Hi, I’m Clara, and I know how crazy life can get! There are days when the thought of making a side dish feels like climbing a mountain. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes recipe with you. This recipe is my go-to when I need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just about 5 minutes of prep time and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have the perfect, flavor-packed side dish ready to go.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Making these potatoes in a slow cooker is a game-changer, trust me! Not only does it free up your oven, but the flavor is truly infused into every bite. Plus, the hands-off cooking means you can focus on other things, like getting dinner on the table or just enjoying some well-deserved downtime. Cleanup is also a breeze; that’s why I think this recipe is far superior.
Choosing the Best Potatoes for Your Crockpot
Let’s talk potatoes! For this recipe, I love using baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Yukon Golds have a slightly buttery flavor and creamy texture, while red potatoes are a bit firmer and hold their shape well during cooking. Both work wonderfully, so it really comes down to personal preference. The small size of baby potatoes ensures they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Amazing Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker crock lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable shortening, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes and gently mix the potatoes to coat them all.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours (LOW 5-6 hours) or until the potatoes are tender.
- If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pierce the potatoes: Before adding them to the slow cooker, pierce each potato with a fork to help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Taste and adjust: Once the potatoes are cooked, taste them and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as needed.
Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing potatoes:
- 3 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (melted)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Additional Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for potato perfection!
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker crock lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable shortening, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes and gently mix the potatoes to coat them all.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours (LOW 5-6 hours) or until the potatoes are tender.
- If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Potatoes
Want to take your crockpot potato game to the next level? Here are a few of my best tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pierce the potatoes: Before adding them to the slow cooker, pierce each potato with a fork to help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Taste and adjust: Once the potatoes are cooked, taste them and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as needed.
Doneness Indicators: How to Tell When They’re Ready
Knowing when your potatoes are perfectly cooked is key. Of course, you can test with a fork, but I also look for visual cues. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, but not falling apart. They should also have a slight wrinkling to the skin, indicating they’re tender and infused with flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Adding too much liquid: Potatoes release moisture as they cook, so you don’t need to add any extra liquid.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on the potatoes and check them regularly to avoid mushiness.
- Not coating evenly: Make sure all the potatoes are coated with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Here are some easy substitutions to accommodate different dietary needs:
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast | For a vegan/dairy-free option; use 1/4 cup. |
| Vegetable Shortening | Coconut oil | Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want a coconut flavor. |
| Italian Seasoning | Gluten-Free Blend | Ensure the blend does not contain gluten if needed. |
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile! I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or a flavorful pepper steak, as a side for ultimate oven roasted butternut squash, or even as a base for a hearty breakfast bowl with eggs and avocado. For a simple meal plan, pair them with a salad and your favorite protein.
Storing and Reheating Your Potatoes
Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil to help them crisp up. While you can freeze them, they may become a bit mushy upon thawing.
Troubleshooting: Solving Common Problems
- Potatoes are too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or broth to the slow cooker.
- Potatoes are not cooked through: Extend the cooking time and make sure the slow cooker is covered tightly.
- Potatoes are sticking to the pot: Ensure the crock is well-greased with cooking spray before adding the potatoes.
What Size Slow Cooker Should I Use?
I recommend using a 4-6 quart slow cooker for this recipe. The size of the slow cooker affects the cooking time; a smaller slow cooker may require slightly less time. As for slow cooker liners, they’re totally optional, but they do make cleanup even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes?
I don’t recommend it. Frozen potatoes tend to get mushy in the slow cooker.
can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Onions, carrots, and bell peppers work great. Add them at the same time as the potatoes.
How do I get the potatoes crispy?
Since slow cookers don’t typically crisp, you can transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil them for a few minutes to get them crispy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes and seasoning mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning
Conclusion
I hope you love these Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes as much as I do! They’re the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What are your favorite variations? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!