Savory LifeRECIPES

Crock Pot Salt Potatoes Recipe

Updated November 5, 2026

Total time
4 hr 10 min
prep 10 min · cook 4 hr
Serves
8
portions as written

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Crock Pot Salt Potatoes Recipe

Crock pot salt potatoes are a Syracuse, New York specialty made by simmering small new potatoes in heavily salted water until they’re incredibly creamy and tender. The slow cooker version is hands-off and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple side dish. The high salt concentration raises the boiling point of the water, which cooks the potatoes more gently and seasons them all the way through, giving you that signature buttery texture and salty bite.

Ingredients

  • 3 lb (1.4 kg) small new potatoes (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter), scrubbed
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) kosher salt (or fine sea salt; see Tips)
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) water
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the scrubbed potatoes in a 6-quart (5.7 L) slow cooker. They should fit in a roughly even layer, but some overlap is fine.
  2. Dissolve the kosher salt in the water, stirring until mostly clear. Pour the salted water over the potatoes. The water should cover the potatoes by about 1 inch (2.5 cm); add a little more water if needed.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. A paring knife should slide in with no resistance.
  4. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the melted butter over the hot potatoes and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

  • Salt type matters: Use kosher salt or fine sea salt. Table salt is more concentrated, so if you only have table salt, reduce to 1/3 cup (80 g) to avoid over-salting.
  • Don’t peel the potatoes: The skins help hold the potatoes together and become silky as they cook. Just scrub them well before adding to the crock pot.
  • Check for doneness early: Slow cookers vary, so start checking at the lower end of the time range. Overcooked potatoes will start to fall apart and become waterlogged.
  • Use a liner for easy cleanup: A slow cooker liner makes draining and cleanup much simpler, especially with the salty water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these salt potatoes as a side to grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork chops. They’re also a classic at summer cookouts alongside burgers and corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, top them with sour cream and chives, or serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Variations

  • Herb butter: Stir 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, chives, or rosemary into the melted butter before pouring over the potatoes.
  • Garlic salt potatoes: Add 3–4 smashed garlic cloves to the crock pot with the salted water. The garlic infuses the potatoes with a subtle savory flavor.
  • Spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the water for a hint of heat.
  • Vinegar finish: After draining, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar along with the butter for a tangy twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover salt potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave them in 30-second bursts until hot, or warm them in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat. You can also reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. They are best eaten within 2 days, as they can become mushy over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes?
Yes, you can use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes, or even larger potatoes cut into 1.5-inch chunks. Adjust cooking time as needed—larger pieces will take longer.

Why do the potatoes taste so salty?
The salt penetrates the potatoes during cooking, giving them a distinct salty flavor. That’s the point of the dish! If you prefer less salt, reduce the salt to 1/4 cup (60 g) and add more to taste after cooking.

Can I make this with less water?
You can reduce the water to 4 cups (950 ml) if your slow cooker is smaller, but make sure the potatoes are still covered. The salt concentration will be higher, so you may want to reduce the salt slightly.

Can I cook these on HIGH?
Yes, on HIGH it takes about 2–3 hours. Check at 2 hours to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to stir the potatoes?
No, stirring isn’t necessary. The slow cooker heats evenly, and stirring could break the potatoes.

Can I use salted butter for serving?
Yes, but then you might want to reduce the flaky sea salt garnish, as the potatoes are already salty. Unsalted butter lets you control the final saltiness better.

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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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