If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, these Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are just what you need. Perfectly tender baby potatoes soaked in creamy ranch seasoning, layered with crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese create a dish that truly defines comfort. This recipe offers 5 Comforting Servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends on a cozy day. Each bite bursts with rich, savory goodness that feels like a big, delicious hug.

5 Comforting Servings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in building layers of taste and texture. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the smoky crunch of bacon, every element brings something special to the table.

2 pounds baby potatoes, halved: Choose firm potatoes that will hold their shape while becoming wonderfully tender after slow cooking.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a melty, flavorful cheese pull that’s absolutely irresistible.
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds smokiness and a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix: A blend of herbs and spices that delivers the iconic tangy ranch flavor without extra effort.
1 cup sour cream: Brings rich creaminess that coats the potatoes beautifully, balancing the savory bacon and cheese.
1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh green onions lend a subtle sharpness and color contrast as a finishing touch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and halving the baby potatoes. You want them clean and ready because these little gems will soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness as they cook slowly to tender perfection.

Step 2: Add the Ranch Seasoning

Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over the halved potatoes. This quick step infuses the base with those classic tangy, herby notes that give the dish so much personality.

Step 3: Mix in Sour Cream

Pour the sour cream over the potatoes and ranch, then gently stir to ensure every piece is coated. This creamy layer is key to creating that luscious texture that makes these potatoes so comfortingly addictive.

Step 4: Layer Bacon and Cheese

Scatter the crumbled cooked bacon evenly across the top, then follow with a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese. These toppings will melt and meld with the potatoes during cooking, making every bite a savory delight.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat, letting it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours. The long, slow cooking allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and the potatoes to become tender without falling apart.

Step 6: Add the Fresh Finish

Once the cooking time is up, sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish. This fresh, mild onion flavor adds the perfect pop of color and brightness to balance the richness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, consider topping the potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These simple garnishes enhance the creamy and fresh components of the dish, making it feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a star side but also works brilliantly as a hearty main. Pair it with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting, balanced meal perfect for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these potatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties, or pile them high in a rustic serving dish to encourage family-style feasting. No matter how you plate them, these 5 Comforting Servings will be devoured fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesy bacon ranch potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as fresh.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked potatoes for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to melt the cheese and warm through without drying out. Adding a little extra sour cream can help bring back that fresh creaminess after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic tang and melt, you can experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ranch seasoning mix does not contain gluten. Always check the packet just to be sure.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through. Just make sure the potatoes are tender before serving.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and try adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for that rich, smoky flavor without the meat.

What can I add to make it extra creamy?

Mix in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream along with the sour cream before cooking for an extra luscious texture that makes these 5 Comforting Servings irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, offering 5 Comforting Servings of pure deliciousness. Whether for a family dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering, this dish promises to delight everyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food classic!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes recipe offers a comforting and creamy side dish featuring tender baby potatoes smothered in a cheesy ranch sauce, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Perfect for potlucks or a cozy family meal, it’s an easy and flavorful way to elevate your potato game using a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds baby potatoes, halved

Cheese & Dairy

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream

Seasonings & Garnishes

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Protein

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly in the slow cooker base, creating a foundation for the dish.
Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes to infuse them with tangy, herbaceous flavor.
Mix in Sour Cream: Add the sour cream on top and gently stir to coat the potatoes thoroughly, ensuring they become creamy as they cook.
Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream-covered potatoes for a rich and savory topping.
Cook the Potatoes: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese has melted into a bubbly layer.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, scatter the chopped green onions over the top to add freshness and a mild onion bite that complements the creamy and cheesy potatoes.

Notes

Make sure to halve the baby potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Using pre-cooked bacon saves time, but you can cook bacon specifically for this recipe if preferred.
If you prefer a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the ranch seasoning.
This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently in the slow cooker or oven.
For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American