Description
This Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch is a comforting, hearty side dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Creamy mashed russet potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection and loaded with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and a tangy homemade or store-bought ranch dressing. The slow cooker makes preparation easy, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while freeing you up to focus on other dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Base
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup ghee or butter (use ghee for Whole30-friendly option)
- 4 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp. sea salt
Toppings and Mix-ins
- 4 strips crisp cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup homemade ranch or store-purchased ranch dressing
- 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese plus additional for topping (1-1 ½ cups) (Omit for Whole30 or substitute ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Halve or quarter the peeled russet potatoes into chunks about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. Place them evenly into the slow cooker.
- Add Flavorings: Pour in the ghee or butter, chicken broth (or water), roughly chopped garlic cloves, and sea salt over the potatoes.
- Slow Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set the heat to HIGH. Cook the potatoes for 4 hours or until they are tender and easily mashable.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Add additional broth or water as needed to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Mix in Toppings: Fold in the chopped crispy bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Top the mashed potatoes with more shredded cheese, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of bacon and chives if desired. Serve immediately, or keep warm by switching the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting until ready to eat.
Notes
- This dish is a comforting, flavorful side that pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats and holiday meals.
- For a Whole30-compliant version, substitute ghee for butter, omit the shredded cheese, or replace it with nutritional yeast.
- Use homemade ranch to control ingredients or choose a high-quality store-bought version.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, an immersion blender will yield creamier mashed potatoes than a masher.
- Holding the mashed potatoes in the slow cooker on ‘Warm’ can keep them at serving temperature for several hours without drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 271mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
