How To Cook Boulangere Potatoes In A Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any type of meat, then boulangere potatoes are the way to go. These thinly sliced potatoes are cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, resulting in layers of tender potatoes with a crispy golden top. The best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve this mouthwatering dish! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can recreate this classic French recipe in the comfort of your own home.

What are boulangere potatoes?

Boulangere potatoes, also known as potato gratin, are a traditional French dish that originated in the French countryside. The name “boulangere” refers to the fact that these potatoes were traditionally cooked in the communal bread oven while the villagers attended Sunday Mass. This cooking method gave the potatoes a unique flavor and texture that has been cherished for generations. Today, boulangere potatoes are still beloved for their creamy interior and crispy top, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Why use a slow cooker?

Cooking boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker has several advantages. First, it allows the potatoes to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and creamy texture. Second, using a slow cooker frees up your oven space for other dishes, which is especially useful when you’re cooking for a large gathering or during the holidays. Finally, the slow cooker method requires less active cooking time and supervision, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your potatoes cook to perfection.

Preparation

Gather Your Ingredients

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for cooking boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker. You will need:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep the Potatoes and Onions

Start by thinly slicing the potatoes and onions. You can use a knife or a mandoline to get even slices. Set aside.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grease the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking. Layer the sliced potatoes and onions in the slow cooker, alternating between the two until you have used all the slices. Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves between the layers.

Season and Add Broth

Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and onions, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the layers, making sure all the slices are covered.

Once you have completed these steps, your boulangere potatoes are ready to be cooked in the slow cooker.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to making boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker, selecting the right type of potatoes is crucial. The texture and flavor of your dish will largely depend on the potatoes you choose.

Varieties of Potatoes

There are several varieties of potatoes available, but not all of them are ideal for boulangere potatoes. Here are a few varieties that work best:

• Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes have a high starch content and are known for their fluffy texture when cooked. They also absorb flavors well, making them a great choice for boulangere potatoes.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are medium-starch potatoes that have a buttery and creamy texture. They hold their shape well when cooked and add a delicious richness to boulangere potatoes.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are low-starch potatoes that retain their shape when cooked. They have a slightly waxy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. While they may not be as fluffy as russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, they can still be used in boulangere potatoes to add a different texture and taste.

Choosing the Right Size

When selecting potatoes for boulangere potatoes, choose potatoes that are uniform in size. This ensures that they will cook evenly and result in a consistent texture throughout the dish.

It’s also important to choose potatoes that are not too large or too small. Large potatoes may take longer to cook, while small potatoes may cook too quickly and become mushy. Aim for potatoes that are medium-sized, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

By choosing the right type and size of potatoes, you can ensure that your boulangere potatoes turn out perfectly cooked and full of delicious flavor.

Layering the Potatoes and Onions

To cook boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker, you will need to layer the potatoes and onions to create a delicious dish with a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this step.
2. Next, peel and thinly slice the onions.
3. Take a slow cooker and grease it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure to arrange them evenly to ensure even cooking.
5. Add a layer of sliced onions on top of the potatoes. Spread them out evenly.
6. Continue layering the potatoes and onions until you run out of ingredients. Make sure to end with a layer of potatoes on top.
7. Season each layer with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

Layering the potatoes and onions is an important step as it helps the flavors meld together and ensures even cooking throughout. Once you have finished layering, you can proceed to prepare the boulangere potatoes according to your chosen recipe.

Seasoning and Adding Liquid

Before you begin assembling the boulangere potatoes in the slow cooker, make sure to season them well. This will help infuse the potatoes with flavor as they cook low and slow.

You can use a mix of herbs and spices to season the potatoes according to your taste preferences. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning over the potatoes, ensuring that they are evenly coated.

Next, you’ll need to add liquid to the slow cooker. This will provide moisture for the potatoes as they cook, preventing them from drying out. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even water if you prefer a lighter flavor.

As a general rule, you’ll need about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid for every 2 pounds of potatoes. This will vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and personal preference, so feel free to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

Optional Additions

If you want to add extra flavor and texture to your boulangere potatoes, you can include some optional additions along with the liquid. Here are a few ideas:

These additions can elevate the flavor of the dish and add some extra depth. Feel free to mix and match, or experiment with your own ingredients to create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

Final Steps

Once you’ve seasoned the potatoes and added the liquid, you’re almost ready to start cooking. Simply cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Let the potatoes cook for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and golden on top.

Remember, the slow cooker will do most of the work for you, so you can sit back and relax while the flavors meld together and the potatoes become soft and delicious.

Cooking Time and Serving

The cooking time for boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker is approximately 4-6 hours on low heat. Keep in mind that this may vary depending on the specific slow cooker you are using, so it is important to check for tenderness and adjust the cooking time as needed. It is recommended to allow the potatoes to cook for at least 4 hours to ensure that they are fully cooked and tender.

Once the potatoes are cooked, they can be served as a delicious side dish alongside any of your favorite main courses. Boulangere potatoes pair well with roasted meats such as beef or lamb, as well as with poultry dishes. They are also great for vegetarian meals and can be enjoyed on their own or with a fresh salad for a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian option.

When serving boulangere potatoes, it is common to garnish them with some fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme to add a pop of freshness and color. You can also add some grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. The potatoes can be served hot right out of the slow cooker or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

For family gatherings or larger gatherings, consider doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure that there are enough boulangere potatoes for everyone. Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal option.

Questions and answers

What are boulangere potatoes?

Boulangere potatoes are a classic French dish made with sliced potatoes, onions, and stock. They are often baked in the oven, but can also be cooked in a slow cooker for convenience.

How do you make boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker?

To make boulangere potatoes in a slow cooker, start by slicing potatoes and onions. Layer them in the slow cooker, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour over stock, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.