Crock Pot Yukon Gold Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

how to cook yukon gold potatoes in crock pot

Yukon Gold potatoes are a favourite among many, thanks to their buttery texture and flavour. They are considered an all-purpose potato, with a good balance of starch and wax, allowing them to hold their shape during cooking. This makes them ideal for crock pots, also known as slow cookers, which enhance their natural flavour and save time in the kitchen. To cook Yukon Gold potatoes in a crock pot, simply wash, peel, and chop the potatoes, then place them in the pot with your choice of seasonings. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until tender. You can also make mashed potatoes with Yukon Golds in a crock pot, by boiling the potatoes, mashing them with butter, milk, and seasonings, then placing them in the crock pot to keep warm for up to 3 hours.

Characteristics Values
Type of potatoes Yukon Gold
Type of pot Crock pot
Preparation Wash and chop potatoes
Layer at the bottom of the pot
Seasonings Olive oil or melted butter
Garlic powder, salt, pepper, herbs
Fresh rosemary or thyme
Dijon mustard
Sour cream
Greek yogurt
Chives
Bacon
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Ranch seasoning
Cooking time 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat

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Wash and cut potatoes

When preparing Yukon Gold potatoes for a crock pot, it's important to start by thoroughly washing them under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. This is a key step in the cooking process, ensuring that your final dish is not only delicious but also safe to eat.

Once your potatoes are clean, it's time to cut them. For crock pot cooking, it's best to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This doesn't have to be exact, but try to keep the sizes relatively consistent. You can cut the potatoes into quarters, which is a simple and quick way to get them into evenly sized pieces.

When cutting your potatoes, it's a good idea to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. Be careful to mind your fingers as you cut, and consider using a cutting board with a non-slip base to prevent any accidents. Take your time and don't rush the cutting process. It's important to create a safe and comfortable environment when handling knives and cutting vegetables.

After your potatoes are washed and cut, they are ready for the next steps in your crock pot recipe. Whether you're making a hearty stew, a flavourful soup, or a delicious potato-based dish, proper preparation of your Yukon Gold potatoes will ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavours you add. Remember to follow your chosen recipe's instructions for the best results.

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Add oil and seasoning

When preparing Yukon gold potatoes in a crock pot, you can add oil and seasoning to taste. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder can be used. You can also add herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an aromatic kick. Other seasonings that can be added include Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, parsley, chives, or green onions.

If you are preparing the potatoes with carrots, you can place the chopped potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the carrots. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the vegetables, and sprinkle your desired seasonings on top. Fresh herbs can also be added along with the olive oil or butter for an aromatic dish.

For a simple recipe, creamy diced Yukon gold potatoes can be tossed with olive oil and seasonings, and then baked until fluffy and tender on the inside, and golden and crispy on the outside.

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Cook for 6-8 hours

To cook Yukon Gold potatoes in a crock pot for 6-8 hours, start by selecting fresh and firm potatoes. Organic potatoes can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Wash the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Next, chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. The size of the chunks will determine the cooking time, so be sure to cut them evenly to ensure even cooking. Place the chopped potatoes in the crock pot, followed by any other ingredients you plan to cook, such as carrots.

Then, add your desired seasonings to the crock pot. You can drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs on top. If you want to infuse your dish with even more flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic kick. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow-cooking method will result in tender and flavorful potatoes.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your vegetable chunks and the amount you are cooking. It's important to ensure that the lid fits securely, allowing the steam to circulate appropriately. Start checking the tenderness of the potatoes around the minimum cooking time. If you're cooking a large quantity, avoid overcrowding the pot.

Once the potatoes are cooked, you can serve them as a side dish or use them in various recipes such as soups, stews, or casseroles. You can also top your crock pot potatoes with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chives, crispy chopped bacon, or cheese.

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Add dairy and/or herbs

When preparing Yukon Gold potatoes in a crock pot, you can add dairy products and herbs to enhance their flavour.

Dairy

You can add dairy products to your crock pot potatoes to make them creamier and richer. Here are some options:

  • Butter: Use melted butter instead of or in combination with olive oil. Regular or non-dairy butter will work.
  • Sour cream: Top your cooked potatoes with sour cream for a tangy and creamy flavour.
  • Greek yoghurt: Plain Greek yoghurt can be used in a similar way to sour cream.
  • Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese for cheesy potatoes, or add parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a stronger flavour.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs can be added to your crock pot potatoes to infuse them with flavour and aroma. Here are some suggestions:

  • Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs will add a fragrant, pine-like aroma and slightly woody flavour.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs will impart a subtle, slightly minty and earthy flavour.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavour and is perfect for garnishing.
  • Chives: Fresh or dried chives will add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour.
  • Oregano: Dried oregano has an earthy, slightly bitter flavour that pairs well with other herbs.

Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour combination!

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Serve or store

When serving your crock pot potatoes, you can top them with sour cream or plain Greek yoghurt, chives, or crispy chopped bacon. You can also add some parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese for a cheesier taste.

If you have any leftovers, allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place the potatoes in a warm skillet over medium heat and line it with a bit of olive oil. Cover the potatoes and let them warm through for about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove the lid and cook until sizzling. This method will make your potatoes even crispier!

You can also reheat in the microwave or pop them into a 300°F oven until warmed through. They might be slightly less crispy but still tasty.

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Frequently asked questions

To cook Yukon Gold potatoes in a crock pot, first wash and cut the potatoes into uniform pieces. Place them in the crock pot, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and add your desired seasonings. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

You can season your crock pot Yukon Gold potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme. You can also add fresh greens like parsley or chives for added flavour and presentation.

Crock pot Yukon Gold potatoes can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, lentil stew, or grilled mushrooms. They can also be enjoyed as breakfast potatoes with eggs and ketchup.

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