Last Sunday, a neighbor swung by with a big basket of garden tomatoes and stayed for coffee. We started chatting about easy dinner ideas, and somehow the conversation turned into a mini recipe swap right there on the porch.
She mentioned her go-to slow cooker meals, and I remembered this oniony potato dish I’ve made for potlucks a few times. Her eyes lit up when I described it—just potatoes, onion soup mix, butter, and a few pantry staples. She pulled out her phone to take notes before I’d even finished the sentence.
That night, I threw it together again, just because the memory made me crave it. By the time dinner rolled around, the whole kitchen smelled like roasted garlic and caramelized onion, and my family couldn’t stop sneaking bites from the slow cooker before it even hit the table. It reminded me how food often circles back to moments like that—simple, shared, and sparked by conversations we didn’t plan.
Short Description
Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes are a savory side dish featuring tender red or Yukon gold potatoes infused with the rich flavors of onion soup mix, garlic, and butter. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a hands-off approach to a classic comfort food.
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs small red or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Depending on their size, halve or quarter them to ensure uniform pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut potatoes with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Toss until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even seasoning and to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender and infused with flavor, gently stir them to redistribute the seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep time with the slow cooker doing most of the work.
Flavorful: The onion soup mix imparts a rich, savory taste to the potatoes.
Versatile: Pairs well with various main dishes or can stand alone as a hearty side.
Comforting: Warm, tender potatoes that evoke a sense of home-cooked goodness.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Uneven Potato Sizes: Cutting potatoes into inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all pieces are uniform for consistent tenderness.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Overfilling can result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker.
Not Stirring During Cooking: Failing to stir can cause some potatoes to stick or cook unevenly. Stir once or twice during the cooking process.
Skipping the Grease: Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to sticking. Always lightly grease before adding ingredients.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main Dishes: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork.
Vegetarian Options: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete vegetarian meal.
Toppings: Enhance with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
Serving Style: Perfect for family-style dinners, potlucks, or buffet setups.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, while red or Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their texture, you can use russet or other varieties. Just ensure they are cut uniformly.
2. Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
No, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients. However, if you prefer peeled potatoes, feel free to do so.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, transfer to the slow cooker and proceed with cooking.
4. What if I don’t have Lipton Onion Soup Mix?
You can substitute with a homemade mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Tips for Best Results
Use small, waxy potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold varieties hold their shape well and become creamy on the inside without falling apart.
Don’t skip the butter: The combo of butter and olive oil helps create that rich, savory flavor while preventing dryness.
Stir halfway if possible: This helps redistribute the seasoning and prevents the potatoes on the bottom from getting too soft.
Line the slow cooker: Use a liner or parchment paper if you want even easier cleanup.
Add extras if you like: Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots during the last hour for added color and flavor.
Variations to Try
Cheesy Onion Potatoes
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Let it melt and stir gently.
Bacon & Onion Potatoes
Mix in chopped cooked bacon before serving for smoky, savory goodness.
Creamy Version
Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.
Herb Upgrade
Try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a fresh, herby lift.
Final Thoughts
Recipes like this tend to pass from hand to hand—between neighbors on porches, cousins at reunions, or friends at casual dinners. They aren’t flashy, but they’re always dependable. I’ve seen these potatoes disappear next to barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, and even as the unexpected star at a brunch spread. They hold their own with almost anything and still manage to feel comforting no matter what the season.
What sticks with me most isn’t just the flavor—it’s how easily this dish fits into real life. It doesn’t demand a perfect kitchen or fancy timing, just a little mixing and a few hours of patience. And sometimes, that’s all anyone really needs at the end of a long day.
Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs small red or Yukon gold potatoes halved or quartered
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional for color
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash thoroughly, then halve or quarter them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, mix potatoes with Lipton Onion Soup Mix, olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Toss until fully coated.
- Lightly grease the insert with cooking spray or olive oil. Add the seasoned potatoes and spread them out evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor.
- Once tender, stir gently to mix the seasoning. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
