Tired of the same old party snacks? Yearning for a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These Party Potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot, are the answer to your appetizer prayers. They’re incredibly flavorful, effortlessly elegant, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both simple and surprisingly sophisticated!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes: Wash and halve or quarter the potatoes, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Crock Pot Magic: Place the potatoes in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring they’re well coated.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir gently halfway through cooking for even distribution of flavor.
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Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and serve immediately. These are fantastic hot, warm, or even at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Extra Deliciousness:
- Potato Size Matters: Using small to medium-sized potatoes ensures even cooking. Larger potatoes may require additional cooking time.
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Leave some space between the potatoes for even browning and cooking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a crumbled blue cheese would be delicious additions.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to substitute your favorite fresh herbs, such as dill, rosemary, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Variations:
- Bacon Party Potatoes: Add 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce for extra smoky flavor.
- Garlic Lovers' Delight: Increase the garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a few cloves of minced fresh garlic to the sauce.
- BBQ Party Potatoes: Stir in ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce along with the other ingredients for a sweet and smoky twist.
These Party Potatoes are a simple yet impressive dish that will elevate any gathering. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a more formal affair, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. So, grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories! Enjoy!