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Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Description

Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish, combining tender baby potatoes, crispy bacon, savory ranch seasoning, garlic, butter, and melted cheddar cheese into one irresistibly delicious recipe. Everything cooks together low and slow, allowing the potatoes to absorb the rich buttery ranch flavor while becoming perfectly soft and creamy inside. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes, while a generous topping of melted cheese creates the ultimate finishing touch. This easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, holiday dinners, backyard barbecues, or family gatherings. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, let it do all the work, then finish with cheese and fresh herbs before serving. These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, burgers, or even breakfast favorites like eggs and sausage. Whether you’re looking for an effortless side dish or a comforting meal everyone will love, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.

Ingredients For the Potatoes

  • 2½ pounds baby red potatoes, quartered
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly sized quarters. There is no need to peel them since the skins become tender during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes into a large bowl. Add the melted butter, olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss until every potato piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fill the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little butter. Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the slow cooker and spread them into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Bacon

Sprinkle about half of the crumbled bacon evenly over the potatoes, saving the remaining bacon for garnish after cooking.

Step 5: Cook

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, stirring once halfway through if possible. The potatoes should be fork-tender when finished.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely.

Step 7: Finish

Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the melted cheese and gently stir if you prefer the cheese mixed throughout, or leave it on top for a beautiful presentation.

Step 8: Garnish

Top with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the potatoes hot alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, burgers, roasted vegetables, or enjoy them as a hearty vegetarian meal by omitting the bacon.

Tips & Notes

  • Baby red potatoes hold their shape best during slow cooking.
  • Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
  • Pepper Jack cheese adds a delicious spicy twist.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Q&A

Q: Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent substitute and become wonderfully creamy.

Q: Can I prepare everything the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and begin cooking the next day.

Q: What main dishes pair well with these potatoes?
They pair perfectly with grilled steak, baked chicken, pork tenderloin, meatloaf, barbecue ribs, or roasted turkey.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 6

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg

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