Ella Walter
Cooking little potatoes in a crock pot is a simple and convenient way to prepare a tasty side dish for a variety of meals. Crock pots are ideal for cooking potatoes because they require minimal preparation and free up oven space. The slow cooking method brings out the natural flavour of the potatoes, making them tender and creamy. By using olive oil, butter, and various herbs and spices, you can create delicious crock pot potatoes that go well with many main courses.
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What You'll Learn
Preparation and cooking time
The preparation time for crockpot baby potatoes is minimal. The only preparation required is washing and drying the potatoes, and chopping them into evenly sized pieces if they are larger potatoes. If they are small baby potatoes, they can be added to the crockpot whole. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as onions, carrots, or bacon, if you wish.
The potatoes are then tossed with olive oil, butter, and seasonings. Seasonings can include salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, basil, paprika, cayenne pepper, or chives. You can also add other ingredients such as ranch seasoning, sour cream, sweet chilli, or ketchup.
Once the potatoes are seasoned, they are placed in the crockpot and cooked. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the temperature setting of the crockpot. On a high setting, the potatoes will take around 2.5-4 hours to cook, and on a low setting, they will take around 5-8 hours. It is important to check the potatoes regularly to ensure they do not overcook, and they are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Once cooked, the potatoes can be served immediately. They can be garnished with parsley, grated parmesan cheese, or green onions to add extra colour and flavour.
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Choosing the right potatoes
Potato Variety
The type of potato you choose will impact the final result. Waxy potatoes, such as small red potatoes, small Yukon gold potatoes, or fingerling potatoes, are excellent choices for crock pot recipes. They contain less starch, resulting in a firmer texture that holds up well during cooking. This variety is suitable for roasting or serving whole, and they won't turn mushy if cooked properly.
Potato Size
When selecting little potatoes, opt for small or baby potatoes. These smaller potatoes are ideal for crock pot cooking because they cook faster and more evenly. If you use larger potatoes, cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Freshness and Quality
Choose firm, unbruised potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted or have a greenish discolouration, as these may have a bitter taste. Fresh potatoes are generally preferred, but you can also use leftover or refrigerated potatoes if they are consumed within three to five days of cooking.
Customisation and Flavour
The beauty of crock pot potato recipes is their versatility. You can customise the flavour profile by choosing different herbs and seasonings to complement your main dish. For a mild potato flavour, select a mild variety and adjust the seasonings accordingly. If you want a buttery flavour, toss the potatoes in melted butter before cooking. Additionally, consider adding ingredients like garlic, onion, or bacon for enhanced flavour.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for crock pot potatoes can vary depending on the desired texture and your crock pot's settings. For softer, creamier potatoes, cook them for a longer period at a lower temperature. If you prefer a firmer bite, cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter time. Always ensure that the potatoes are easily pierceable with a fork before serving.
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Adding herbs and spices
When it comes to adding herbs and spices to your crockpot potatoes, there are endless possibilities to explore. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Rosemary and Thyme
For a classic herb combination, rosemary and thyme are a perfect pair. Use fresh or dried rosemary and thyme, adding them to the crockpot along with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic for an extra kick of flavour. This combination goes well with roast beef, turkey meatloaf, or beer-glazed brisket.
Dill, Oregano, and Basil
Create a Mediterranean-inspired dish by using dried oregano and basil along with fresh or dried dill. Top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savoury touch. These herbs pair well with garlic and can be served alongside seafood or chicken dishes.
Cayenne and Paprika
If you're feeling adventurous, add some spice to your potatoes with cayenne pepper and paprika. Cayenne will bring a nice bite to the dish, while paprika enhances the overall flavour. This spicy potato dish can be served with sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, or ketchup to balance the heat.
Ranch Seasoning
For a creamy and savoury twist, use ranch seasoning mix (not the dip mix) along with butter. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and top with Parmesan cheese before serving. This combination creates a delicious side dish that complements pork chops or prime rib.
Custom Herb Blend
You can also create your own herb blend by mixing and matching various herbs. Try using thyme, oregano, and salt, or experiment with other herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. Fresh or dried herbs can be used, and you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Remember, the beauty of using a crockpot is the flexibility it offers. You can customise the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences and create unique flavour profiles each time you cook little potatoes.
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker baby potatoes make a great side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. They can be served with a variety of main courses and pair well with a range of flavours. Here are some serving suggestions:
Main Courses
Slow cooker baby potatoes can be served as a side with a delicious slow-cooked roast. Some recommended main courses include:
- Juicy beef brisket
- Pork ribs—especially BBQ pork ribs
- Roast beef with rosemary and garlic
- Turkey meatloaf
- Beer-glazed brisket
Side Dishes
Baby potatoes can be served with a range of side dishes. Some suggestions include:
- Oven-roasted carrots
- A salad
- Sour cream
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Ketchup
- Condiments such as ranch dressing
- Butter
- Herbs
- Salt and pepper
Additional Ingredients
You can also add some extra ingredients to your slow cooker baby potatoes to change up the flavours. Some suggestions include:
- Red pepper flakes
- Crispy cooked bacon
- Sweet potatoes
- Baby carrots or onions
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Dill
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Honey
- Mustard
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Storing leftovers
To reheat, you can use a microwave, skillet, or oven. For the microwave, heat in 30-second increments until warmed through. For the skillet, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with olive oil or butter. For the oven, place the potatoes in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is not recommended to freeze leftover crockpot potatoes as they tend to discolor, and their texture can change upon defrosting.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes and how full your crock pot is. Generally, it takes 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
You will need potatoes, olive oil, butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as oregano, dill, basil, or paprika.
Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized pieces if they are large. Toss the potatoes with the olive oil, butter, and seasonings, then cook in the crock pot until tender. Serve immediately with grated parmesan cheese on top.
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