If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that basically cooks itself, you have to try this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe. I absolutely love how the potatoes come out tender and loaded with savory bacon, melty cheese, and that irresistible ranch flavor. It’s hands-off slow cooker magic that’ll become your new go-to for potlucks or busy weeknights. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Convenience: Just layer the ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combo of bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese packs a major flavor punch in every bite.
- Perfectly Tender Potatoes: Slow cooking ensures your potatoes are soft but still hold their shape beautifully.
- Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but work perfectly together. I like to pick baby potatoes that are similar sizes so they cook evenly, and sharp cheddar cheese really gives that rich, cheesy vibe. Don’t skip the bacon — it’s what makes this dish feel indulgent and extra savory!
- Bacon: Use good quality bacon for crispy, smoky bites throughout the potatoes.
- Baby Potatoes: Small potatoes cook evenly in the slow cooker. Halve them for faster cooking.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green Onions: Fresh and bright, they add a nice pop of color and mild onion bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and balances the richness of bacon.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning Packet: The secret ingredient that layers on that classic tangy ranch flavor.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps everything meld together perfectly.
Variations
I love to mix things up depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe is so versatile—you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Use Cream Cheese: Adding a few dollops of cream cheese before slow cooking makes it ultra creamy—my family went wild for that richer version.
- Swap Potatoes: For a healthier twist, try sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes; they add a lovely sweetness that complements the ranch seasoning.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or smoked salt for that smoky flavor without meat.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version that’s still cheesy and delicious.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Soften the Onions
I like to bake the bacon in the oven for even crisping without the mess—line a cookie sheet with foil, place the bacon strips, and bake at 350°F for about 16 minutes. It crisps up nicely but isn’t rock-hard, which is perfect because it’ll soften a bit in the slow cooker. While the bacon’s baking, slice your onion thinly. Cooking the onion a bit with the bacon or just letting it mellow in the slow cooker really elevates the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Layer Everything
Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving extra to fold over the top later—that’s a neat trick I discovered to help the potatoes steam perfectly. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray so the potatoes don’t stick. Start layering: half the halved baby potatoes, half the cooked bacon, half the sliced onion, half the green onions, half the ranch seasoning packet, and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining cheese on top, leaving about half a cup to sprinkle later. Drizzle melted butter over everything for that luscious finish.
Step 3: Cover and Cook Low and Slow
Fold the foil over the top to cover the potatoes completely. This seals in steam and moisture, so the potatoes cook evenly and get tender without drying out. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours—depending on your slow cooker, I usually check around 4 hours for tenderness. The smell during cooking is seriously addictive!
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Garnish
When the cooking time’s up, carefully remove the foil top and sprinkle the reserved half cup of cheddar cheese right over the potatoes. Close the slow cooker for a few more minutes to let the cheese melt perfectly. For a fresh pop of color and mild onion zing, scatter some sliced green onions on top just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Bacon Crisping Hack: Baking bacon on foil-lined sheets makes cleanup easy and gives perfect crispiness without flare-ups.
- Potato Size Consistency: Cutting potatoes into uniform halves ensures even cooking without over or underdone pieces.
- Foil Lid Trick: Covering the potatoes with foil inside the slow cooker traps steam and prevents drying—game changer!
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the cheese melt on top with the slow cooker lid off at the end adds perfect gooey texture and prevents sogginess.
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with freshly sliced green onions for a mild crunch and color contrast. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of crispy cooked bacon on top just to amp up the bacon factor. A little dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts either if you want a creamy tang.
Side Dishes
This recipe steals the spotlight, so I typically pair it with easy grilled chicken, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. It also goes great with BBQ ribs if you want a hearty meal to impress guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these potatoes in a big rustic cast iron skillet straight from the slow cooker—keeps it warm and looks so inviting. You can also serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with extra cheese and herbs for a cute presentation that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better reheated as the flavors get time to meld.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully by portioning into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve that creamy cheesy goodness. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it up in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist, or you can use the microwave if you’re short on time—just watch that the cheese doesn’t get rubbery. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep everything nice and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use regular potatoes, but I recommend cutting them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly in the slow cooker. Larger chunks may take longer, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
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Is it necessary to cook the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, cooking the bacon beforehand ensures it crisps up nicely and renders out excess fat. This prevents the potatoes from becoming too greasy and adds wonderful smoky flavor and texture to the dish.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternative and replace the butter with a plant-based butter or oil. For vegan options, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that savory flavor.
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How can I make sure the potatoes don’t get mushy in the slow cooker?
Choosing baby potatoes and halving them helps cook evenly without becoming mushy. Also, using the foil cover inside the slow cooker traps steam and helps the potatoes cook tender but firm. Avoid overcooking by checking at 4 hours and adjusting as needed.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the doubled ingredients without overcrowding. Layer everything the same way and increase cooking time slightly to ensure potatoes are fully tender.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s truly foolproof comfort food that brings everyone to the table smiling. The combination of cheese, bacon, and ranch creates such a cozy, addictive flavor experience that I like to call a “family hug on a plate.” Give it a try—I promise it’ll make your life easier and your dinner tastier. Plus, your slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and soak in the compliments!
Print
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender baby potatoes are layered with crispy bacon, savory onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning, then slow-cooked to melt all the flavors together into a delicious, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Bacon and Onion
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 large thinly sliced onion
Potatoes and Cheese
- 1 pound halved baby potatoes
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasoning and Extras
- ½ cup sliced green onions (divided)
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning packet
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and onions: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with foil and place the thinly sliced onion and bacon on it. Bake for about 16 minutes until the bacon is cooked but not too crisp.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving enough foil overhanging to cover the potatoes later. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Place half of the halved baby potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half of the cooked bacon, half of the cooked sliced onions, half of the sliced green onions, half of the ranch seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining potatoes, bacon, onions, green onions, ranch seasoning, and cheese, reserving ½ cup cheese for topping. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over all the layers.
- Cook the potatoes: Fold the overhanging foil back over the top of the potatoes to seal. Cook on the low setting of your slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and garnish: Once cooking is complete, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt. Garnish with fresh green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For crispier bacon, you can cook it separately in a skillet before layering.
- Using baby potatoes ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- You can adjust the amount of ranch seasoning according to your taste preference.
- If you prefer, replace cheddar with your favorite melting cheese.
- Make sure to line the slow cooker with foil to make cleanup easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
