There are potato side dishes that require constant attention, and then there are slow cooker Amish potatoes—the kind of simple, buttery, savory, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes that cook themselves while you go about your day. This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a rich, creamy, herb-infused side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create potatoes that are tender, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You layer thinly sliced potatoes with onions, dot them with butter, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and let the slow cooker work its magic. No boiling, no draining, no watching. The result is a dish that tastes like it came from an Amish farmhouse kitchen.
These slow cooker Amish potatoes are perfect for holidays when oven space is at a premium, for busy weeknights, or for any time you crave a warm, comforting, hassle-free potato side dish.
Why You Will Love These Slow Cooker Amish Potatoes
· Simple, buttery, and savory: The perfect comfort food.
· Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
· Frees up oven space: Great for holidays.
· Made from pantry staples: Potatoes, butter, onions, and herbs.
· Great for potlucks and family dinners.
· Customizable: Add cheese, bacon, or different herbs.
· Kid-approved and adult-pleasing.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for slow cooker Amish potatoes:
For the Potatoes:
· 3 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛ inch thick)
· 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
· 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
· 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Add-Ins:
· 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (add during last 30 minutes)
· 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little butter.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Onions
Place a single layer of potato slices in the bottom of the slow cooker, slightly overlapping. Top with a few slices of onion. Dot with a few pieces of butter. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme and rosemary. Repeat the layers until all potatoes, onions, butter, and seasonings are used, ending with a layer of potatoes on top.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker (not directly over the top layer).
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Step 6: Serve
Gently stir the potatoes to coat in the buttery broth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Slice potatoes thinly and evenly: Uniform ⅛-inch slices ensure even cooking. A mandoline is the best tool for this job.
· Use Yukon Gold for creaminess: Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally buttery and hold their shape well. Russets will break down more.
· Do not lift the lid: Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time.
· Add cheese at the end: Cheese added too early can become grainy. Add during the last 30 minutes.
· Make it a complete meal: Add cooked sausage or ham on top of the potatoes.
· Keep warm for serving: These potatoes can stay on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours.
Variations and Substitutions
· Cheesy Amish potatoes: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese during the last 30 minutes.
· Garlic Amish potatoes: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the layers.
· Bacon Amish potatoes: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon between the layers.
· Herb Amish potatoes: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
· Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
· Add vegetables: Layer in sliced mushrooms or leeks.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker Amish potatoes are delicious served:
· Alongside roast chicken, beef, or pork: The perfect side dish.
· For Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner: Frees up oven space.
· With a dollop of sour cream: Adds creaminess.
· For breakfast or brunch: Serve with eggs and bacon.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
These potatoes do not freeze well—the texture becomes mealy. Make only as much as you will eat within a few days.
Reheating Instructions
· Oven method (best): Preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with foil and heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
· Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 45 to 60 seconds.
· Skillet method: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings, without cheese or bacon):
· Calories: 280
· Protein: 6g
· Fat: 10g
· Saturated Fat: 6g
· Carbohydrates: 42g
· Fiber: 5g
· Sugar: 3g
· Sodium: 480mg
· Vitamin C: 15% DV
· Calcium: 4% DV
· Iron: 8% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes. Red potatoes are waxy and will hold their shape well, but they are not as creamy as Yukon Golds.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smooth, creamy texture. Yukon Gold skins are thin and can be left on if you prefer a more rustic dish.
Why are my potatoes still hard after cooking?
Hard potatoes usually mean the slices were too thick, or the cooking time was too short. Slice potatoes ⅛ inch thick and cook on LOW for at least 5 hours.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but broth adds more flavor. Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for best results.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. Assemble in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.
How do I get a crispy top on slow cooker potatoes?
For a crispy top, transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker Amish potatoes are the ultimate easy side dish—simple, buttery, and irresistibly savory. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple potatoes, onions, butter, and herbs into a tender, flavorful, comforting casserole. They are perfect for holidays, busy weeknights, or any time you crave a delicious, hassle-free potato side dish.
This recipe is a blank canvas. Add cheese, bacon, or garlic. Use different herbs. Make it in the slow cooker or the oven. Serve it alongside roast chicken, beef, or pork.
So slice those potatoes, layer them with onions and butter, and let your slow cooker work its magic. That is the beauty of Amish cooking—simple ingredients, patient heat, and a whole lot of flavor.