Get ready for the ultimate comfort food side dish — these Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor! 🧀🥓 Perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or potlucks, this recipe combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning — all slow-cooked to perfection.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Effortless — just layer and let the slow cooker do the work.
✅ Crowd-pleasing — bacon, cheese, and ranch never fail!
✅ Perfect side dish for BBQs, holidays, or weeknight dinners.
✅ Customizable — add veggies, switch cheeses, or make it spicy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs baby potatoes (red or yellow), quartered
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade – see below)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🏡 Optional Homemade Ranch Seasoning
If you’d like to skip the packet, mix:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or line with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Add half of the potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with half the ranch seasoning, half the cheese, and half the bacon.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 5–6 hours, or
- High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Once cooked, sprinkle with extra cheese on top, cover for 5–10 minutes to let it melt.
Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- A simple green salad for balance
- Or enjoy them solo as a hearty comfort meal!
🌟 Tips for Success
✨ Use baby potatoes or Yukon golds for the best texture — they stay tender and creamy.
✨ Don’t skip the layering — it ensures every bite is flavorful.
✨ For extra indulgence, mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
✨ Want spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with jalapeños.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freeze: Not recommended — potatoes can turn grainy after thawing.
💛 Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish — rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky bacon flavor. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this is the kind of recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). 🥓🧀🥔
Print
🥔 Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
• 4 cups diced baby potatoes (or Yukon golds)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tbsp for topping)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise or ranch dressing
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, crumbled bacon, onion, and garlic.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise (or ranch), ranch seasoning, ¾ cup cheddar, Parmesan, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in remaining ¼ cup cheddar. Let sit 5 minutes to melt.
- Garnish with reserved bacon and fresh chives. Serve hot!
✨ Perfect for:
• Holiday sides
• Game day spreads
• Weeknight dinners with a crockpot twist
💡 Make it heartier: Add diced ham or swap half the potatoes for cauliflower.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 6 hrs (on low) , Total Time : 6 hrs 15 mins , Servings : 6 , Calories : 280 per serving , Net Carbs: 18g , Fats: 18g , Protein: 12g