These Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a creamy, delicious comfort food side dish that’s unbelievably easy thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Let me show you how to make this crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum flavor—don’t forget to pin it for later!
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- Hands-off cooking: toss everything in and walk away while flavors meld.
- No oven needed—perfect for hot summer gatherings or busy weeknights.
- Tangy ranch seasoning marries beautifully with melted, gooey cheddar.
- Feeds a crowd: generous enough for family dinners or potluck parties.
- Customizable: go gluten-free, dairy-free, extra spicy, or ultra-cheesy.
- Prep in just 15 minutes and let the cooker do all the work.
- Budget-friendly side dish using pantry staples and seasonal potatoes.
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble in the morning, serve come dinner time.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- 3 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon Gold), halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended; Greek yogurt works too)
- ½ cup whole milk or half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (turkey bacon is fine)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes (optional for richness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Directions for Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- Prepare your slow cooker. Lightly coat the insert with nonstick spray or rub with butter—this keeps potatoes from sticking.
- Combine potatoes and seasoning. Place halved potatoes in the crock, sprinkle the ranch mix evenly, season with salt and pepper, then dot with butter cubes.
- Cook on low or high. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2 hours) until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in dairy and bacon. About 30 minutes before serving, gently fold in sour cream, milk, and half of the crumbled bacon.
- Thicken the sauce (optional). If you prefer a saucier dish, whisk the cornstarch slurry and stir into the potatoes until slightly thickened.
- Melt the cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top, cover, and cook 10–15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Finish and serve. Transfer to a serving dish, top with remaining bacon and chopped chives, and dig in while hot!
Servings & Timing
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes)
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: stir in 1 diced jalapeño for a fiery twist.
- Mushroom Medley: add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms at step 3.
- Vegan Swap: use dairy-free sour cream, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.
- Loaded Style: top with a handful of crispy fried onions or extra bacon.
- Herb Infusion: replace chives with fresh dill or parsley.
- Single-Serve: halve all ingredients and use a 2-qt slow cooker for smaller gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, adding a splash of milk to revive creaminess.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Fresh baby potatoes give the best texture; if using frozen, add 30 extra minutes on low.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you select a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and use cornstarch.
Q: How do I make it ahead of time?
A: Assemble in the slow cooker insert, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and cook when ready.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes—just ensure your slow cooker is at least 6 quarts; cooking time remains about the same.
Q: My potatoes turned mushy—what happened?
A: They likely overcooked; next time reduce cooking by 30–45 minutes or use the high-heat setting.
Q: How can I add more veggies?
A: Stir in 1 cup chopped steamed broccoli or green beans in the last hour of cooking.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Absolutely—Greek yogurt adds tang and extra protein without thinning the sauce.
Q: What’s the best way to crisp up the bacon?
A: Bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then crumble.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward side dish that everyone at the table will adore. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon and tangy ranch flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, holidays, and potlucks alike. Try it tonight, leave a comment below, and explore more slow cooker favorites in my recipe archives!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby potatoes red or Yukon Gold, halved
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup sour cream full-fat recommended
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 8 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes, optional
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water for thickening, optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or rub with butter.
- Place halved baby potatoes in the cooker, sprinkle with ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper, then dot with butter cubes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add sour cream, milk, and half of the crumbled bacon; stir gently to combine.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk cornstarch and water together, then stir into the potatoes until slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the potatoes, replace the lid, and cook 10-15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly.
- Transfer to a serving dish, top with remaining bacon and chopped chives, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
