Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are a comforting and easy side dish that lets you focus on other parts of your meal while they cook away to perfection. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of fresh herbs with the creamy texture of slow-cooked potatoes, making it a hands-off favorite any time of the year.
Russet potatoes are ideal here because they bake up fluffy inside, which is perfect for absorbing flavors. Olive oil helps the herbs stick to the potatoes and adds a subtle richness. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring aromatic, woodsy notes that complement the earthiness of the potatoes. Garlic adds a punch of savory goodness, while salt and black pepper ensure the overall seasoning is balanced. Finally, a small amount of butter, if desired, can add a luxurious finish just before serving.
These potatoes pair wonderfully with a juicy roast chicken or a hearty beef stew. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a big green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. They're also fantastic as a base for a DIY baked potato bar β set out toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives for everyone to customize.
Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. Once they're clean, pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This helps the oil mixture adhere better. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and black pepper. The aroma of the herbs and garlic as you mix them will set the stage for whatβs to come.
Take each potato and rub it generously with the garlic herb mixture. Make sure you coat them well β the more thorough you are, the more flavor will infuse into the potatoes. Once coated, wrap each potato snugly in aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents the potatoes from drying out as they cook.
Place the wrapped potatoes into your slow cooker, making sure they're evenly spaced. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Now, you can walk away and let it do its magic for 6 to 7 hours. You'll know theyβre done when a fork slips easily into the center of the potato.
When you're ready to serve, you can choose to unwrap the potatoes and add a small pat of butter on top for an extra touch of richness. It will melt beautifully over the warm potato, adding a silky finish.