Description: An incredibly easy and flavorful side dish, these Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes are a hands-off way to achieve creamy, comforting goodness with minimal effort. The classic combination of potatoes and Lipton Onion Soup mix creates a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 packet (approximately 1.5 ounces) of Lipton Onion Soup mix
- 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the slow cooker
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker. Begin by thoroughly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. This step is crucial for preventing the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and sides, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup. A non-stick spray works wonderfully, but a thin layer of melted butter adds a touch of richness to the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes. Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired). Peeling is optional; leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients. If you choose to peel, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer. Next, thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline, a food processor with a slicing blade, or a sharp knife. The key is to achieve consistent thickness (about 1/8 inch) to ensure even cooking. Inconsistent slices can lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are mushy.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes with Seasonings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with the melted butter. Ensure each slice is well-coated with butter, as this adds flavor and helps to keep the potatoes from drying out during the slow cooking process. Next, sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup mix over the potatoes. Mix well to evenly distribute the onion soup mix, ensuring every potato slice is generously coated. The onion soup mix provides the primary flavor profile, infusing the potatoes with a savory, oniony goodness.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional). If you’re using cheese (and we highly recommend it!), add the shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture. Blend it through thoroughly to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. The cheddar cheese will melt into a creamy, gooey layer as the potatoes cook, adding richness and a delightful cheesy flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Layer Potatoes in Slow Cooker. Carefully layer the seasoned potatoes into the prepared slow cooker. You can arrange them in a circular or overlapping pattern to maximize space and ensure even cooking. Pour the chicken broth or water over the top of the potatoes. The liquid is essential for steaming the potatoes and preventing them from drying out during the slow cooking process. It also helps to create a creamy sauce as the potatoes cook.
Step 6: Cook the Potatoes. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific slow cooker and the thickness of your potato slices. Check the potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork into the center of the layers. If the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, they are cooked through. If they’re still firm, continue cooking for an additional 30 to 60 minutes, checking periodically.
Step 7: Season and Serve. Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that the Lipton Onion Soup mix already contains salt, so add additional salt cautiously. Serve your Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes hot as a comforting side dish ready to complement your main course.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other things. The ingredient list is short and simple, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. The flavor is classic and comforting, appealing to both adults and children. The potatoes are tender and creamy, infused with the savory flavor of the onion soup mix. And the optional addition of cheddar cheese elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that can feed a crowd.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
- Classic Combinations: Serve alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Comfort Food Favorites: Pair with meatloaf, pot roast, or Salisbury steak for a comforting and nostalgic dinner.
- Vegetarian Options: Serve as a hearty side dish with grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, or a lentil loaf.
- Holiday Feast: Include this dish as part of your holiday spread for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Tips:
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes are the most commonly used for this recipe, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used. Yukon Gold potatoes will result in a creamier texture, while red potatoes will hold their shape better.
- Slicing Consistency: Aim for consistent potato slice thickness to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer makes this task much easier.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crispy Top: For a crispy top, broil the potatoes for a few minutes after they’re cooked through.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2-6 hours Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes-6 hours 15 minutes (depending on cooking time.)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, will vary based on ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 250-350 per serving (depending on cheese)
- Protein: 5-10 grams per serving (depending on cheese)
- Sodium: 400-600 mg per serving (primarily from onion soup mix)
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes are a testament to the power of simple ingredients and hands-off cooking. This recipe is a surefire way to create a comforting and flavorful side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing holiday side, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. The creamy texture, savory onion flavor, and optional cheesy goodness make it a dish that’s hard to resist. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort food.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of onion soup mix?
A: While Lipton Onion Soup mix is the classic choice for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other brands or even homemade onion soup mix. Keep in mind that different brands may have varying levels of sodium, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly. Also, check the ingredient list for any added sugars or preservatives that you may want to avoid.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the potatoes. Sliced onions, carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes to the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe without cheese. Simply omit the cheese from the ingredient list and follow the remaining instructions as written. The potatoes will still be delicious and flavorful, thanks to the Lipton Onion Soup mix and butter.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: While you can technically freeze the leftovers, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing. They may become a bit mushy. To minimize this, allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container and freezing. When reheating, consider adding a little extra butter or milk to help restore the creamy texture.
Q5: Can I use unsalted butter in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just be sure to taste the potatoes before serving and add salt as needed to compensate for the lack of salt in the butter.
