Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes. With crispy bacon, tender red potatoes, and a generous helping of melted cheddar cheese, all seasoned with zesty ranch seasoning, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these potatoes will steal the show.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 3 pounds of red potatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon of Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chives
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Lay out the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven until they turn brown and crispy, typically around 12-14 minutes. Once done, allow the bacon to cool before crumbling it into pieces. Set aside for later use.
- Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap the potatoes on top, and coat it with nonstick spray. Layer the chopped potatoes evenly in the slow cooker. Top the potatoes with a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese, Ranch Seasoning, and crumbled bacon, repeating this layering process two more times. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for later use.
- Cover the layered potatoes with aluminum foil and cook them on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt, typically taking around 1-2 minutes.
- Serve your Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes immediately, garnished with the freshly chopped chives for a burst of flavor and color.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (on low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot: These Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are best served hot, straight from the slow cooker, to ensure the cheese is gooey and irresistible.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like chopped green onions, crispy fried onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just layer them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
- Leftover Magic: Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Freeze for Later: These potatoes can also be frozen for longer storage. Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Customize Portions: Adjust the serving size according to your needs by halving or doubling the recipe. It’s easily adaptable for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve these potatoes alongside your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Brunch Favorite: These potatoes are not just for dinner! They make a delightful addition to brunch spreads, paired with eggs cooked your favorite way.
- Dip Delight: Serve with a side of ranch or garlic aioli for dipping to elevate the flavor even further.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack these potatoes into a picnic basket for a delicious outdoor meal. They taste just as good chilled as they do hot.
- Holiday Hit: Elevate your holiday feast by serving these potatoes as a festive side dish. They’ll be the star of the show alongside your turkey or ham.
- Potluck Pleaser: Bring these potatoes to your next potluck or family gathering and watch them disappear in no time.
- Kid-Friendly Fare: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the cheesy goodness of these potatoes. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
- Game Day Grub: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just watching the game at home, these potatoes are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to score big.
- Brinner Brilliance: Who says breakfast is just for mornings? Enjoy these potatoes for dinner (aka brinner) with a side of bacon and eggs for a comforting meal any time of day.
Variations:
- Loaded Potato Skins: Scoop out the cooked potatoes and fill the skins with cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Bake until bubbly for a fun twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Italian Flair: Swap the ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning and add diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of ranch and top with salsa, black beans, corn, and avocado for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Potato Medley: Mix different varieties of potatoes like Yukon gold or sweet potatoes for a colorful medley of flavors.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier meal.
- Breakfast Bowl: Serve these potatoes as a base for a breakfast bowl topped with fried or poached eggs, avocado, and salsa for a filling morning meal.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor.
- Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, just ensure that the ranch seasoning mix you use is gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free spices.
- Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon? Absolutely! Regular bacon will work just as well in this recipe if you prefer its flavor.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? Yes, you can omit the bacon altogether or replace it with vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Of course! Feel free to add in diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
- Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time? Yes, you can cook the potatoes on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 7-8 hours if you’re short on time.
- Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of cooking it in the oven? Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to save time.
- How can I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the slow cooker? Make sure to coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with aluminum foil as instructed in the recipe.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
With just a little prep work and some patience, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a hearty side or as the main event, these Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit every time. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in pure comfort with every bite.