There’s something deeply comforting about potatoes cooked until they’re buttery soft, infused with flavor, and ready with almost no effort. That’s exactly what I love about this Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes recipe. I first made it on a day when I needed a side dish that could cook itself while I tackled a busy to-do list, and it’s been in my regular rotation ever since.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the flavors of the onion soup mix mingle with the potatoes to create something both simple and satisfying. It’s the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor dish that makes everyone reach for seconds—especially when those crispy caramelized edges show up around the edges of the crock.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes Recipe
This recipe is the perfect intersection of easy and delicious. You only need a handful of ingredients—many of which you probably already have—and the slow cooker handles the cooking from start to finish. The result? Perfectly tender potatoes loaded with rich onion flavor.
Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a potluck side dish, these potatoes always fit in. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes them a winner every time.
What Type of Potatoes Should I Use?
For this recipe, I usually go with baby gold or red potatoes. Their waxy texture holds up well in the slow cooker, giving you soft centers without falling apart. They also have a thin, delicate skin that doesn’t require peeling—saving time and adding a rustic touch to the dish.
That said, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or even small white potatoes. Just avoid starchy varieties like Russets—they tend to break down too much during slow cooking and can turn mushy instead of maintaining that satisfying bite.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is flexible enough to welcome a few smart swaps while still delivering comfort food magic. Here are some of my go-to substitutions:
- Soup Mix: If you’re out of Lipton onion soup mix, try a homemade version using dried onion flakes, garlic powder, beef bouillon granules, and a pinch of sugar.
- Potatoes: No baby potatoes? Chop larger gold or red potatoes into chunks—just keep them similar in size for even cooking.
- Butter: Swap with olive oil for a slightly lighter dish, or try ghee for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Add-Ins: Toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of shredded cheddar at the end for a loaded potato twist.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary adds a fresh pop of flavor just before serving.
Ingredients for This Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes Recipe
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a simple but important role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Baby Potatoes
These are the heart of the dish. Their small size makes for easy prep, and their waxy texture ensures they cook up creamy inside while holding their shape. - Lipton Onion Soup Mix
This is the secret weapon. It infuses the potatoes with a deep savory onion flavor and just enough seasoning, eliminating the need to mix multiple spices. - Butter
Butter melts into the potatoes, helping distribute flavor and giving the dish that rich, velvety finish. It also aids in browning if you crisp the edges at the end. - Olive Oil (Optional)
Some like to add a bit of olive oil alongside butter for a slightly different depth and to help keep everything from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker. - Garlic (Optional)
A few minced cloves elevate the flavor, adding aromatic warmth that complements the onion mix beautifully. - Fresh Parsley or Chives (for garnish)
Just before serving, a sprinkle of herbs brings color and a fresh finish to this rich dish.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them—just pat them dry and cut them in halves or quarters, depending on size. Uniform cuts ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix With Onion Soup Mix
Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the top, then add melted butter (and olive oil if using). Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning and fat.
Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Pour the seasoned potatoes into your slow cooker. Spread them out into an even layer so they cook uniformly. No need to grease the slow cooker if you’ve used enough butter/oil.
Step 4: Set and Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating and prevent sticking at the bottom.
Step 5: Optional Crisp-Up
If you love crispy edges, transfer the finished potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes. This adds golden caramelization on top—totally optional, but worth it.
How Long to Cook the Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. You can set your slow cooker according to your schedule:
- On LOW: Cook for 4 to 5 hours. This method yields the most tender and evenly cooked potatoes.
- On HIGH: Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Great if you’re short on time but still want full flavor.
Be sure to check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork—it should glide in easily. If the texture is still too firm, let them go a bit longer, checking every 20 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes
- Stir Midway: Gently mix the potatoes once or twice during cooking so they don’t stick or brown too much in one spot.
- Even Sizing: Make sure all potato pieces are similar in size for consistent cooking.
- Layer Wisely: Keep the potato layer no more than 2 to 3 inches deep for best results.
