Tender Yukon Gold potato chunks, bathed in golden butter and mingled with sweet onions, garlic, and fresh parsley, slow-cooked until creamy, fragrant, and irresistibly comforting.

This side isn’t just a complement—it’s Irish comfort food, reimagined for the slow cooker. No boiling, no constant stirring, no stress—just simple, rustic flavor that evokes traditional colcannon or champ while fitting perfectly into a busy weeknight.

Whether paired with corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day or grilled sausages on a regular Tuesday, these potatoes are an easy, crowd-pleasing side that always shines.

 

Ingredients

• Yukon Gold potatoes: 2.5 lbs – scrubbed, cut into 1.5-inch chunks, skins on
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick) – cut into small pieces
• Yellow onion: 1 large – thinly sliced
• Garlic: 2 cloves – minced
• Whole milk or heavy cream: ½ cup – oat milk works for dairy-free
• Fresh parsley: ¼ cup – finely chopped
• Salt & black pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg (optional): pinch – traditional Irish touch

Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.

 

Instructions

1. Prep & Layer

Place potato chunks in a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Add onions and garlic on top.
Dot evenly with butter pieces.

2. Cook Low & Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3.5–4 hours.
Potatoes should be tender but not mushy.

3. Finish & Serve

Stir in milk/cream, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mash lightly with a fork or masher for a rustic texture.
Adjust seasoning and sprinkle with extra parsley.
Serve hot alongside your favorite mains.

Creamy, buttery, and comforting—these slow cooker Irish potatoes bring a taste of pub-style warmth straight to your table.

 

Why You’ll Love This

• Hands-Off Comfort: Just layer and cook—no boiling, peeling, or constant stirring.
• Rich & Creamy: Butter, milk, and gentle slow cooking create a velvety, flavorful texture.
• Rustic & Versatile: Serve as a side for corned beef, sausages, roasted chicken, or a simple weeknight dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Slow cooker magic allows you to prep in the morning and have dinner ready by evening.
• Kid & Crowd Approved: Mild, buttery flavors are universally loved.

 

Tips

• Keep potato chunks roughly the same size for even cooking.
• For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic briefly before adding to the slow cooker.
• Use a fork or potato masher to achieve a rustic, slightly chunky texture rather than a puree.
• Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth.
• If using dairy-free milk, full-fat options like coconut milk or cashew cream work best.

 

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère before serving.
• Herbed Upgrade: Add thyme, rosemary, or chives along with parsley.
• Garlic Lovers: Toss in extra minced garlic or roasted garlic for depth.
• Spicy Kick: Lightly sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use red or russet potatoes?
   Yukon Golds work best for creamy texture, but red potatoes are a good substitute; russets may become too soft.
2. Can I cook this on HIGH only?
   Yes, 3.5–4 hours on HIGH works, but check tenderness to avoid mushy potatoes.
3. Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
   Absolutely—use plant-based butter and oat or coconut milk.
4. Do I have to peel the potatoes?
   No, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.
5. Can I prep this ahead and refrigerate before cooking?
   Yes, layer everything in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes—carrots or parsnips can be added, but they may need slightly longer cooking.
7. How should I store leftovers?
   Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
   Not recommended; potatoes tend to become grainy when frozen and reheated.
9. Should I mash completely or leave chunky?
   Rustic, lightly mashed texture works best, but you can fully mash if you prefer.
10. Can I add extra butter at the end?
    Yes, a small pat of butter stirred in before serving makes it even richer.

 

Conclusion

These slow cooker Irish potatoes are the ultimate hands-off comfort food. Creamy, buttery, and lightly seasoned, they capture the warmth of traditional Irish sides with zero stress. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a cozy, flavorful potato side, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and loved by all. With just a few simple ingredients and slow cooker magic, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side ready to shine at your table.