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This Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort side dish that turns simple baby potatoes into a creamy, cheesy delight with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks when you want something warm, flavorful, and effortless to make. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax or prepare the rest of your meal.
Ingredients
- Two pounds of baby potatoes: halved for even cooking and tender centers
- One cup shredded cheddar cheese: choose a sharp variety for best flavor
- One cup sour cream: rich creaminess that coats every bite
- One packet of ranch seasoning mix: about one ounce to give that tangy, herby ranch flavor
- Half cup chopped green onions: fresh brightness and mild onion bite
- Half cup cooked bacon crumbled: for smoky, crispy topping, thick cut bacon works best for texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Place the halved baby potatoes evenly across the slow cooker base creating a single layer so they cook uniformly. This small step ensures no potato gets overcooked or underdone.
- Add Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. This seasoning mix adds a perfect blend of herbs and spices that infuse the potatoes with classic ranch flavor as they cook.
- Mix in Sour Cream:
- Spoon the sour cream on top of the seasoned potatoes and gently stir so every potato is coated. This step is key to develop the creamy texture you want without breaking up the potatoes.
- Add Bacon and Cheese:
- Evenly sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream coated potatoes. The bacon adds smoky crunch; the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey top layer.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for four to five hours until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often or the cooking time may increase.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving scatter the chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast that brightens the dish.
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I love how the ranch seasoning transforms plain potatoes into something so much more exciting. One holiday, my family kept sneaking spoonfuls straight from the cooker before dinner because the aroma was irresistible. It’s those moments that make this dish unforgettable.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm slowly in the slow cooker to avoid drying out the potatoes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly lighter version. Use gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar if you prefer a milder melted cheese texture. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and sprinkle toasted nuts for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a cozy winter dinner. It pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes are ideal as they cook quickly and evenly, becoming tender without falling apart.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients a day early and gently reheat in the slow cooker or oven before serving.
- → Is there a way to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning will give it a mild spicy kick.
- → Can I use uncooked bacon?
Pre-cooked bacon is recommended for even layering, but cooking raw bacon beforehand also works fine.
- → How do I ensure potatoes cook evenly?
Halve the baby potatoes uniformly to help them cook at the same rate and become tender throughout.
- → Are there lighter ingredient options?
Reduced-fat sour cream and cheese can be used to lower fat content without sacrificing creaminess.