Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of roast potatoes but don’t have access to an oven, you might be wondering if it’s possible to make them in a slow cooker. The answer is yes, you can! While it may not be the traditional method, using a slow cooker to make roast potatoes can still yield delicious results.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making roast potatoes in a slow cooker. First, you’ll need to parboil the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps to soften them slightly and ensures that they cook evenly. It’s important not to skip this step, as it can make a big difference in the final texture of the potatoes.
Once the potatoes are parboiled, you can transfer them to the slow cooker and add any seasonings or herbs that you like. A popular choice is to toss them with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, but feel free to get creative with your flavor combinations. You can also add a bit of butter for extra richness if you’d like.
After adding the seasonings, cover the slow cooker and cook the potatoes on low heat for about 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your potato chunks, so be sure to check them periodically to prevent overcooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender and fluffy interior.
How to Make Roast Potatoes in a Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a fuss-free and easy way to make delicious roast potatoes, using a slow cooker is a great option. This method allows the potatoes to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors, resulting in tender and flavorful roast potatoes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make roast potatoes in a slow cooker:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by selecting the right type of potatoes for roasting, such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for added texture.
Step 2: Cut the Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. It’s important to make sure the pieces are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Precook the Potatoes
To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, it’s a good idea to precook them slightly. Place the potato pieces in a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
Place the partially cooked potato pieces in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 5: Preheat the Slow Cooker
Before adding the potatoes, preheat the slow cooker on the high setting for about 10 minutes. This will help the potatoes cook more evenly and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cook the Potatoes
Once the slow cooker is preheated, add the seasoned potatoes to the pot. Spread them evenly to ensure they cook evenly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for about 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of potatoes, so check them periodically for doneness.
Step 7: Crisp the Potatoes (Optional)
If you prefer crispy roast potatoes, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at a high temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will give them a golden and crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
And there you have it! Delicious roast potatoes made in a slow cooker. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite roasted meat or as a main course with a side of vegetables. Enjoy!
Preparing the Potatoes
Before you can start making roast potatoes in a slow cooker, you need to prepare the potatoes. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
For roast potatoes, it’s best to choose floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward. These varieties are high in starch and low in moisture, which makes them perfect for achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
2. Wash and Peel the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Then, using a peeler, carefully remove the skin. Peeling the potatoes is optional, as some prefer to leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
3. Cut the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are peeled, cut them into evenly sized pieces. This will help ensure that they cook evenly in the slow cooker. You can cut them into quarters or smaller if you prefer smaller roast potato pieces.
4. Parboil the Potatoes
Parboiling the potatoes before slow cooking can help to achieve a crispier exterior. To parboil the potatoes, place them in a pot of boiling salted water and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and leave them to cool slightly.
5. Coat the Potatoes
Before transferring the potatoes to the slow cooker, coat them in oil or melted butter. This will help to enhance the flavor and promote browning during the slow cooking process. You can also season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Once you have prepared the potatoes, they are ready to be cooked in the slow cooker. Follow the cooking instructions for your specific model, and enjoy deliciously tender and flavorful roast potatoes.
Seasoning the Potatoes
After washing and drying the potatoes, it’s time to season them. Seasoning is important as it adds flavor and enhances the taste of the roasted potatoes.
Selecting the Seasonings
There are many different seasonings you can use for roasted potatoes. Here are a few popular choices:
- Salt and pepper: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Garlic and herbs: Add minced garlic and a combination of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant and savory taste.
- Paprika: Give your potatoes a smoky and slightly spicy flavor by adding some paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Italian seasoning: Use a pre-made Italian seasoning blend for a mix of flavors like oregano, basil, and parsley.
Coating the Potatoes
Once you have chosen your seasonings, it’s time to coat the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the washed and dried potatoes with olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and prevent them from drying out while cooking.
Next, sprinkle the desired seasonings over the potatoes. Be generous with the seasonings to ensure a flavorful result. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the potatoes and seasonings together, making sure each potato is coated.
If you want to save time, you can also combine the washed and dried potatoes directly in the slow cooker with the seasonings. Just make sure to mix everything well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Now that your potatoes are seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to cook them in the slow cooker. Follow the instructions for cooking roast potatoes in a slow cooker to achieve delicious and tender results.
Cooking the Potatoes
Once you have prepared your potatoes, it’s time to cook them in the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- First, place the potatoes into the slow cooker. You can either leave them whole or cut them into chunks, depending on your preference.
- Add your desired seasonings to the potatoes. This can include salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, or any other herbs or spices you like.
- If you want your roast potatoes to have a crispy texture, melt some butter or heat some oil in a frying pan. Once hot, add the potatoes and cook them for a few minutes until they are crispy on the outside.
- Transfer the potatoes to the slow cooker. If you didn’t fry them, simply place them directly into the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to the desired cooking temperature. This can vary depending on your slow cooker model, but generally, low heat is recommended for slow cooking potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes for around 4-5 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. This will give them enough time to become tender and absorb all the flavors.
- If you want your potatoes to have a crispy texture, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes. This step is optional but will give them a nice, golden exterior.
- Finally, remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and serve them hot. They will be soft, flavorful, and delicious!
Now you know how to cook roast potatoes in a slow cooker. It’s a convenient and hands-off method that yields great results. Enjoy your perfectly cooked potatoes!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the roast potatoes are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to add the finishing touches and serve them up. Here are a few ideas to make your roast potatoes extra delicious:
1. Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy roast potatoes, transfer them to a baking tray lined with foil and place them under a preheated grill for a few minutes. This will give them a golden, crispy skin.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper over the roast potatoes to enhance their flavor. You can also add other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or paprika to make them more aromatic and tasty.
3. Gravy: Roast potatoes taste even better when served with a generous helping of rich and flavorful gravy. You can make a homemade gravy using the juices from a roast or use ready-made options available in stores.
4. Garnish: For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the roast potatoes with some fresh herbs like parsley or chopped spring onions. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
5. Serving Suggestions: Roast potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. Serve them alongside a juicy roast beef, roast chicken, or even with vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or a mushroom Wellington.
With these finishing touches, your slow cooker roast potatoes will be a flavorful and satisfying addition to your meal. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
Can you make roast potatoes in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make roast potatoes in a slow cooker.
How do you make roast potatoes in a slow cooker?
To make roast potatoes in a slow cooker, you will need to peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Then, toss them in oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. Place the seasoned potatoes in the slow cooker and cook them on high for about 4-6 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours, until they are tender and golden.
