Get ready to transform your dinner game with the most irresistible side dish that'll have everyone begging for seconds! These Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that combines the crispy goodness of bacon, the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of perfectly cooked baby potatoes. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that requires minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Wash baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Prepare bacon by cooking in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place halved potatoes into the slow cooker, creating an even layer across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Distribute the crumbled bacon pieces uniformly across the potatoes.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the ranch flavors.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes to melt.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the potatoes and transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes work best for this recipe as they maintain their shape and cook evenly. Make sure to wash and halve them uniformly for consistent cooking.
- Bacon Matters: For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's crisp. Pat the bacon dry with paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling.
- Seasoning Technique: Distribute the ranch seasoning and salt and pepper evenly to ensure every potato bite is packed with flavor.
- Cheese Timing: Add the shredded cheddar cheese only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its gooey texture.
- Prevent Sticking: Always spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
- Don't Overcrowd: Create an even, single layer of potatoes to ensure they cook properly and absorb the seasonings.
- Garnish Fresh: Add the chopped green onions just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright color.Pro Tip: For an extra crispy finish, you can briefly broil the potatoes in the oven for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking to create a golden-brown top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 328kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 32mg
