Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe
If you have ever craved the comforting embrace of mashed potatoes but with a fun, flavorful twist, the Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine creamy, buttery potatoes cooked to perfection with garlic, infused with the zest of ranch, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese—all slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that transforms simple spuds into a luxurious, cozy side that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a satisfying comfort food fix, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and that homemade feel that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe is part of the magic. Each element is simple yet essential, lending the perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and savory depth. These ingredients come together effortlessly to create smooth, flavorful mashed potatoes that are anything but ordinary.
- 4 pounds russet potatoes: Choose russets for their starchy texture, which makes for fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water): Adds moisture and subtle richness to the potatoes as they cook.
- ¼ cup ghee or butter: Ghee offers a clean, nutty flavor and works well for Whole30, while butter adds classic creaminess.
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped: Infuses the potatoes with a mellow, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp. sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the dish perfectly.
- 4 strips crisp cooked bacon, chopped: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and umami.
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought ranch dressing: Brings that tangy, herby kick that makes these mashed potatoes truly “loaded.”
- 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese + extra for topping: Melts into the potatoes for gooey, cheesy goodness; omit or substitute nutritional yeast for Whole30-friendly version.
- ¼ cup chopped chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes
Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into chunks about 1 to 1 ½ inches. This uniform sizing is key to ensuring they cook evenly and reach the perfect tenderness without any mushy bits. Dump these prepared potatoes straight into your slow cooker bowl—it’s all about simplicity here.
Step 2: Add Cooking Ingredients
Next, add your ghee or butter, chicken broth or water, chopped garlic cloves, and sea salt directly on top of the potatoes. These ingredients are essential to keep your potatoes moist while infusing them with rich flavor as they slowly cook. It’s like a flavor bath for your spuds.
Step 3: Slow Cook Potatoes
Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cover it with the lid. Let those potatoes cook for approximately 4 hours, or until tender enough to mash easily with a fork. The slow heat patiently softens them while blending the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Mash Potatoes
Once tender, it’s time to create that luscious mashed texture. Use a potato masher or immersion blender right in the slow cooker to mash up the potatoes. If they feel too thick or dry, simply stir in a little more broth or water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This step makes the magic happen!
Step 5: Mix in Toppings
This is where your Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe transforms into the ultimate indulgence. Stir in the crispy chopped bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until everything is melted and beautifully combined. For a stunning finish, add more cheese, a drizzle of ranch, extra bacon bits, and chives on top to impress everyone at the table.
Step 6: Serve or Keep Warm
Serve your loaded mashed potatoes immediately to enjoy the creamy, cheesy decadence at its best. Alternatively, use your slow cooker’s ‘Warm’ setting to keep the dish perfectly heated until it’s time to dig in—ideal for busy family meals or entertaining guests.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe
Garnishes
Adding thoughtful garnishes can elevate your dish both visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, and an extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. A light drizzle of ranch dressing over the finished potatoes adds that irresistible herby creaminess that beckons you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a veggie-packed casserole. The rich, creamy potatoes balance well with any protein and are a classic crowd-pleaser at holiday dinners or casual Sunday meals. Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this comforting classic into a star at any meal by serving it in individual ramekins or hollowed-out baked potatoes for a playful loaded-spud experience. Layer it as a side for shepherd’s pie or atop casseroles for an extra cheesy crust. Presentation can be simple but thoughtful, making your meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more as they rest, making them perfect for next-day meals. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To freeze, skip adding fresh toppings like chives and bacon; stir them in fresh after thawing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water as needed to restore creamy consistency. Top with fresh garnishes for that just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter or ghee with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and skip or substitute the cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with a smoky tempeh bacon. For a vegan twist, use plant-based butter or ghee substitutes, a vegan ranch dressing, and omit or replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives. It’s still just as flavorful and creamy!
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are the ideal choice because their high starch content produces light, fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds can also work but expect a slightly creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they can become gluey when mashed.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, water can be used if you want to keep the recipe lighter or dairy-free, but chicken broth adds extra richness and depth of flavor. If you use water, consider adding a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor robust.
How can I make this recipe Whole30-compliant?
To keep it Whole30-friendly, use ghee instead of butter, omit the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast, and choose a compliant homemade ranch dressing. Skip the bacon or use nitrate-free, sugar-free bacon to align with the Whole30 guidelines.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet the flavors combine in such a way that it feels indulgent and special. Whether for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these loaded mashed potatoes never disappoint. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love—you’ll be amazed at how this simple, slow-cooked comfort food takes center stage every time.
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Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch recipe features creamy mashed russet potatoes cooked low and slow with garlic, ghee, and chicken broth for maximum flavor and tenderness. Mixed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh chives, this comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings and can easily be adapted for Whole30 diets.
Ingredients
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 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 + additional for topping (1–1 ½ cups) (Omit for Whole30-friendly option or substitute ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Halve or quarter russet potatoes into 1- to 1 ½-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Place all potato pieces into the slow cooker bowl.
- Add Cooking Ingredients: Add the ghee or butter, chicken broth or water, roughly chopped garlic cloves, and sea salt to the slow cooker with the potatoes. These ingredients will infuse flavor and keep the potatoes moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook Potatoes: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set the heat to HIGH. Cook the potatoes for about 4 hours, or until they become tender and easily mashable when pierced with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Add additional broth or water as needed to reach your preferred creamy consistency.
- Mix in Toppings: Stir in chopped crisp bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until everything is well combined and melted together. For an extra touch, top with more shredded cheese, a drizzle of ranch, bacon bits, and chives.
- Serve or Keep Warm: Serve the loaded mashed potatoes immediately, or keep them warm in the slow cooker set to the ‘Warm’ function until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a Whole30-friendly version, substitute ghee for butter, omit cheddar cheese, and use ¼ cup nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace butter with ghee or an alternative and omit cheese or use nutritional yeast.
- Adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes by adding more chicken broth or water as needed after mashing.
- These mashed potatoes can be kept warm in the slow cooker for up to 1 hour before serving without losing texture or flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use plant-based ranch dressing or additional herbs for flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
