Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Bites and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most tender pork, choose a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist during the long cooking time.

If you're in a hurry, you can cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, but the meat won't be quite as tender. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat.

To make this dish even more flavorful, you can sear the pork cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a nice browned crust and deeper flavor.

However, the recipe is designed to be dump-and-go, so searing is optional. If you do sear, be sure to deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or water and add that to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the potatoes for extra color and nutrition. Add them at the beginning so they soften with the meat.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño to the seasoning for a hint of heat. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Herb Swap: Use a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage instead of the garlic herb seasoning. Chop the herbs finely and stir them into the melted butter.
• Creamy Finish: After cooking, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream to make a richer, creamier sauce. Heat through gently before serving.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce moist.

Freezer

Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water until warmed through.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook on low as directed. If you do this, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since you're starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork bites and potatoes straight from the slow cooker for a casual family dinner, or spoon them onto a platter for a more formal presentation.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color, but it's not necessary. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal.

The garlic butter sauce is the star, so be sure to spoon plenty of it over each serving. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping crusty bread.

For a low-effort side, add a loaf of warm bread to soak up every last drop. This meal is satisfying on its own, but the extras make it feel like a feast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Bites and Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 lb baby gold potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp garlic herb seasoning
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Place the cubed pork shoulder in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the halved baby gold potatoes over the pork. Sprinkle the garlic herb seasoning evenly over the meat and potatoes.
2. Pour the melted butter over the seasoned pork and potatoes. Use a spoon to gently toss everything so the butter and seasoning coat the ingredients evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. After 4 hours, check the pork by inserting an instant-read thermometer into a few cubes. The pork must reach at least 145°F (63°C). If not done, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again.
5. Turn off the slow cooker. Let the pork rest for at least 3 minutes. Then transfer the pork and potatoes to a serving plate, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

28 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.