Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Creamy, bacon-studded potatoes cooked low and slow with sharp cheddar and ranch seasoning. Potatoes turn fork-tender in the slow cooker while cheese melts into every crevice. Fresh chives brighten the rich, savory dish at the end. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck sides.
Ingredients
- 2 pound baby red potatoes, whole
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning powder mix, driedhomemade ranch spice blend (1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon each dill, garlic powder, onion powder, chives)3 teaspoon
controls sodium
- 8 slice bacon, raw
- 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh chives, choppedgreen onion tops or dried chives (1 teaspoon dried equals 1 tablespoon fresh)1:3 if dried
mild onion flavor
Full guide → - salt(optional)
- ground black pepper(optional)
- nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Line crock pot with aluminum foil, leaving enough to fold over potatoes. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2
Add potatoes and sprinkle with ranch seasoning powder. Layer bacon, cheddar cheese (reserving 1/2 cup), and fresh chives (reserving 1 teaspoon) on top.
- 3
Fold foil to completely seal potatoes. Cover with crock pot lid.
- 4
Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
- 5
Top with reserved cheese and bacon. Cover and seal again, cooking 2 additional minutes until cheese melts.
- 6
Sprinkle with reserved chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm from slow cooker or transfer to serving plate.
Tips
Foil lining prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Ensure potatoes stay covered during cooking to trap steam.
Reserve cheese and bacon for final minutes so they don't dry out during long cook time.
For crispier bacon texture, cook bacon separately until desired crispness, then crumble and add at the end.
Good to Know
Cover leftovers and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or slow cooker to prevent cheese from separating.
Assemble in slow cooker up to 12 hours ahead (refrigerated). Add 15-30 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.
Serve directly from slow cooker for casual meals, or transfer to serving dish for plating. Pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or salads.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip foil sealing to avoid potatoes drying out or losing steam.
Do not add reserved cheese too early to avoid it becoming tough and separating.
Do not skip the final 2-minute cook to ensure cheese fully melts and coats potatoes.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
mild onion flavor
Full guide →controls sodium