Ranch Potatoes are full of tangy buttermilk flavor in a creamy cheesy sauce. So easy to make any time in the slow cooker. Bacon is added to the top for a perfect finishing touch.
This crowd-pleasing side dish recipe is always a favorite!
If you love ranch dressing you’ll be nuts about this side dish.
It has those tangy flavors along with sour cream and cheese!
Crumbled bacon on top is a winner too.
You’ll love this Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe too!
An Easy Slow Cooker Potato Recipe
There are many reasons so make this potato recipe.
- It’s easy to make
- It’s full of tangy Ranch dressing and cheesy flavors
- It has a creamy, rich texture
- And is made in the slow cooker so you can put it together and forget about
- The slow cooker is perfect for any season (doesn’t heat up the kitchen in the summer)
Recipe Ingredients
- Red Potatoes – the potatoes should be scrubbed but do NOT need to be peeled (the skin is very thin)! The skin adds flavor and color to the recipe.
- Salt and Pepper – for seasoning.
- Smoked Paprika – smoked paprika adds a wonderful earthy, smoky flavor and is not spicy. If you want to make them spicy you can add HOT Smoked Paprika.
- Ranch Salad Dressing – I love homemade Ranch dressing but typically use store bought dressing for this recipe. It’s thicker and saves time.
- Sour Cream – use full fat for the creamiest results.
- Cheddar Cheese – either Mild or Sharp cheddar can be used. OR do a blend of Colby and Monterey jack cheeses.
- Bacon – the bacon is cooked and chopped to be used when serving. As a short cut you can use chopped real bacon (not bacon bits or artificial bacon) that is store bought. Use 6 tablespoons.
What Size Slow Cooker to Use
I use a 6-quart Crock Pot (shown in the recipe steps below).
I like this particular slow cooker because it is programmable and has a locking lid for transporting it.
How to Make it – Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
STEP 2: Add the potatoes (photo 1). Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and smoked paprika (photo 2).
STEP 3: In a small bowl combine the ranch dressing and sour cream (photo 3). Whisk together (photo 4) and pour over the potatoes (photo 5).
STEP 4: Add the shredded cheese (photo 6) and toss to coat (photo 7).
STEP 5: Add the cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours (until potatoes are cooked through) (photo 8).
Stir after cooking (some of the fat may separate). Top with bacon when serving.
Optional Garnish: chopped fresh jalapenos or pickled jalapenos for a spicy bite!
What to Serve with It
- Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
- The Perfect Burger recipe
- Boneless Pork Loin Roast
- Cherries Jubilee
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Blue Margarita
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat over low heat on the stove top or in the microwave.
More Potato Recipes You’ll Love
- Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Potato recipe
- Homemade Potato Chips
- Roasted Potatoes
- Mashed Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
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Cathy says
I’m not the biggest potato fan, but I’m totally in love with these!
Lyanna Soria says
My kids absolutely love potatoes and this sounds like a great dish to prepare for them. That ranch potato looks quite delicious as well!
Sara Welch says
This is my kind of comfort food! Going to serve these with dinner tonight; looks too good to pass up!
wilhelmina says
So dang yummy! My whole family devoured these potatoes and begged for more! Great recipe!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
These ranch potatoes are incredibly delicious!! My family LOVED them!! I will definitely be making these again!
katerina @ diethood.com says
Such a fantastic potato recipe!! I can’t wait to try this!
Catalina says
This Ranch Potatoes look amazing! My family loves potatoes so much! I will try this recipe for sure!
Kathy says
These look so amazing. I have a lot of potatoes that I have been wanting to use up too. I’ll be saving this to try out. I’m sure they’re delicious!
Amy Desrosiers says
These ranch potatoes look fantastic! I love cheesy comforting potato dishes like these.
Heather says
I make something very similar in the oven. It’s one of our favorite dishes!
SHANIKA says
Slow Cookers are such a lifesaver! These potatoes look so tender and delish!
Dahn says
Oh this is just the ultimate comfort food. That sauce looks so creamy and addicting I could eat this every day. Gimme a side of bacon and dinner is done! 😉
veenaazmanov says
Potatoes are always perfect. Love your recipe to this cheesy and perfect Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes. My kids to enjoy every bite of it.
Jen says
Pretty much all of my family’s favorites rolled into one side dish! Love that it’s easily made in a slow cooker too. A total win!
kerri says
These couldn’t be easier or more delicious!
Pam Greer says
I love using my slow cooker for side dishes, it frees up my oven for the main dish! These potatoes are extra yummy in the slow cooker!
Beth says
My family is going to love this recipe! We love cheese here and potatoes! Can’t wait to make these!
Lauren Kelly says
My ranch-loving family will go crazy for these! Another winner of a recipe!
Amanda says
Outstanding comfort food, I cannot get enough of them!