potato preparation

First, wash and dry the baby red potatoes. If you want to keep the skin on, which is recommended as it holds the potato's texture and keeps the flesh firm, make sure there is no dirt or small buds on the skin. If you prefer peeled potatoes, use a peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin.

Next, cut the potatoes into equally-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking. Cut the potatoes into bite-size cubes or slices, around 1-inch in size. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them down to size.

Once cut, place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add olive oil, butter, garlic, and any other desired seasonings, such as dill, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also add some dry ranch seasoning for extra flavor. Toss the potatoes in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil, butter, and seasonings.

After the potatoes are prepared, they are ready to be placed in the crockpot. For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the potatoes in the oven for a few minutes before placing them in the crockpot.

cycookery

Crockpot preparation

To prepare baby red potatoes in a crockpot, start by rinsing the potatoes to ensure they are free of dirt or small buds. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on will make for quick preparation and add texture to the dish. Cut the potatoes into equally sized pieces, about 1 inch in diameter. Add the potatoes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, butter, garlic, and seasonings of your choice such as dill, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also add some parmesan cheese or ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Once the potatoes are well coated, place them in the crockpot and stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of tenderness and the settings of your crockpot. For fork-tender potatoes, cook on high for around 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. If you prefer a quicker option, you can cook the potatoes on high for 2-4 hours. Keep in mind that the longer you cook the potatoes, the more tender they will become.

After cooking, you can garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or enjoy them as is. These crockpot baby red potatoes make a delicious and easy side dish for any meal and can be paired with your favorite protein or a simple green salad.

cycookery

Adding other ingredients

Cooking baby red potatoes in a crock pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a side dish. The great thing about this recipe is that you can add your own choice of seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste.

You can add a variety of other ingredients to baby red potatoes in a crock pot to enhance the flavor and make a more substantial dish. Here are some suggestions:

  • Garlic and Butter: For a classic flavor, add garlic and butter to the crock pot. You can also sauté the garlic in butter and olive oil before adding it to the crock pot for a richer taste.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary can be added to the crock pot or used as a garnish.
  • Spices: Red pepper flakes will add a little heat to the dish. You can also add your favorite spices, such as paprika or cumin, to give the potatoes a kick.
  • Onions and Carrots: Baby carrots or onions can be added to the crock pot to cook with the potatoes.
  • Meat: Crispy cooked bacon can be tossed into the crock pot at the end of cooking. You can also add cooked sausage or diced ham for a heartier dish.
  • Cheese: Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top of the potatoes before serving. Other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, can also be added for a creamy texture.
  • Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the crock pot, such as sweet potatoes, but make sure they are cut to a similar size as the baby red potatoes to ensure even cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile. The beauty of crock pot cooking is that it allows for flexibility and creativity in the kitchen!

cycookery

Serving suggestions

Slow cooker baby red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your crockpot potatoes:

Garnishes

Get creative with garnishes and toppings to enhance the flavour and presentation of your potatoes. Here are some options to try:

  • Parmesan cheese— Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes for a savoury touch.
  • Fresh herbs— Add a burst of colour and freshness with chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
  • Butter— Drizzle melted butter from the slow cooker over the plated potatoes for added richness.
  • Flaky salt— Season with flaky sea salt or regular salt to taste.
  • Olive oil— For a more flavourful dish, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the potatoes before serving.

Side dishes

Crockpot baby red potatoes make a great side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to pair them with:

  • Protein— Serve the potatoes alongside your favourite protein, such as pork chops or prime rib.
  • Salad— Create a well-balanced meal by pairing the potatoes with a simple green salad.
  • Main course— These potatoes complement any main course, especially during the cold winter months. Try them with Brined Herb Chicken Breasts or holiday meals.

Leftovers

These crockpot potatoes are excellent as leftovers and can be transformed into tasty dishes:

  • Store leftovers— Allow the potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat— When ready to enjoy again, reheat the potatoes in the oven, microwave, or skillet until hot.
  • Leftover magic— Get creative and use the leftover potatoes in new dishes, such as baked potato soup or as a side for future meals.

Customisations

The beauty of crockpot baby red potatoes is that you can customise them to your taste preferences:

  • Spices— Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite combination. Try garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or a homemade ranch seasoning mix.
  • Dairy— If you prefer a creamier dish, add some sour cream or grated parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes.
  • Vegetables— Toss in some baby carrots or onions to cook with the potatoes for added flavour and nutrition.
  • Meat— For a heartier dish, add some crispy cooked bacon to the potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Baby red potatoes will take between 3 to 4 hours on a high setting or 5 to 6 hours on a low setting.

Baby red potatoes should be cut down to about 1 inch in size to ensure even cooking.

Olive oil, butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese can be added to baby red potatoes in a crock pot.

Small Yukon gold potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or a combination of both can also be used in a crock pot.

Baby red potatoes are done cooking when they are fork-tender.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment