Slow Cooker Potatoes and Dumplings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This slow cooker potatoes and dumplings recipe is the definition of hands-off comfort food. With tender potatoes simmered in savory broth and soft, pillowy dumplings that cook right on top, it delivers big, nostalgic flavor with minimal effort. Everything comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or anytime you crave something warm and filling.
Inspired by old-world European dumpling dishes and beloved Midwestern comfort food, this crockpot meal quietly simmers all afternoon while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’re rewarded with a hearty, budget-friendly dish that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Potatoes and Dumplings:
Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe no babysitting required
Affordable pantry staples make this a budget-friendly family meal
One-pot comfort food dinner with minimal cleanup
Customizable for vegetarian or chicken-and-dumplings variations
Filling and satisfying, perfect for cold weather and cozy nights
Servings: 4–6
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
Ingredients:
For the Potato Base
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or neutral oil)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (Yukon Gold or russet)
3 medium carrots, sliced (optional)
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
For the Dumplings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
1 large egg
Instructions:
Sauté the onion in butter until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add potatoes and carrots to the crockpot. Top with the onion mixture.
Pour in broth and add salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and paprika. Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter, then gently stir in milk and egg just until combined.
Stir cream into the broth if using. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the hot stew, cover, and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove bay leaf, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and ladle into bowls.
Serving Ideas:
Pair this crockpot potatoes and dumplings dish with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
Buttered peas or braised cabbage for classic comfort
A dollop of sour cream or yogurt adds a bright finish that balances the richness.
Variations & Tips:
Add chicken for a chicken-and-dumplings style slow cooker dinner
Make it vegetarian with vegetable broth and a splash of soy sauce or miso
Extra fluffy dumplings: Don’t overmix the dough
Old-fashioned texture: Reduce baking powder slightly for denser dumplings
This slow cooker potatoes and dumplings recipe is the kind of cozy, no-stress meal that fills the house with warmth and the table with smiles. It’s simple, hearty, and timeless exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
