Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes
“`html
If you’ve ever wished for a hands-off, hearty breakfast side that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all morning long, these Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes are exactly what you need. Picture tender, seasoned baby potatoes mingling with sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and a hint of smoked paprika, all slowly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day you want a comforting, flavorful start without the fuss.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the way the slow cooker melds the flavors together while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to prep ahead for a busy week, these breakfast potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because it takes the humble breakfast potato to a whole new level with slow cooker magic. Unlike stovetop or oven methods that require frequent stirring and attention, the Crock-Pot method allows the potatoes and veggies to gently cook for hours, soaking up the seasoned salt and smoked paprika to develop a deep, smoky flavor. The addition of both red and green bell peppers adds a pop of color and a fresh, crisp contrast to the soft potatoes, while the garlic and diced onions bring savory warmth that’s simply irresistible.
Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. The potatoes come out tender but not mushy, with just the right balance of seasoning and buttery richness. You can easily double or halve the batch, and it pairs beautifully with eggs, bacon, or even a protein-packed main dish like Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Potatoes. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can prep everything the night before, set it in the morning, and have a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for you.
Ingredient Rundown
- 3 pounds red baby potatoes, quartered: These small potatoes are perfect for slow cooking because they hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that balances the richness of the potatoes and butter.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Provides sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it slowly cooks down.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the potatoes with a warm, savory aroma that’s essential for any breakfast side.
- 1 3/4 teaspoons seasoned salt: A blend of spices that seasons the potatoes perfectly, enhancing every bite.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that elevates the dish beyond your typical breakfast potatoes.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced: Butter enriches the dish with creamy, luxurious flavor and helps meld the ingredients together.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the potatoes from sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Kosher salt to taste: For adjusting saltiness to your preference.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
What’s in the Gear List
- Crock-Pot or Slow Cooker: The star of the show, essential for the low and slow cooking method that makes these potatoes so tender and flavorful.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For efficiently dicing the peppers, onions, and quartering the potatoes.
- Measuring spoons: To get your seasonings just right.
- Mixing bowl: Helpful for tossing the potatoes and veggies with oil and seasonings before adding to the slow cooker.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients gently before cooking.
Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes — Do This Next
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly, then quarter them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Dice the green and red bell peppers and the yellow onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
Step 2: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered potatoes, diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle in the seasoned salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Toss everything gently until the potatoes and veggies are evenly coated.
Step 3: Add Butter and Transfer to Slow Cooker
Dice the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the mix, giving it a final gentle toss. Transfer the entire mixture into your Crock-Pot, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and infused with the smoky, savory flavors of the seasonings and vegetables.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, give the potatoes a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot alongside your favorite breakfast mains or add a protein like the Garlic Butter Pork Chops And Potatoes for a complete meal.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
- Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or additional olive oil to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing richness.
- Use garlic-infused olive oil if you want to reduce garlic chunks but maintain flavor.
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your seasoned salt blend to ensure no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
- If you want a smoky flavor without smoked paprika, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked sea salt instead.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- We found that quartering the baby potatoes rather than halving them gives a better texture—soft inside but still holding their shape.
- Feel free to experiment with other bell pepper colors like yellow or orange for sweeter notes and a pop of color.
- Adding the butter diced on top rather than melted into the oil helps create little pockets of richness throughout the dish as it cooks.
- For extra crispiness, transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to revive some crispiness, pop the potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes after reheating.
Ask & Learn
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape, Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and type to avoid overcooking.
How can I make these potatoes spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh jalapeño when tossing the ingredients. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra layer of heat.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it in the morning?
Yes, prepping the ingredients and tossing them together the night before is a great time saver. Store the mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer it to the slow cooker in the morning. You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if the ingredients are cold.
What pairs well with Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes?
These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with eggs, breakfast sausages, or any protein-rich dish. For a delicious dinner twist, serve them alongside the Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet for a comforting, hearty meal.
Next Up in Your Queue
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Potatoes – A savory, protein-packed dish that complements these breakfast potatoes perfectly.
- Garlic Butter Pork Chops And Potatoes – Another one-pot wonder with rich, buttery flavors you’ll love.
- Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet – A colorful and nutritious skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Bring It Home
These Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes are the perfect example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can create something truly special. With their tender, flavorful bite and vibrant mix of veggies, they’re bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want a comforting start to your day, this recipe is a fuss-free, delicious choice.
So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast that practically makes itself. Your mornings just got a whole lot tastier!
“`
Crock-Pot Breakfast Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly, then quarter them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Dice the green and red bell peppers and the yellow onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered potatoes, diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle in the seasoned salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Toss everything gently until the potatoes and veggies are evenly coated.
- Dice the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the mix, giving it a final gentle toss. Transfer the entire mixture into your Crock-Pot, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and infused with the smoky, savory flavors of the seasonings and vegetables.
- Once done, give the potatoes a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot alongside your favorite breakfast mains or add a protein like Garlic Butter Pork Chops And Potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Quartering the baby potatoes rather than halving them gives a better texture—soft inside but still holding their shape.
- Try other bell pepper colors like yellow or orange for sweeter notes and added color.
- For extra crispiness, broil the cooked potatoes for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- To keep it dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based butter or extra olive oil.
- Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop or microwave, finishing under broiler for crispiness.
