1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes

Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes

Category: Recipes That Started My Cooking Journey

Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes combine tender baby potatoes with sweet caramelized onions and rich butter for a comforting side dish. Simply halved potatoes are layered with sliced onions, garlic, and herbs before slow cooking until perfectly soft. This method infuses the potatoes with mellow onion flavor and buttery richness without extra effort. Seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper, and optionally enhanced with broth, these potatoes develop an irresistible depth of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a bright finish. Ideal alongside chicken, steak, or festive meals, they offer effortless, cozy satisfaction.

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe
Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:37:09 GMT
A plate of potatoes with onions and butter. Save
A plate of potatoes with onions and butter. | lilicooks.com

This Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes recipe is the perfect easy side dish that brings rich buttery flavor and sweet caramelized onions to tender baby potatoes. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, the slow cooker does the hard work while you relax. These potatoes pair beautifully with chicken, steak, or any holiday feast, making it a reliable comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

  • Baby potatoes: two pounds about nine hundred grams halved or quartered if large for even cooking and creamy texture
  • Large onion: one thinly sliced to add natural sweetness that balances the butteriness
  • Unsalted butter: three tablespoons cut into small pieces melts into a rich sauce coating the potatoes
  • Garlic: three cloves minced for aromatic depth and a subtle spicy note
  • Salt: one teaspoon essential for bringing out all the flavors
  • Black pepper: half a teaspoon freshly ground adds gentle heat and complexity
  • Dried thyme: one teaspoon or fresh sprigs for an earthy herbal touch
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: quarter cup optional but recommended to keep potatoes moist and boost flavor
  • Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish adds brightness and a pop of color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:
Wash and halve the baby potatoes making sure the pieces are similar in size to cook evenly. Thinly slice the onion to allow it to soften and caramelize slowly. Mince the garlic finely so it infuses flavor without overpowering.
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
Place the halved potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the thin onion slices on top covering the potatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic followed by salt pepper and thyme across the layers for balanced seasoning. Distribute butter pieces evenly over the surface so it will melt and coat everything. Pour the broth in if you choose to use it to add moisture and more flavor.
Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four to five hours for the most tender potatoes. If short on time use the high setting for two to three hours checking for doneness. Potatoes are ready when easily pierced with a fork and onions are sweet and caramelized.
Serve:
Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed for seasoning balance. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving. Serve alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a comforting meal.
A plate of potatoes with onions and butter. Save
A plate of potatoes with onions and butter. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low heat in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to keep potatoes moist. This dish freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh thyme dried works beautifully and vice versa. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla add extra natural sweetness but yellow onions are fine too. For a dairy-free version substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared steak for an easy weeknight dinner. Dress up for holiday meals with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese on top. Pair with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced plate.

Cultural Context

Potatoes are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, and using a slow cooker reflects modern convenience meeting traditional comfort food. Butter and onions together are classic in French cooking for creating deep flavor bases, highlighting how simple ingredients transform when cooked slowly.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Baby or new potatoes are ideal due to their tender skins and creamy interiors, which cook evenly and absorb flavors well.

→ Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?

Yes, fresh thyme adds a vibrant herbal note and can be used in equal amounts or a bit more for stronger flavor.

→ Is it necessary to add broth?

Broth is optional but enhances moisture and depth, making the potatoes even more flavorful and tender during cooking.

→ How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Follow the recommended cooking times and check tenderness with a fork to avoid overcooking, ensuring potatoes remain tender but intact.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate before cooking to save time on the day of serving.

Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes

Baby potatoes slow-cooked with buttery sweetness and caramelized onions. Easy, flavorful side for any meal.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
240 min
Overall Time
255 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Grandma's Legacy

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Vegetables

01 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

→ Seasonings

05 1 tsp salt
06 ½ tsp black pepper
07 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh sprigs

→ Liquids

08 ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional)

→ Garnish

09 Fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and halve or quarter them if large. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 02

Place the potatoes in the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions over the potatoes, then evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme on top. Distribute the butter pieces evenly over the mixture. Pour the broth over the ingredients if using.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 04

Taste the potatoes and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Tips

  1. For enhanced flavor, use fresh thyme sprigs instead of dried. Avoid stirring during cooking to retain the layered texture.

Required Tools

  • Slow cooker

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 3 g