Some potato dishes are soft and buttery, while others are all about crunch. These Slow Cooker Crispy Smashed Creamer Potatoes give you the best of both worlds. The centers stay creamy and tender, while the outside becomes perfectly crisp and golden after a quick roast in the oven.
The process is simple but incredibly effective. First, the potatoes cook slowly in a buttery garlic mixture until they are fork-tender. After that, they are gently flattened, brushed with more butter, and roasted at high heat until the edges turn crispy and caramelized. The result is a side dish that looks rustic, tastes amazing, and disappears quickly from the table.
Whether you are making a holiday dinner, a weekend family meal, or just upgrading an ordinary weeknight supper, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a handful of simple ingredients
- Soft and fluffy inside with crispy edges
- Slow cooker does most of the work
- Oven roasting creates incredible texture
- Great for family dinners or entertaining
- Easy enough for weeknights but special enough for holidays
Slow Cooker Crispy Smashed Creamer Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Slow Cooker Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–7 hours on LOW
Roasting Time: 18–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3½–7½ hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yellow or red creamer potatoes
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra if desired
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little melted butter.
2. Add the Potatoes
Place the whole creamer potatoes into the slow cooker. Try to keep them in an even layer for more even cooking.
3. Make the Butter Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the garlic powder and salt.
4. Coat the Potatoes
Pour the butter mixture over the potatoes and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
5. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover with the lid and cook:
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
or - LOW for 6–7 hours
The potatoes should be soft enough to flatten easily with gentle pressure.
6. Heat the Oven
About 15 minutes before the potatoes finish cooking, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
7. Smash the Potatoes
Transfer the cooked potatoes to the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, carefully press each potato down until it flattens to about ½ inch thick.
Do not worry if the edges crack slightly—that creates extra crispy bits.
8. Add More Butter
Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the potatoes. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
9. Roast Until Crispy
Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until the edges become deep golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve Warm
Allow the potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any buttery drippings from the pan over the top for extra flavor.
Helpful Tips
What Are Creamer Potatoes?
Creamer potatoes are small, young potatoes with thin skins and a naturally creamy texture. Yellow, red, or mixed varieties all work well.
Don’t Skip the Slow Cooker
Cooking the potatoes slowly first ensures they become soft and fluffy inside before roasting.
Smash Carefully
Press gently so the potatoes flatten without completely falling apart.
Butter Creates the Crispiness
The butter helps the potatoes brown beautifully in the oven while adding rich flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme sprinkled on top after roasting adds wonderful flavor and color.
Delicious Variations
Garlic Parmesan
Add grated Parmesan cheese before roasting for a crispy cheesy crust.
Ranch Style
Mix ranch seasoning into the butter mixture for a tangy flavor boost.
Lemon Herb
Add lemon zest and fresh herbs for a bright, fresh finish.
Bacon Cheddar
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon before roasting.
Spicy Version
Add chipotle powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for heat.
Everything Bagel
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the potatoes before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy smashed potatoes pair wonderfully with:
- Roasted chicken
- Steak or pork chops
- Meatloaf or baked ham
- Salmon or grilled fish
- Fresh green salads
For a full meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed greens.
Storage and Reheating
These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh while the edges are crisp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 5–10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible since it softens the texture.
Freezing is not recommended because the potatoes may become grainy after thawing.
Why This Recipe Works
Using both the slow cooker and oven creates the perfect texture. The slow cooker gently softens the potatoes and keeps the insides creamy. Roasting them afterward at high heat removes moisture from the surface, creating crisp golden edges.
Smashing the potatoes also increases the surface area exposed to heat, which helps them become extra crunchy while the centers stay soft and buttery.
This recipe proves that simple ingredients and easy techniques can create something truly memorable. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with buttery garlic flavor, these smashed potatoes are the kind of side dish everyone reaches for first.
