Introduction
Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a delightful and easy side dish that bursts with flavor, making them perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, these potatoes will be a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients
1130 g baby Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
4-5 slices bacon, fried, chopped, and set aside
2 tablespoons (30 ml) bacon grease (reserved from frying)
180 ml chicken broth
3 tablespoons Ranch Dressing Mix
Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3.5 hours (high) or 6-7 hours (low)
Total Time: ~4 hours
Yield: 6 servings
These Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes are easy to prepare and will reheat beautifully, making them a versatile and delicious side dish for any family meal or potluck spread. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
– Begin by washing the baby Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly. Once cleaned, quarter each potato to create bite-sized pieces. Transfer the quartered potatoes directly into the crock pot, ensuring an even layer for optimal cooking.
Assemble in the Crock Pot
– Pour the chicken broth evenly over the potatoes, allowing their creamy texture to soak up the rich flavors. Add the chopped bacon pieces on top, distributing them evenly for an enticing savory kick. Drizzle the reserved 2 tablespoons of bacon grease over everything—this step enhances the overall flavor with a deliciously smoky richness. Finally, sprinkle the Ranch Dressing Mix uniformly, ensuring every potato is coated for maximum flavor.
Cook
– Securely cover the crock pot with its lid and set your cooking temperature: choose to cook on high for 3.5 hours or opt for low for 6 to 7 hours. The potatoes are ready when they become fork-tender, with all ingredients melding together into a delightful harmony of taste.
Serve
– Before serving, give the mixture a gentle toss. This ensures that every potato is evenly coated with the flavorful broth and bacon goodness. Consider garnishing with dried parsley for a sprinkle of color and added flavor, appealing to the eyes as much as the palate.
Notes
Cooking Variations
– For a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the crock pot to thicken the broth.
Ingredient Alternatives
– If you prefer a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also replace the Ranch Dressing Mix with homemade ranch seasonings to control flavors further.
Storage Tips
– These scrumptious potatoes reheat well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Customization Options
– Feel free to add other ingredients such as shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking or toss in some vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition.
Cook Techniques
Washing and Quartering Potatoes
Thoroughly wash the baby Yukon gold potatoes to remove any dirt. Quarter each potato to ensure even cooking and to help them soak up the flavors.
Using a Crock Pot
Set your crock pot to the desired cooking level (high or low) based on your time availability. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Layering Ingredients
When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer them thoughtfully. Start with the potatoes, followed by chicken broth, bacon bits, and finally sprinkle the Ranch Dressing Mix on top for an even distribution of flavor.
Checking for Doneness
Check if the potatoes are fork-tender towards the end of the cooking time. If they are still hard, continue to cook them until they reach the desired tenderness.
Tossing Before Serving
Before serving, gently toss the potatoes to ensure that all ingredients are mixed uniformly, allowing the flavors to be evenly distributed.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes such as red potatoes. However, cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish beforehand and warm it up before serving.
What can I replace the bacon with for a vegetarian option?
You can replace bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or simply omit it, adding extra herbs for flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked potatoes?
Yes, cooked potatoes can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a mouthwatering addition to any meal, offering a wonderful balance of creamy texture and savory flavors. Their ease of preparation allows you to focus on other parts of your meal while they cook to perfection. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this side dish is sure to be a hit.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For an extra indulgent side, mix in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, along with minced garlic, for a rich and creamy mashed potato dish.
BBQ Chicken and Potatoes
Layer cubed chicken breast with your potatoes, toss everything in BBQ sauce, and let it cook for a smoky, delicious meal.
Ranch Veggie Medley
Add a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots and green beans, along with the potatoes for a vibrant, flavorful side dish.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Turn leftovers into a cozy soup by blending the cooked potatoes with chicken broth, adding cream, and topping with cheese, bacon, and chives.
Herb and Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme with parmesan cheese before cooking for an aromatic and savory side dish that’s sure to impress.
