Tender, buttery potatoes layered with sweet onions, savory seasonings, and a rich, comforting flavor — an easy slow cooker side dish.
This Slow Cooker Potatoes and Onions recipe is inspired by your photo. Thinly sliced potatoes cook slowly with onions, butter, garlic, and simple seasonings until soft, flavorful, and delicious. It’s an easy side dish for busy days, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and family meals.
Serve these potatoes alongside roasted chicken, grilled meat, fish, or your favorite vegetables. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work!
Recipe Details
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
4–5 hours on LOW
Servings
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Optional additions: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes, or sprinkle with Parmesan before serving. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and slice the potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub away any dirt.
- Peel them if desired, or leave the skins on for a more rustic texture.
- Slice the potatoes into rounds about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
- Try to keep the slices evenly sized so they cook at approximately the same rate.
Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes are especially good for this recipe because they become creamy and tender while holding their shape.
Step 2: Slice the onions and prepare the garlic
- Peel the onions and slice them into thin strips.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Separate the onion slices so they distribute evenly between the potatoes.
- Set everything aside while you prepare the seasoning mixture.
As the onions cook, they soften and release their natural sweetness, adding wonderful flavor to the potatoes.
Step 3: Mix the butter and seasonings
- Melt the butter in a small bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour in the broth and mix again.
This buttery seasoning mixture coats the potatoes and onions with savory flavor as they cook.
Step 4: Layer the potatoes and onions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if needed.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices across the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced onions.
- Continue alternating potatoes and onions until all the vegetables have been added.
- Pour the butter, seasoning, and broth mixture evenly over the top.
You do not need to make perfect layers. The most important thing is to distribute the onions and seasonings throughout the potatoes.
Step 5: Slow cook until tender
- Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for approximately 2½–3 hours.
- Start checking toward the earlier end of the cooking range.
- Insert a fork into a thick potato slice. It should slide in easily when the potatoes are ready.
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the slices, the amount in the cooker, and your appliance. Keep the lid closed as much as possible.
Step 6: Check the seasoning and finish
- Gently stir the potatoes and onions, taking care not to break up the slices.
- Taste and add extra salt or black pepper if needed.
- If there is excess liquid, leave the lid slightly ajar for the final 15–20 minutes if your slow cooker allows this safely, or transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced.
- For cheesy potatoes, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 10–15 minutes and cover until melted.
Avoid stirring too frequently because the soft potatoes can break apart.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle the potatoes with freshly chopped parsley.
- Add a little extra black pepper if desired.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker.
- Spoon some of the buttery onions and cooking juices over each serving.
These potatoes are delicious with roast chicken, steak, pork chops, baked fish, or a simple vegetable dinner.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Potatoes
- Slice evenly: Uniform slices cook more consistently.
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture; red potatoes hold their shape well.
- Don’t add too much liquid: The onions and potatoes release moisture as they cook. Start with the measured ½ cup of broth.
- Avoid overcooking: Check tenderness early, especially when using thin slices.
- Add cheese near the end: This prevents it from becoming overcooked or greasy.
- Make it vegan: Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
What to Serve with Potatoes and Onions
Roasted chicken
A classic pairing for a comforting family dinner.
Steak or pork chops
The buttery potatoes complement grilled and roasted meats.
Green vegetables
Green beans, broccoli, or carrots add color and freshness.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Cool promptly and store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is possible, but the potatoes may become softer or grainier after thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until steaming hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if the potatoes seem dry.
- Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Do not leave cooked potatoes sitting at room temperature for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes. Red potatoes hold their shape nicely and work well in this recipe. Slice them evenly and check for tenderness near the end of cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. Thin-skinned yellow or red potatoes can be cooked with their skins on after washing them thoroughly.
Why are my slow cooker potatoes watery?
Potatoes and onions release moisture during cooking. Use the recommended amount of broth, and reduce excess liquid near the end if necessary.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can slice the vegetables ahead and refrigerate them separately in sealed containers. For best texture and food safety, assemble and start cooking the dish when you are ready to cook rather than leaving raw sliced potatoes sitting in the slow cooker for hours.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan can be added near the end of cooking for a richer side dish.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Potatoes and Onions
PREP
15 min
COOK
4–5 hours LOW
SERVES
6
Ingredients
- 2½ lb yellow potatoes, sliced
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Wash and slice the potatoes into even ¼-inch rounds.
- Slice the onions and mince the garlic.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, seasonings, and broth.
- Layer the potatoes and onions in a lightly greased slow cooker.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for about 2½–3 hours, until fork-tender.
- Check seasoning, reduce excess liquid if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
