Slow Cooker Italian-Dressed Comfort Potatoes

Indulge in the effortless comfort of these Slow Cooker Italian-Dressed Comfort Potatoes, a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and unbelievably easy to make! This recipe transforms simple potatoes into a tender, aromatic delight, slow-cooked to perfection in a zesty Italian dressing with a hint of garlic and herbs. Each potato piece becomes infused with savory goodness, creating a creamy texture on the inside and a beautifully seasoned exterior. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free side to complement a roast, a potluck staple that’s always a hit, or just a hearty potato dish to warm your soul, this slow cooker wonder delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Set it and forget it, then come back to a truly comforting and delicious experience!

Ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

• 2-3 pounds baby potatoes (red, gold, or mixed), scrubbed and halved (or quartered if larger)
  • Alternatively: 2-3 pounds larger potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 packet (0.6 oz / 17g) dry Italian salad dressing mix
• ½ cup water or chicken broth
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for color and freshness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Thoroughly scrub the baby potatoes (if using larger potatoes, peel them). Halve or quarter the baby potatoes so they are roughly uniform in size (about 1-1.5 inches). If using larger potatoes, cut them into even 1-inch chunks.
   • Place all the prepared potatoes into the basin of your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Italian Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the dry Italian salad dressing mix, water (or chicken broth), olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and dried parsley flakes (if using).
   • Whisk everything together thoroughly until the dressing mix is fully dissolved and well combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
   • Pour the prepared Italian dressing mixture evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
   • Toss the potatoes gently to ensure they are all well coated with the dressing.
   • Season with a little extra salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the dressing mix already contains some seasoning.
   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
   • Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and potato size.
4. Serve:
   • Once the potatoes are cooked, give them a gentle stir. The liquid should be mostly absorbed or thickened, leaving you with beautifully coated potatoes.
   • Serve warm, either directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a serving dish.
   • Optionally, sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and/or a little fresh chopped parsley before serving for an extra flourish.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, potatoes can become mushy if cooked for too long. Check for tenderness regularly during the last hour of cooking.
• Uniform Size: Cutting potatoes into similar sizes ensures even cooking.
• Creamier Texture: For an even creamier result, you can add 4 oz (half a block) of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips cut into similar-sized pieces. Add them at the beginning with the potatoes.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added in the last hour of cooking for a brighter flavor.
• Tangy Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end can brighten the flavors.
• Cheese Please: Besides Parmesan, you could stir in some shredded cheddar or provolone during the last 30 minutes for a cheesy potato dish.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet.

Pairings:

• Main Dishes: This versatile potato dish pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, especially roasted chicken, baked fish, grilled steak, pork tenderloin, or meatloaf.
• Vegetables: A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli would complement these rich potatoes nicely.
• Bread: A simple crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours (depending on setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
• Effort Level: Easy