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Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Potatoes: The One-Pour Wonder That Steals the Show
If you love easy side dishes that deliver big flavor, Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Potatoes will quickly become one of your favorites. This recipe is called a “one-pour wonder” because everything comes together with minimal effort, and your slow cooker does the rest. The result is tender potatoes coated in a rich, creamy ranch sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves These Potatoes
This dish is popular for a simple reason: it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy. You don’t need to stand over the stove or use multiple pans. Just layer, pour, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby depth that pairs perfectly with the natural creaminess of the potatoes.
Ingredients (With Sizes)
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (115 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by washing the potatoes well. If they are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Place all the potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, heavy cream, milk, sour cream, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Pour the creamy ranch mixture evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Gently stir so every piece is coated.
Dot the top with the cubed butter. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are soft, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt for about 10 minutes.
Gently stir to distribute the cheese through the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy ranch potatoes go perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, meatloaf, or roasted vegetables. They’re also a hit at potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings because they stay warm in the slow cooker and serve easily.
Helpful Tips
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or diced ham in the last hour of cooking. If you want a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If the sauce looks too thick at the end, just add a splash of milk and stir gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
Why This Recipe Is a “One-Pour Wonder”
Everything about this recipe is simple: one bowl, one pour, one slow cooker. There’s no need to pre-cook the potatoes or make a separate sauce on the stove. You just mix, pour, and walk away. That’s why it steals the show every time—it tastes impressive but takes almost no effort.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Potatoes are the perfect example of comfort food made easy. They’re rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table. Once you try them, you’ll understand why this dish earns its place as the star side at any meal.
Q & A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook it earlier in the day and keep it on the WARM setting until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best, but russet potatoes also work if cut into chunks.
Can I make this lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat sour cream to lower the richness.