If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hands-off side that brings hearty flavor and effortless cooking together, the Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe is your new best friend. These potatoes come in two irresistible styles: a creamy Garlic Ranch and a zesty Spicy Taco, both slow-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for busy days or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe turns simple potatoes into an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try these, your crockpot will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating rich textures and bold flavors, showcasing the humble potato in two fabulous lights. You won’t need a pantry full of exotic spices, just well-chosen staples that shine through slow cooking.
- 3 pounds red potatoes (washed and quartered): Red potatoes hold their shape well, making them perfect for slow cooking; Yukon Gold or new potatoes are great alternatives for a creamier texture.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick): Adds richness and helps develop a golden finish on the potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the potatoes moist and adds subtle fruity notes; avocado oil works well for a neutral taste.
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning: For the Garlic Ranch version, this adds a familiar creamy herb punch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Brings brightness and a mild onion flavor to the Garlic Ranch potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the potatoes with fragrant warmth and depth.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: For the Spicy Taco potatoes, delivers a smoky, spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds heat and extra dimension to the Spicy Taco flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by giving your crockpot a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your potatoes won’t stick to the sides and makes cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped crockpot means happy potatoes and a happy you.
Step 2: Combine Potatoes and Basic Ingredients
Place all the quartered potatoes in the crockpot, then add the olive oil and butter. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the fats and make sure the potatoes start soaking in the flavor. Since the potatoes are cold at this point, the coating might seem patchy—that’s perfectly normal and will improve as cooking goes on.
Step 3: Season for Garlic Ranch Potatoes
If you’re choosing the Garlic Ranch option, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, and pepper now. These seasonings bring a creamy, slightly tangy, and aromatic quality that will melt into the potatoes over the next few hours.
Step 4: Season for Spicy Taco Potatoes
For those craving a little heat, toss in the taco seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This combination brings layers of smoky, spicy, and vibrant flavors that offer a fiesta in every bite. Both versions promise bold taste, so choose your adventure.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Set the crockpot to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, checking after the first hour to give everything a good stir, helping coat every potato quarter with the seasoning. Another check at about 2½ hours ensures the potatoes aren’t overcooked. You want them fork tender but still holding their shape for the best texture and presentation.
How to Serve Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe, fresh toppings make all the difference. For the Garlic Ranch version, sprinkle extra chopped chives or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creamy ranch vibe. The Spicy Taco potatoes shine with a squeeze of fresh lime, a handful of chopped cilantro, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a bold finish.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide range of mains. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a colorful vegetable medley. Their comforting flavors and tender texture make them a perfect complement to nearly any meal, turning simple dinners into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Scoop these potatoes into a rustic wooden bowl for a farmhouse feel or divide them into small ramekins topped with your favorite garnish for individual servings. You could also layer the Garlic Ranch potatoes under melted cheese and broil briefly for a crispy topping or top the Spicy Taco potatoes with avocado slices and a drizzle of sour cream for a Tex-Mex inspired treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crockpot potatoes keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the potatoes soak up all the seasoning, the flavor often deepens overnight, making leftovers just as tasty—if not more so—than when freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked potatoes, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Place cooled potatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating portions with parchment paper if needed. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or butter to restore their moisture and softness. For a crispy edge, spread potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F until warmed through and slightly crisped on top.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work nicely in this recipe and add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with both the Garlic Ranch and Spicy Taco seasonings. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as sweet potatoes may become tender a bit faster.
Is it necessary to cut the potatoes into quarters?
Quartering the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly within the 3-4 hour crockpot window. If pieces are too large, the potatoes may remain undercooked; too small and they could turn mushy.
Can I make the seasoning blends from scratch?
Definitely! Using homemade ranch or taco seasoning lets you control the salt and spice levels. Simple mixes with dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder do the trick wonderfully.
Should I use fresh or dried chives?
Fresh chives are ideal for that mild onion flavor and vibrant color. If you only have dried chives, use less since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them earlier in the cooking process.
Can I cook this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?
You can, but slow cooking in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld slowly while keeping the potatoes tender without much attention. On the stove, you’ll need to watch carefully to avoid burning and stir more frequently.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about digging into tender, flavorful potatoes after a day of slow cooking, and the Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe delivers on all fronts. Whether you lean toward the creamy Garlic Ranch or the bold Spicy Taco version, these potatoes are incredibly easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Give them a try next time you want a fuss-free, delicious side that everyone will love—it just might become your go-to crockpot recipe!
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Crockpot Potatoes (2 Ways) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Potatoes recipe offers two flavorful variations—Garlic Ranch and Spicy Taco—both slow-cooked to tender perfection. Using simple ingredients and the convenience of a crockpot, these potatoes make a delicious and effortless side dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Garlic Ranch Potatoes
- 3 pounds red potatoes (washed and quartered, or alternate with Yukon Gold or new potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute with avocado oil for a more neutral flavor)
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Spicy Taco Potatoes
- 3 pounds red potatoes (washed and quartered)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray a large crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent potatoes from sticking during cooking.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place all ingredients—either for Garlic Ranch or Spicy Taco potatoes—into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine. Because the potatoes are cold, the seasoning may not coat them completely at this stage, which is normal.
- Season Garlic Ranch Potatoes: For the Garlic Ranch version, add ranch seasoning, chopped fresh chives, minced garlic, butter, and olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Season Spicy Taco Potatoes: For the Spicy Taco variation, add taco seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, butter, and olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Cook the Potatoes: Set the crockpot to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are fork tender. Stir the potatoes after 1 hour to help seasoning distribute evenly, and check again after 2½ hours to avoid overcooking, as cooking time may vary depending on potato size.
Notes
- Checking and stirring potatoes early helps ensure the seasoning coats evenly and the potatoes cook uniformly.
- Adjust seasoning and spices to your preferred taste, especially the crushed red pepper flakes for heat control.
- Red potatoes hold together well, but Yukon Gold or new potatoes can be used for a creamier texture.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check tenderness if unsure—potatoes should be soft when pierced with a fork.
- Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
