Oh, the joys of a slow cooker and the magic it brings to humble ingredients! I recall the first time I tried to make Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes. It was a chilly Sunday, and honestly, I had almost nothing in the fridge except for a bag of potatoes. I mean, talk about a culinary conundrum, right? But then, I remembered this recipe my mom always raved about, claiming it was “the easiest crowd-pleaser you’ll ever make.” So, I gave it a whirl, and let’s just say, the first attempt was… edible? I forgot to layer the cheese properly, and it ended up as a gooey mass on top. Lesson learned!
But now, after tweaking and perfecting (and yes, properly layering), this dish has become a must-have at every family gathering. The kids go nuts for it, and honestly, there’s nothing quite like the smell of bacon and cheese wafting through the house on a lazy afternoon. So, strap in and get ready for a cheesy, bacony, ranchy ride that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… They’re honestly simple, but each one packs a punch. Plus, you might already have most of these in your pantry. (And yes, I’ve substituted like crazy when I’ve been low on supplies, so don’t sweat it too much.)
- 2 pounds red potatoes, cubed (skin-on for that rustic touch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better)
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (or more if you’re feeling indulgent)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (trust me, it’s a game-changer)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (for that little kick)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish (optional, but pretty)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Alright, here we go. And remember – if I can do this after my epic cheese-layering fail, so can you.
- Start by greasing your slow cooker. You don’t want those glorious potatoes sticking!
- Now, toss in those cubed potatoes. Give them a season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle half the ranch seasoning over the potatoes. Stir it up so they’re all coated in that ranch goodness.
- Layer half the bacon and onions on top. It’s all about those layers, folks.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything. This will keep it moist and flavorful.
- Top with half the cheddar cheese. Learn from my mistakes and spread it evenly!
- Repeat the layers: potatoes, seasoning, bacon, onions, and finally, cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want those potatoes tender and the cheese melty.
- Once it’s all cooked and bubbly, sprinkle on those green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve it up hot and watch as it disappears faster than you can say ‘seconds, please!’
Tips & Tricks
But here’s the thing, not every slow cooker is created equal. (Learned this the hard way when my old one bit the dust mid-cooking.) So, here are a few tips:
- If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the potatoes at the 6-hour mark on low. Nobody wants overcooked mush.
- Want to cut down on calories? Use low-fat cheese and turkey bacon. It’ll still taste amazing, I promise.
- For those of you who can’t do dairy, nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy flavor without the lactose drama.
- Storage is a breeze. Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re just as good the next day.
- And variations? Oh, honey, the sky’s the limit. Throw in some diced bell peppers, swap in sweet potatoes, or add a dollop of sour cream on top.
FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers (and a few extra stories).
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and start cooking the next day.
Q: Is it possible to overcook this dish in the slow cooker?
A: Sadly, yes. Keep an eye on it, especially if you’re new to the slow cooker game. It’s forgiving, but not infallible.
Q: Can I add other types of cheese?
A: Go for it! I’ve thrown in Gouda, mozzarella, even a bit of blue cheese for a tangy twist. Experiment and make it your own.
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a story on a plate. It’s about laughter, family, and those oh-so-satisfying cheese pulls. It’s a testament to the fact that the best meals aren’t just about the food—they’re about the memories we make while sharing them.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds red potatoes, cubed (skin-on for that rustic touch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better)
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (or more if you're feeling indulgent)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (trust me, it's a game-changer)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (for that little kick)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you're keeping it vegetarian)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish (optional, but pretty)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
-
Add cubed potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and stir in half the ranch seasoning.
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Create a layer of half the bacon and onions, then pour over the chicken broth.
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Top with half the cheddar cheese, spreading evenly.
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Repeat the layers, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
-
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
