Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

On busy days when you need dinner to practically make itself, your slow cooker is the perfect kitchen helper. These Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes come together with frozen hash browns, sweet onion, Colby Jack cheese, and a rich, creamy ranch sauce that cooks low and slow until perfectly tender. Serve them as a hearty side dish, or stir in diced ham to transform them into an easy one-pot meal that’s sure to satisfy after a long, hectic day.

Easy Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Recipe

Slow cookers have been a lifesaver for busy families for decades, and even with all the new fast-cooking appliances on the market, my crockpot is still the one I reach for most. There’s just something about being able to toss in the ingredients, set it, and let dinner cook while I tackle everything else on my to-do list.

These Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are a perfect example. They cook up rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making them an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken and pork chops to meatloaf, ham, or barbecue. Add diced ham to the potatoes, and you’ve got a hearty one-dish meal that’s just as comforting as it is convenient. It’s the kind of side dish the whole family will love.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Hash Brown Potatoes – One 30 ounce package of frozen hash brown potatoes.
Soup – Canned cream of potato soup and cream of celery soup expands the flavor profile.
Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
Sour Cream – Sour cream gives the easy salt a tangy flavor.
Liquid – Chicken broth for moisture.
Ranch Seasoning – One packet of Hidden Valley dry Ranch dressing mix gives these potatoes their signature flavor.
Spices – Garlic salt and black pepper.
Cheese – Shredded colby jack cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
Onion – Sweet Vidalia onion for the casserole and green onions or garnishing.

How to Make Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Prepare Crockpot – Spray the inside of a 6 quart slow cooker liberally with non-stick spray.
Make the Sauce – Whisk together the butter, cream of potato soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, garlic salt or seasoned salt and black pepper.
Combine – Add the hash brown potatoes, diced onion and shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated. Pour Into the slow cooker.
Cover – Cover the opening of the slow cooker with paper towels to absorb the condensation, then fit the lid tightly on top.
Cook – Cook per the recipe on low until the potatoes are cooked through and fork tender.
Sprinkle top with Cheese – Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
Let Stand – Leave uncovered and let stand for 20 minutes prior to serving.

Kitchen Tools to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Recipe

6 quart or similar size slow cooker.
Large bowl.
Whisk.
Sharp knife and cutting board.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Cheese grater.
Large silicone spatula.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Hash Browns – This recipe is made using frozen cubed hash browns. The hash brown potatoes should be thawed prior to mixing with the remaining ingredients. You can use your favorite brand.
Crock Pot – You can make these potatoes in any shape slow cooker. should you choose to use a smaller slow cooker the cooking time may need to be adjusted as it may take longer to cook, so adjust accordingly.
Cheese – You can use another flavor of cheese in the same amount to suit your taste. Sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese.
Peppers – You could add diced red bell pepper and green bell peppers to the potato mixture.
Protein – You could add diced ham or bacon.
Serving Options – These delectable Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes will complement most any entrée that goes well with potatoes as a side kick. When paired with dishes like oven barbecue chicken breasts and grilled chili rubbed skirt steak it will turn your meal into a homemade feast for your family and friends to enjoy.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – You can fully assemble these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes one day in advance, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge. If you don’t have a removeable crock, simply leave them in the mixing bowl and pour into the crockpot just before slow cooking.
Room Temperature – When prepping in advance, allow it time (20 minutes or so) on the counter for the crock to warm before heating it in the slow cooker. Reference your appliances manufacturer’s recommendation regarding best safety practices specific to the appliance you’ll be using.
Leftovers – Store leftover Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Reheat leftovers in single serving portions in the microwave.
Freezer – You can freeze leftover cheesy potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipes to Make

Slow cookers have dinner simmering while you go about your day. It doesn’t get any better than that. Other crockpot and slow cooker recipes to try:

Comfort filled Slow Cooked Roast with Creamy Mushroom Gravy.
Slow Cooked Triple Meat Lasagna is an Italian feast.
Tender and juicy Crockpot Pork Tenderloin.
For the holidays Slow Cooked Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham.
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a fan favorite.
Slow Cooked Cheesy Salsa Chicken for fiesta night at home.
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a family friendly feast.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooked Meatballs from The Chunky Chef.

recipe-for-slow-cooker-cheesy-ranch-potatoes

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