Perfectly tender and full of flavor, these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes combine creamy cheese, smoky bacon and zesty ranch for a comforting side dish the whole family will love.
Potatoes make a great side any time of year. For more tasty potato ideas, consider Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Crispy Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan, or Parmesan Garlic Potato Foil Packets.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
This was my first time making potatoes in a slow cooker and the result reminded me of classic foil-dinner potatoes—tender, savory, and loaded with flavor. These slow-cooker potatoes fill the house with an irresistible aroma all day, and they make a simple, delicious side: scoop and serve.
The combination of cheese and bacon takes ordinary potatoes to the next level. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal hands-on time, and clean up is simple when you line the slow cooker with foil.
Cheesy Potato Ingredients
These slow-cooked Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a crowd pleaser and pair well with a variety of main dishes.
- Potatoes: Small red or yellow baby potatoes work best—halved for even cooking.
- Onion: Thinly sliced so it softens during the long, slow cook.
- Bacon: About ½–1 pound; cooked until done but not overly crisp.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar layered into the potatoes and melted on top.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning Packet: A single packet adds that familiar ranch flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter poured over the layers for richness and a slightly crisp surface.
- Green Onions: Sliced and used as a fresh garnish before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potatoes
Let the slow cooker do the work. These potatoes pair well with steaks, burgers, roasted chicken, or any main you’re serving.
- Cook the bacon and onion: Cook bacon until it is done but not overly crisp; the onion can be cooked or added raw thinly sliced—either works since it will soften in the slow cooker. Baking bacon on a foil-lined sheet at 350°F for about 16 minutes is an easy method.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Line the slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving enough to fold over the top later. This makes cleanup easier and helps the potatoes steam evenly.
- Layer the ingredients: Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Layer half the halved potatoes along the bottom, then half the bacon, half the sliced onion, half the green onions, half the ranch seasoning, and half the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers and reserve about ½ cup of cheese to top at the end. Pour the melted butter over everything.
- Cook low and finish: Cover the potatoes with the remaining foil so they steam evenly. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, until potatoes are tender. When finished, remove the top foil and sprinkle the reserved cheese over the hot potatoes to melt. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
These simple tips help ensure evenly cooked, flavorful potatoes every time.
- Bacon: Cook it ahead so it adds concentrated flavor and some crisp texture without becoming mushy in the cooker. Baking bacon on a foil-lined sheet is hands-off and consistent.
- Foil liner: Lining the slow cooker with foil simplifies cleanup and helps steam the potatoes uniformly.
- Nonstick spray: Spray the foil before layering to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Uniform cutting: Cut potatoes, onions, and bacon to similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
More Quick and Easy Potato Recipes
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Best Ever Baked Parmesan Garlic Potato Wedges
- Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
- Crispy Potato Skins
- Dad’s Famous Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 pound halved baby potatoes
- 1 large thinly sliced onion
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning packet
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
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Cook the 1 large thinly sliced onion and ½ pound bacon until the bacon is cooked but not overly crisp. Baking bacon on a foil-lined cookie sheet at 350°F for about 16 minutes is an easy method.
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Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to fold over the top later.
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Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. Layer half the halved baby potatoes along the bottom, then half the cooked bacon, half the sliced onion, half the sliced green onions, half the ranch seasoning packet, and half the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Repeat the layers, reserving ½ cup of cheese for the finish. Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top.
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Cover with remaining foil to trap steam. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, until potatoes are tender. Remove the top foil and sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheese to melt on top.
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Garnish with fresh green onions before serving, if desired.
Video
Notes
Originally Posted on September 3, 2013
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.