A Southern Comfort Classic—Tender, Flavor-Packed, and Cooked Low and Slow
Kentucky Crockpot Potatoes are the quintessential Southern side dish—simple, hearty, and comforting. This recipe delivers creamy, tender potatoes infused with butter, garlic, and herbs, cooked low and slow in the crockpot so every bite melts in your mouth.
Often served alongside fried chicken, roast pork, or a Sunday ham, these potatoes are effortless to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor. Unlike boiled or oven-roasted potatoes that require attention and constant stirring, this crockpot method lets you set it and forget it, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
What Makes These Kentucky Crockpot Potatoes Special?
✔ Cooked slowly for maximum tenderness
✔ Naturally absorbs flavors of butter, garlic, and herbs
✔ Creamy interior without heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
✔ Perfectly seasoned and ready to serve straight from the crockpot
✔ Easy to double or triple for large groups
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes (small-medium, uniform size preferred)
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or more for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for subtle warmth and color)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth (for moisture and flavor; optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1–2 inch chunks.
- If using smaller potatoes, you can leave them whole for a rustic feel.
- If you prefer a creamy texture, parboil potatoes for 5–7 minutes before adding to the crockpot (this is optional but reduces total cooking time).
Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape but become tender and buttery when cooked low and slow. Red potatoes work well too, especially if you prefer a firmer texture.
Step 2: Season and Layer
- Place the potato chunks into the crockpot.
- Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme or rosemary.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth if desired—this adds moisture and prevents sticking while keeping the potatoes flavorful.
- Gently toss or stir to coat the potatoes evenly in butter and seasonings.
Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, use herb-infused butter or lightly sauté the garlic in butter before adding it to the crockpot.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Set the crockpot to LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Check halfway through cooking and give the potatoes a gentle stir.
- Potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy.
Crockpot Tip: Avoid over-stirring as it may break up the potatoes. Slow and gentle stirring preserves their shape.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or herbs).
- Optional: fold in ¼ cup shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve alongside fried chicken, country ham, or roast pork
- Pair with green beans, roasted carrots, or coleslaw for a full Southern spread
- Perfect for potlucks—keeps warm in the crockpot for hours
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave.
- Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
Tips for Kentucky Crockpot Potato Perfection
- Choose the right potato: Yukon Gold for creamy richness, red potatoes for sturdier texture.
- Low and slow is key: This ensures buttery, flavorful potatoes without turning to mush.
- Season in layers: Garlic, butter, herbs, and optional broth create depth of flavor.
- Optional extras: Bacon, cheese, or cream cheese elevate the dish for holiday meals or special occasions.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give potatoes enough room for even cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
These potatoes are the epitome of Southern comfort food. Slow cooking allows the butter and seasonings to permeate every bite. The gentle heat of the crockpot transforms ordinary potatoes into tender, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