- Use a Liner: Consider using a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup—especially if you’re letting the edges caramelize.
- Don’t Overdo Liquids: Resist adding extra broth or water—the moisture from the butter and the potatoes themselves is enough to keep things tender.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Even with a recipe this easy, a few missteps can affect the outcome. Here are the key things to avoid:
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker
If you pack in too many potatoes, they’ll steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results. - Using the Wrong Potatoes
Russets and other starchy types can break down and become mushy. Stick with waxy varieties like baby reds or golds. - Skipping the Stir
Not stirring once or twice can lead to uneven cooking and burnt spots at the bottom. - Adding Extra Liquid
It might seem like more moisture is better, but these potatoes create their own steam. Extra broth or water can make them soggy. - Not Seasoning Properly
If you use more potatoes than the recipe calls for, add an extra half packet of soup mix or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes?
These potatoes are incredibly versatile and go with nearly anything. Here are some favorite pairings:
Grilled or Roasted Chicken
The herby onion flavor in the potatoes pairs beautifully with a simple lemon-herb grilled chicken.
Steak or Beef Roast
They’re the ultimate steakhouse-style side—especially great with pan-seared sirloin or slow-cooked pot roast.
Barbecue Ribs
The sweetness and smokiness of BBQ meats make a delicious contrast to the savory, buttery potatoes.
Baked or Grilled Salmon
The richness of salmon balances perfectly with the crispy edges and soft centers of the potatoes.
Sautéed Greens
Add a side of garlicky spinach, kale, or green beans for a fresher, lighter contrast.
Mac and Cheese
For full-on comfort food, pair with creamy mac and cheese and enjoy a carb-lover’s dream meal.
Brunch Favorites
Top the potatoes with a fried egg and serve with bacon or sausage for a hearty brunch platter.
Storage Instructions
These potatoes store surprisingly well, making them a great make-ahead option or next-day side. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator:
Let the potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 4 days in the fridge. - Freezer:
If you want to freeze them, spread them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Note: the texture may be softer when thawed. - Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, or toss in a hot skillet with a splash of oil to restore some crispness. You can also bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
Estimated Nutrition
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 6-serving batch):
- Calories: ~210
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg
- Sodium: ~380mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~2g
Note: These values will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the exact brands you use, especially with the butter and soup mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of slow cooker works best for this recipe?
Any standard 4- to 6-quart slow cooker will work. Just make sure you don’t overfill it—keep the potato layer about 2 to 3 inches deep for best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the potatoes and mix them with the soup mix and butter a day ahead. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge, then dump into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, no changes are needed (Lipton onion soup mix is typically meat-free, but double-check the label). For vegan, use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker (at least 6 to 7 quarts) and be prepared to stir more frequently. You may also need to increase cook time slightly for even tenderness.
Will this recipe work with frozen potatoes?
Not ideally. Frozen potatoes can release excess moisture and become mushy. Fresh baby potatoes are best for texture and flavor.
How do I get crispy edges in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers don’t typically crisp well, but transferring the finished potatoes to a baking sheet and broiling for a few minutes works like magic.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Butter gives the best depth and savory finish.
Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Yes! Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking for a melty, cheesy version.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes recipe is one of those go-to side dishes that I keep coming back to—simple, flavorful, and comforting. It takes almost no effort to prep, simmers into golden-tender perfection, and pairs with just about everything.
Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, prepping for a potluck, or just craving something cozy and potato-rich, this recipe always delivers. And trust me, the leftovers (if you have any!) are just as good.

Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes are a foolproof side dish made with just a few simple ingredients. Baby potatoes are tossed with Lipton onion soup mix and butter, then slow-cooked until tender and packed with rich, savory flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or as a reliable comfort food classic.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red or gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes. Cut into halves or quarters for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with the Lipton onion soup mix, melted butter, and optional olive oil and garlic.
- Transfer the mixture into a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Spread into an even layer.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Optional: For crispier potatoes, transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Low)