Description
These Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch are a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy mashed russet potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal, this recipe combines ease of preparation with rich, satisfying flavors, all prepared low and slow in a slow cooker for effortless cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Cooking Base
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup ghee or butter (use ghee for Whole30-friendly)
- 4 cloves 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 + additional for topping (1-1½ cups) (Omit for Whole30-friendly option or substitute ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Halve or quarter the peeled russet potatoes into 1- to 1½-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Place all the potato chunks into the slow cooker.
- Add Cooking Ingredients: Add the ghee or butter, chicken broth or water, roughly chopped garlic, and sea salt to the slow cooker with the potatoes. This combination will infuse flavor and keep the potatoes moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to HIGH heat. Cook for 4 hours or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash easily with a fork or a masher.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cooked potatoes. Add additional broth or water as necessary to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chopped bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top the mashed potatoes with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of additional bacon and chives for an attractive presentation.
- Hold Warm if Needed: Serve immediately for best flavor and texture, or keep the slow cooker on ‘Warm’ to hold the potatoes until ready to eat.
Notes
- These loaded mashed potatoes make a perfect comfort food side for holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a hearty, flavorful dish.
- For a Whole30-friendly version, substitute ghee for butter, omit the cheese, and use nutritional yeast instead.
- You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and simply reheat on low in the slow cooker before serving.
- Adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes by adding more broth as you mash for fluffier or creamier results.
- The ranch dressing adds a tangy creaminess that complements the bacon and cheese beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 271mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
