Buttery Slow Cooker Potato Bombs

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Foil-Wrapped Potato Bombs

Few side dishes manage to be this simple, comforting, and universally loved. These slow cooker foil-wrapped potato bombs are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated techniques to create something truly irresistible. With just five everyday ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, you get tender, buttery baby potatoes wrapped in their own steamy foil packets—each one a little surprise waiting to be opened.

Inspired by old-school campfire potatoes and rustic hearth cooking, this recipe transforms a humble tuber into a rich, creamy, deeply satisfying side dish. The slow cooker gently steams the potatoes inside foil, locking in moisture and flavor while freeing up your oven and your time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, planning a backyard cookout, or just need an easy weeknight side, these potato bombs deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Ingredients (Just 5 – and Why They Matter)

Baby Potatoes (1½ pounds) – Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal. Their thin skins and naturally buttery texture become ultra-creamy when slow-cooked, eliminating the need for peeling.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons) – Butter melts into the potatoes as they cook, creating a rich, silky coating and enhancing every bite with classic comfort flavor.
Kosher Salt (1½ teaspoons) – Essential for bringing out the potatoes’ natural sweetness and balancing the richness of the butter.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Adds subtle heat and depth, preventing the dish from tasting flat.
Dried Herb or Seasoning Blend (1 teaspoon) – Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or a garlic-herb blend adds aromatic complexity without overpowering the potatoes.

You’ll also need heavy-duty aluminum foil to create the signature “bomb” packets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Slow Cooker

Set your slow cooker to LOW while you prepare the ingredients. No liquid is required—the potatoes will cook in their own moisture inside the foil packets.

2. Season the Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, and dried seasoning blend. Toss thoroughly so every potato is evenly coated.

3. Add the Butter

Scatter the butter pieces over the seasoned potatoes and toss gently. The butter should be well distributed so each packet gets its fair share of richness.

4. Create the Foil Packets

Tear four large squares of heavy-duty foil (about 12 x 12 inches). Divide the potatoes evenly among them. Bring the foil edges together, fold tightly, and crimp to seal, forming compact, leak-proof packets.

5. Cook Low and Slow

Arrange the foil packets seam-side up in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook:

LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours

The potatoes are done when a fork slides in effortlessly.

6. Serve Carefully

Remove the packets using tongs. Open them away from your face—hot steam will escape. Serve directly in the foil or transfer to a bowl, spooning over the buttery juices.

Why This Recipe Is So Loved

Minimal Ingredients: Just five pantry staples.
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
No Oven Needed: Perfect for holidays and hot weather.
Crowd-Friendly: Easy to double and ideal for buffets.
Customizable: Endless variations with herbs, spices, or cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Bombs

Keep potatoes uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Seal foil tightly to trap steam and prevent drying out.
Use heavy-duty foil to avoid leaks and tearing.
Add fresh herbs at the end for brighter flavor.
For extra indulgence, tuck a small cube of cheese into each packet.

Serving Suggestions

These foil-wrapped potato bombs pair beautifully with:

Roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled steak
Pan-seared salmon or flaky white fish
Vegetarian mains like roasted vegetables or bean stews
A baked potato bar with sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon

They stay warm on the slow cooker’s “keep warm” setting, making them ideal for potlucks and parties.

Final Thoughts

These 5-ingredient slow cooker foil-wrapped potato bombs are the definition of effortless comfort food. They prove that simple ingredients, treated with care and cooked gently, can produce incredible results. Creamy on the inside, buttery all the way through, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe earns a permanent place in your rotation.

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, impressive, and guaranteed to please, this is it. Once you try these potato bombs, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a meal without them.