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Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes


Ingredients

  • 3 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and halved
  • 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), thickly sliced
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh chives
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or a little butter.
  2. Arrange the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the halved potatoes in an even layer over the onions.
  4. In a measuring cup, stir together the broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.
  5. Pour the broth mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  6. Scatter the butter cubes evenly over the top.
  7. Cover and cook on:
    • LOW for 6–8 hours (recommended), or
    • HIGH for 3–4 hours, checking for tenderness toward the end.
  8. When the potatoes are fork-tender, turn off the slow cooker and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Gently stir to coat the potatoes in the buttery onion sauce without breaking them apart.
  10. Garnish with parsley, chives, or Parmesan before serving, if desired.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, though the potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating

  • Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat with a little broth or butter.
  • Oven: Cover and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Tips

  • Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape best and develop a naturally creamy texture.
  • Cut larger potatoes into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
  • Resist lifting the lid while cooking, as each peek releases heat and extends the cooking time.
  • Stir gently at the end to avoid breaking up the tender potatoes.
  • For a richer finish, stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 pound browned smoked sausage or kielbasa
  • 1 pound cooked crumbled sausage
  • Mushrooms
  • Minced garlic instead of garlic powder
  • Fresh rosemary in place of thyme

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

  • Grilled steak
  • Roast chicken
  • Pork chops
  • Meatloaf
  • Baked ham
  • Roasted vegetables

Yield: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)