Crockpot Potato: Amazing 3lb Ranch Bake

Crockpot potato dishes have become my go-to for busy weeknights, and this recipe is a true game-changer. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of bacon and savory ranch filling my kitchen instantly made everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste. It’s a simple slow cooker potato recipe that delivers incredible flavor with almost no effort. If you’re looking for the best crockpot potato dishes that are both comforting and incredibly easy, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

This crockpot potato recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons!

• The flavor is out of this world – savory ranch, crispy bacon, and perfectly tender potatoes create a taste sensation.
• Prep time is a breeze; you can have everything in the slow cooker in just 15 minutes.
• It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• This is a truly family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour.
• It’s a fantastic crock pot potatoes easy option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on autopilot.
• You’ll discover precisely why use a crockpot for potatoes – it locks in moisture and infuses flavor beautifully.
• It’s a healthier way to enjoy potatoes, as the slow cooker method often requires less added fat than traditional methods.
• These potatoes are so versatile, making them the perfect side dish for almost any meal.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ranch Potatoes with Bacon

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing cheesy crockpot potatoes:

• 3 lb baby red potatoes, halved – their waxy texture holds up well in the slow cooker.
• 1 onion, diced – adds a foundational savory flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic punch.
• 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped – cooked until crisp, this adds salty, smoky goodness.
• 1 oz envelope ranch seasoning mix – this is the flavor powerhouse, infusing everything with that signature zesty taste.
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided – half to meld into the potatoes and half for a gooey, melted topping.
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) butter – softened, this adds richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – just a touch to enhance all the other flavors.
• Chopped green onions or chives, for topping – for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Crockpot Potatoes

Whipping up these delicious crock pot potatoes easy is simpler than you might think. This method ensures tender, flavorful potatoes every time, making it a perfect crock pot potato side dish.

1. Step 1: First, let’s get that bacon nice and crispy! In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon slices until they reach your desired level of crunchiness. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. This little step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Add your prepared baby red potatoes (halved), the diced onion, and the minced garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Now for the flavor boost! Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the potatoes, onion, and garlic. Next, add the envelope of ranch seasoning mix, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese (that’s 1 cup), and dot the softened butter all over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Step 4: Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce them without resistance. This is how you truly learn how to cook potatoes in a slow cooker for maximum flavor.
5. Step 5: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the lid. Stir everything together gently to combine the melted butter, cheese, and seasonings with the potatoes.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the mixture.
7. Step 7: Place the lid back on the slow cooker for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey.
8. Step 8: Remove the lid and garnish generously with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve these incredible crockpot potatoes hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Potato Dishes

Want to elevate your slow cooker potatoes from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference for these delicious crock pot potatoes easy to prepare.

• Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker! Potatoes need space to cook evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or cooking in two batches.
• Always start with baby potatoes or cut larger potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth along with the other ingredients for more moisture and depth.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Sometimes the ranch mix is salty enough, but you might want a little extra pepper or a pinch of garlic powder.

What’s the secret to perfect crockpot potatoes?

The biggest secret is not overcrowding the slow cooker. Giving the potatoes enough room allows them to cook evenly and become wonderfully tender. This also helps the seasonings and any added liquids distribute properly for truly flavorful, near-creamy crockpot potatoes.

Can I make crockpot potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients (chop veggies, cook bacon) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble everything in the slow cooker just before cooking. While they are best served fresh, leftovers can be reheated.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crockpot potato recipes?

A common pitfall is over or undercooking. Check for tenderness with a fork starting at the lower end of the cooking time. Also, ensure your slow cooker is at least halfway full for efficient cooking; too little food won’t heat properly. For more information on slow cooker best practices, check out this guide on general slow cooker usage.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Potatoes

These versatile crock pot potatoes easy to make are fantastic alongside so many main dishes! They’re perfect as a simple crock pot potato side dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Imagine serving them next to some juicy grilled chicken breasts or a perfectly cooked steak – the savory, cheesy flavors will complement them beautifully. For a more substantial meal, you could even consider this a base for a hearty crockpot potato casserole by adding some leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken and extra cheese!

