Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Butter Potatoes Recipe (Easy, Buttery, Old-Fashioned Comfort Food)
If you’re looking for a simple side dish that delivers rich flavor with almost no effort, these Slow Cooker Amish Butter Potatoes are the perfect recipe. Made with only three pantry-friendly ingredients—baby golden potatoes, butter, and salt—this classic Midwestern comfort food is creamy, tender, and packed with homemade flavor.
This traditional farm-style potato recipe has been passed down through generations for good reason. It’s affordable, filling, and works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, church gatherings, holiday meals, or everyday comfort cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Butter Potatoes Recipe
These buttery slow cooker potatoes are loved because they’re:
Only 3 simple ingredients
Minimal prep work
Rich, buttery flavor
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Naturally gluten-free
Great for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners
The slow cooker does all the work while the potatoes absorb the butter and salt, becoming perfectly tender and flavorful.
Recipe Overview
Recipe Name: Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Butter Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours
Servings: 8–10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need:
- Yukon Gold Potato – 3 pounds, scrubbed clean and left whole
- Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g), sliced thick
- Kosher Salt – 2 teaspoons, plus extra if needed
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Slow cooker (5–7 quart)
- Cutting board
- Kitchen towel
- Vegetable scrub brush
- Serving spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes under cool running water. Using a vegetable brush or clean cloth, gently scrub away any dirt.
Because the skins stay on, cleaning them well is important.
After washing:
- Pat each potato dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Leave them whole.
Why keep the skins on?
The skins help the potatoes hold their shape during slow cooking while adding texture and nutrients.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Take a small slice of butter and lightly rub it across the bottom of your slow cooker.
This helps:
- Prevent sticking
- Add flavor from the first layer
- Create a buttery cooking base
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Place all the cleaned potatoes into the slow cooker.
Spread them evenly so they cook consistently.
Step 4: Add Butter
Place the sliced butter evenly over the potatoes.
As it melts slowly, it coats every potato with rich flavor.
Tip: Distribute the butter across different areas instead of piling it in one spot.
Step 5: Season with Salt
Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over all the potatoes.
This helps the seasoning absorb during cooking instead of only sitting on the surface.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover with the lid.
Cook:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
or - HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Avoid opening the lid too often—this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Step 7: Toss and Finish
Once tender:
- Gently stir the potatoes in the melted butter.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
The potatoes should look glossy, buttery, and perfectly tender.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl and spoon extra butter from the slow cooker over the top.
Serve warm.
What Do Amish Butter Potatoes Taste Like?
These potatoes are:
- Rich and buttery
- Soft and creamy inside
- Slightly salty
- Comforting and rustic
They pair beautifully with roasted meats, chicken, vegetables, or simple farmhouse meals.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Roast Chicken
- Meatloaf
- Roast Beef
- Green Beans
- Cornbread
Expert Tips for Best Results
1. Use Small Potatoes
Small potatoes cook more evenly than large ones.
2. Choose Yukon Gold
Their naturally creamy texture works best.
3. Don’t Add Water
The potatoes release moisture while cooking, and the butter creates all the richness you need.
4. Avoid Overcooking
Check near the end of cooking to prevent mushy potatoes.
Recipe Variations
Try adding:
- Fresh garlic
- Black pepper
- Chopped parsley
- Rosemary
- Parmesan cheese
These aren’t traditional, but they add great flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in:
- Microwave (1–2 minutes)
- Oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Skillet with extra butter
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes. Red potatoes work well, though golden potatoes tend to be creamier.
Can I peel the potatoes?
You can, but the skin adds texture and traditional farmhouse character.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Keep warm in the slow cooker until serving.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Amish Butter Potatoes prove that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. With just potatoes, butter, and salt, you get a comforting side dish that feels like something straight from a farmhouse kitchen.