Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off side dish that brings all the comfort food vibes, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes simmered slowly with garlic and butter, then piled high with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and that irresistible tang of ranch. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe always steals the show. I love how easy it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating that creamy, flavorful mash you won’t be able to stop eating. I like to pick russet potatoes for their fluffiness, and make sure to use good quality chicken broth or ghee for richness. And don’t skimp on the bacon–the crispy bits add the perfect salty crunch.

• Russet Potatoes: These are your best bet for fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes that soak up all those flavors.
• Chicken Broth (or Water): Adds moisture and a subtle savory note; broth amps up the flavor more than plain water.
• Ghee or Butter: Ghee works fabulously if you need a Whole30-friendly fat, while butter gives richness and creaminess.
• Garlic: Roughly chopped so it infuses perfectly during the slow cooking process without overpowering.
• Sea Salt: Enhances natural potato flavor–taste and adjust as you go!
• Crisp Cooked Bacon: Chopped for that wonderful smoky crunch that makes these mashed potatoes extra special.
• Homemade or Store-bought Ranch: Adds creaminess and tang—don’t skip this or it’s just not the same!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gorgeous melty bits that you can mix in and sprinkle on top for that ooey-gooey goodness.
• Chopped Chives: Fresh, mild onion flavor with a pop of color–a simple but elegant finishing touch.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. You’ll find that experimenting is part of the fun—sometimes swapping ingredients or adding a twist here and there makes it even more exciting!

• Whole30-Friendly: I discovered that using ghee instead of butter and swapping cheddar for nutritional yeast works beautifully without sacrificing flavor.
• Extra Creamy: For those ultra-luxurious mashed potatoes, add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
• Cheese Variety: Try mixing in pepper jack or smoked gouda for a smoky kick that I find totally addictive.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter, vegetable broth, and a dairy-free ranch—I’ve tested this, and it tastes wonderful!

How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Set Your Slow Cooker

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into chunky 1- to 1 ½-inch pieces. This size helps the potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly tender without falling apart into mush. Toss the potato chunks into your slow cooker, then add your ghee or butter, chicken broth (or water), chopped garlic, and sea salt. Give it just a little stir to combine. Pop the lid on and set the slow cooker to HIGH for about 4 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender enough to mash easily when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Mash and Mix in the Good Stuff

Once your potatoes are tender, it’s time to mash. I like using a potato masher because it gives you a rustic, hearty texture, but an immersion blender works too if you want it silky smooth. Add broth or water gradually if the mash feels too stiff to get your ideal fluffy consistency. Then fold in chopped bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar, and fresh chives. This is honestly the best part–watch those flavors come together in one bowl! Give everything a gentle but thorough mix so that every bite has a little of everything.

Step 3: Top and Serve (Or Keep Warm)

If you’re ready to dig in immediately, sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top along with a drizzle of ranch, more bacon bits, and a few chives for that beautiful finishing touch. If you’re not serving right away, no worries! Just leave the slow cooker on “Warm” to keep your loaded mashed potatoes cozy and ready to serve whenever you’re set.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for garnishing these mashers with a bit extra of everything–more crispy bacon, a handful of shredded cheddar that melts right into the warm potatoes, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for color and mild bite, and of course a drizzle of ranch to send it over the top. These finishing touches not only turn the dish up visually but make every mouthful an explosion of flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with all sorts of mains, but my go-to is roasted chicken or a juicy steak. On busier nights, I’ll add a simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for balance, making sure the plate has variety and freshness to complement the indulgent potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl or in mini crockpots for individual servings—it’s such a fun way to present that always gets a wow! You could also try layering the mash with bacon, cheese, and ranch in a baking dish, then broil to create a crispy top for a casserole-style treat everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover loaded mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 3 days. Before reheating, give them a good stir to reincorporate any liquid that’s settled on top.

Freezing

Freezing these potatoes works surprisingly well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Just let the mash cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. I recommend freezing in smaller batches so you only thaw what you need—these keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. You can also reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back creaminess. Avoid high heat or overcooking which can make the potatoes grainy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want to wow guests or just treat my family to the ultimate comfort food. It’s so simple, yet the flavors are absolutely next-level. I love how it frees me up while still delivering a crowd-pleaser, and I bet you’ll enjoy the ease and taste just as much as I do. So go ahead—give it a try and watch those mashed potatoes disappear faster than you can say “pass the ranch!”

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