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Ranch Potatoes with Bacon

When enjoying these delicious crockpot potatoes, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This recipe is a hearty side dish, and the nutrition reflects that. Remember, these are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (estimated)
• Fat: Approximately 30-40g (estimated)
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
• Protein: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
• Fiber: Approximately 4-6g (estimated)
• Sugar: Approximately 3-5g (estimated)
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1200mg (estimated, depending on seasoning and cheese)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Potatoes

Leftover crockpot potatoes are a lifesaver for meal prep! Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes them a convenient option, especially if you love an easy slow cooker potato bake later in the week. Just be aware that freezing and reheating can slightly alter the texture, making them a bit softer.

Reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently warm them in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. You can then use the microwave or skillet method. For a crisper texture, you might even consider spreading them on a baking sheet and popping them in a warm oven for a few minutes – almost like reviving your easy slow cooker potato bake!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Potatoes

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby red potatoes are fantastic because their skins are thin and they hold their shape well, you can certainly use other potatoes. Yukon Golds or even russets work, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If using russets, peeling them is optional, but cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes is a must to ensure even cooking, just like with slow cooker baked potatoes.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

No worries if you’re missing the ranch seasoning! You can create a similar flavor profile by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You could also use a taco seasoning mix for a different but equally delicious twist on these crockpot potatoes. Another option is to use a creamy dill dip mix if you have that on hand.

Can I make this a vegetarian crockpot potato dish?

Yes, you can easily make these vegetarian! Simply omit the bacon. You might want to add a bit more garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika to compensate for the smoky flavor. You could also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk it up and add more flavor complexity. It will still be a wonderfully savory and cheesy side.

How can I make these crockpot potatoes healthier?

To make these a bit healthier, you can reduce the amount of cheese and butter used. Opt for a reduced-fat shredded cheese and use a little less butter, or even a light buttery spread. You can also increase the portion of vegetables, like adding more onions or even some broccoli florets towards the end of cooking. These adjustments help lower the overall fat and calorie content while keeping the delicious flavor.

Variations of Crockpot Potatoes You Can Try

While these Crockpot Ranch Potatoes with Bacon are fantastic, the slow cooker is a playground for potato lovers! You’ll find so many amazing best slow cooker potato ideas to explore. If you’re craving something different, consider these variations:

• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Toss cubed potatoes with melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender for a simple yet elegant side.
• Cheesy Crockpot Potatoes: A step up from basic, this involves layering potatoes with cheddar cheese, a creamy sauce (often made with cream of mushroom soup or heavy cream), and maybe some diced ham or bacon. It’s pure comfort food!
• Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe: For a heartier meal, this variation combines potatoes with broth, milk or cream, onions, garlic, and often sausage or bacon, creating a thick, satisfying soup perfect for a chilly evening.
• Crockpot Pesto Parmesan Potatoes: Mix cubed potatoes with pesto, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little olive oil. This offers a fresh, herbaceous twist that’s surprisingly delicious.

Crockpot Potato: Amazing 3lb Ranch Bake

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Discover a collection of easy and delicious crockpot potato recipes. From creamy mashed potatoes to zesty, herby sides, these slow cooker recipes are perfect for any occasion. They are family-friendly, require minimal effort, and free up your oven space.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lb baby red potatoes, halved
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 oz envelope ranch seasoning mix
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions or chives, for topping

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Chop into small pieces.
2. Lightly grease the Crockpot, then add potatoes, onion, garlic, and bacon.
3. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning, 1 cup of cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Stir everything together, then top with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
6. Cover for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with green onions or chives before serving.

Notes

• This recipe is for Crockpot Ranch Potatoes With Bacon.
• Other crockpot potato recipes mentioned include Crockpot Swamp Potatoes, Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Potato Soup, Crockpot Creamy Sausage & Potato Soup, Crockpot Crack Potato Soup, Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, Crockpot Baked Potatoes, Crockpot Baked Sweet Potatoes, Crockpot Pesto Parmesan Potatoes, Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Crockpot Cajun Parmesan Potatoes, Crockpot Greek Lemon Potatoes, Crockpot Chipotle Lime Potatoes, and Crockpot Parmesan Potato Wedges.
• The image provided is of Crockpot Ranch Potatoes With Bacon.
• The collection focuses on easy, family-friendly crockpot potato dishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (estimated)
• Sugar: Approximately 3-5g (estimated)
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1200mg (estimated, depending on seasoning and cheese)
• Fat: Approximately 30-40g (estimated)
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
• Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g (estimated)
• Trans Fat: Less than 1g (estimated)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
• Fiber: Approximately 4-6g (estimated)
• Protein: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
• Cholesterol: Approximately 70-90mg (estimated)

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