Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes! They’re honestly one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up for gatherings, and trust me, they always steal the show. Picture this: tender baby potatoes smothered in creamy ranch dressing, topped with crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that your friends and family will rave about! Plus, you just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It couldn’t be easier, and the best part? You get to enjoy the party while your delicious side dish cooks away!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Gathering all the goodies for these mouthwatering slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes is super simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (you can never have too much bacon, right?)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy goodness)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh crunch)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, so you can just dive right in and let that slow cooker work its magic!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Getting these slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes ready is a breeze! I love how straightforward the steps are, and you’ll be amazed at how easily everything comes together. Let’s dive right into it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly and then slice them in half. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious ranch flavor!
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place the halved potatoes right into your slow cooker. It’s like building a cozy little potato nest!
- Add the magic: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes. The aroma is already heavenly, but trust me, it gets better!
- Mix it up: Pour in the sour cream and give everything a good stir. You want the potatoes to be well-coated, so don’t be shy! Make sure they’re all covered in that creamy goodness.
- Top it off: Now, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Oh wow, it’s looking so good already! You might want to sneak a bite of that bacon… I won’t tell!
- Cover and cook: Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are tender and you can easily pierce them with a fork. It’s totally worth the wait!
- Garnish and serve: Once they’re done, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them warm and watch everyone dig in!
And just like that, you’ve got a scrumptious side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Don’t worry if you have to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of your potatoes. Just keep an eye on them, and you’ll be golden!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about these slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes? First off, the prep time is just about 15 minutes, which means you can spend more time enjoying your friends and family instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you sip on a drink and mingle!
The flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s a game changer! You’ve got creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all mingling together to create a delicious dish that’s bursting with flavor. I swear, every time I make this, people come back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily adapt it to fit any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a big barbecue. Trust me, these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes will have everyone asking for the recipe. And let’s be real, there’s just something magical about slow cooking that makes everything taste better. You’re going to love it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some pro tips that I’ve picked up over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish!
- Choose the right potatoes: Baby potatoes are great because they’re bite-sized and cook evenly. If you use larger potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook through in the same time.
- Adjust cooking time: Keep an eye on the cooking time based on the size of your potato halves. If they’re on the larger side, you might need to add an extra hour. Just poke a fork in one to check for tenderness—easy peasy!
- Cheese variations: Feel free to switch up the cheese! While cheddar is classic, you could use pepper jack for a bit of a kick or even a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor. Experimenting is half the fun!
- Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins! Some people love throwing in sautéed mushrooms or even a handful of spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!
- Let it rest: After cooking, let your potatoes sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes serving easier!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a side dish that’s not just tasty but also a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the cooking process and the happy faces when you serve them up!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delicious slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
So, whether you’re counting calories or just wanting to enjoy a tasty side dish, these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes give you a delicious and satisfying option. Remember, this is just an estimate, but it’s always good to have a ballpark figure in mind!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these amazing slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a memorable meal! I absolutely love pairing them with a variety of dishes that complement their creamy, cheesy goodness.
First up, grilled meats are a fantastic match! Think juicy burgers, tender chicken, or even some smoky ribs. The rich flavors of the potatoes really balance out the savory notes from the grill. For a lighter option, a simple herb-marinated chicken breast or even some grilled shrimp will do the trick!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more vegetable-forward, serve them with a fresh garden salad. A crisp mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the potatoes. You could even throw in some roasted veggies for extra flavor and color!
And let’s not forget about bread! A warm, crusty baguette or some buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra ranch goodness left on your plate. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a single bite behind!
Lastly, for those chilly nights, these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes make a cozy side for a hearty soup or chili. Just imagine a big bowl of chili topped with cheese, accompanied by a generous scoop of those potatoes on the side. Heaven!
With all these delicious options, you’ll have a meal that’s not just satisfying but also a total crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are my go-to for this recipe, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the potatoes and toppings in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the slow cooker and let it cook! It’s a real time-saver.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any cheesy bacon ranch potatoes left (though I doubt it!), just place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or back in the slow cooker, but watch out not to overcook them!
Can I freeze these potatoes?
Freezing is a bit tricky with this dish because the texture may change when thawed. But if you really want to, you can freeze them after cooking. Just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently!
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist! It’ll give you that creamy texture with a bit of tang. You could also use cream cheese for a rich flavor, just make sure to soften it first for easy mixing.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes: 5 Comforting Servings
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place halved potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes.
- Add sour cream and mix well.
- Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on potato size.
- Use your favorite cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes