Description
Comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch, featuring tender russet potatoes slow-cooked to perfection and mixed with garlic, ghee, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, and fresh chives. Perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Cooking Liquids and Fats
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup ghee or butter (use ghee for Whole30-friendly)
Flavor Enhancers
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt
Toppings
- 4 strips crisp cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup homemade ranch or store-bought 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 the 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, use ghee instead of butter, omit cheddar cheese or substitute with ¼ cup nutritional yeast, and ensure ranch dressing is compliant.
- Add extra chicken broth or water if you prefer a creamier mashed potato consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the slow cooker or microwave.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheese flavor or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
