Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole (Crockpot)
If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting potato casserole, look no further than this Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this slow-cooker recipe combines tender sliced potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the zesty goodness of ranch seasoning. The crockpot does all the work, making it an easy, hands-off meal that everyone will love.
This casserole is indulgent, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare. The best part? It’s versatile enough to pair with any main dish, from grilled chicken to a hearty steak. With a little prep and the slow cooker’s magic, this Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole will become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 strips)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (typically 1 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ranch Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, sour cream, and milk. Stir well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the ranch mixture, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Make sure to check the potatoes by piercing them with a fork to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Once ready, give it a gentle stir, and serve this creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole hot. Enjoy!
20 FAQs About Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Just make sure they are sliced thinly for even cooking.
- Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream? Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative and will still give a creamy texture.
- Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of frying bacon? Yes, pre-cooked bacon bits will save time, but for the best flavor, fresh crispy bacon is preferred.
- Is it necessary to peel the potatoes? It’s not necessary to peel the potatoes, but if you prefer, you can peel them for a smoother texture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just cook it the next day in the slow cooker.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of cheeses will work well. Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy kick.
- How can I make the casserole spicier? Add some diced jalapeños, or use a spicy ranch seasoning mix to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and freezing for up to 2-3 months.
- How do I reheat frozen casserole? Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until fully heated through.
- Can I use fat-free sour cream or milk? Yes, fat-free versions can be used if you’re looking to cut back on calories, but it may affect the creaminess of the dish.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! You can add cooked broccoli, sautéed onions, or even bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Can I cook this casserole on high in the slow cooker? Yes, if you need to speed things up, you can cook it on high for 2.5-3 hours, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Can I use frozen potatoes? Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can be used, but fresh potatoes typically hold up better and give the best texture.
- Should I stir the casserole during cooking? It’s not necessary to stir, but you can give it a quick mix halfway through if you like.
- Can I add more bacon for extra flavor? Yes, feel free to add more bacon if you want it extra meaty. A few extra strips will elevate the flavor.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe is gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix.
- How can I make this casserole more filling? Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to make it a heartier meal.
- What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix? You can make your own ranch seasoning by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- How do I avoid the casserole becoming too watery? Make sure the potatoes are sliced thinly, and use the correct amount of liquid to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I serve this casserole with a salad? Yes, a fresh green salad would pair nicely with this creamy casserole to balance out the richness.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole
- Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use fresh bacon for a crispy, flavorful finish.
- Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper before layering for added flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a little extra sour cream.
- Layer ingredients well to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes—they should be tender, not mushy.
- Sprinkle cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a gooey, golden finish.
- Stir occasionally if you feel like it, but don’t disrupt the layers too much.
- Make sure the slow cooker is fully covered to trap moisture inside.
- Use full-fat cheese and sour cream for the best creamy texture.
- Add some crunch by topping with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Taste before serving to adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make it spicy by using spicy ranch seasoning or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add some herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh garnish.
- Check on the casserole halfway through to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
- Use a sturdy slow cooker that doesn’t overheat or burn the edges.
- Don’t overload the slow cooker—it should only be filled halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Layer the ingredients to avoid them cooking unevenly—potatoes first, then ranch mixture, and cheese last.
- For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the ranch mixture.
Storage and Heating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
- For Extra Crispy Cheese: After reheating, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden top.
Enjoy this Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Potato Casserole for an easy, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
