Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, savory side dish that practically makes itself, then Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes are your new best friend. This recipe brings together tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in a slow cooker, creating a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family gatherings, game day, or a cozy night in, these potatoes deliver all the richness with almost zero effort, making your meal feel extra special without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the magic, freeing up your time for other things.
• Creamy Comfort Food: The slow cooking process creates ultra-soft potatoes that soak up cheesy, bacon-infused flavors for a rich taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a holiday, party, or casual dinner, this dish fits right in as a crowd-pleaser side.
• Customizable and Versatile: Modify ingredients or toppings to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• Great Leftover Potential: Enjoy the leftovers right from the fridge or repurpose them into a hearty breakfast addition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes lies in its simple, few-ingredient list. Each element plays an essential role—from the creamy cheese that envelops the potatoes to the smoky bacon bits that add snack-worthy texture and flavor.

• Potatoes: Use red or Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold up well during slow cooking.
• Bacon: Cook ahead until crispy for that irresistible smoky crunch mixed in the dish.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, but feel free to combine with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and smoothness, preventing the potatoes from drying out.
• Onion Powder: A simple seasoning to enhance savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
• Butter or Cream Cheese: Boosts richness and silky texture for that classic comfort food feel.

Variations for Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

One of the most fun things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what you love or what you need to fit your lifestyle or occasion. Here are a few inspiring ways to switch things up.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and add caramelized onions or mushrooms for savory depth.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an aromatic lift.
• Different Cheeses: Swap in smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a blend for varied textures and flavors.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut or almond milk to keep it creamy while avoiding dairy products.

How to Make Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel if preferred, and cut your potatoes into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a creamy, tender finish.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Fry the bacon strips until crisp, then crumble or chop them into small pieces, so each bite gets that delicious smoky crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with sour cream, cheese, cooked bacon, butter, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix guarantees that every potato piece is covered in that mouthwatering mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Transfer everything to your Crockpot, cover, and cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted into the perfect cheesy layer.

Step 5: Final Touches

Give the potatoes a gentle stir right before serving to mix all the flavors evenly, then sprinkle a little fresh parsley or extra cheese on top for presentation.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

• Uniform Potato Chopping: Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook at the same rate for perfect tenderness.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat potatoes dry before mixing to avoid watery results.
• Use Sharp Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds intense flavor that creamy cheeses can sometimes lack.
• Avoid Lifting the Lid: Keep the Crockpot sealed during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
• Customize Cook Time: If using smaller or larger potatoes, adjust your slow cooker time accordingly to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

How to Serve Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Garnishes

Top this savory dish with freshly chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add color and extra flavor that your taste buds will adore.

Side Dishes

Pair these potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal filled with comforting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes in small ramekins for a party, or layer them in a clear glass baking dish to show off the cheese and bacon layers for a festive look that invites everyone to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture quality.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; store leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to preserve the creamy cheese texture—avoid high heat to prevent separating or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yukon gold and red potatoes work best for creamy texture, but russets can be used if you prefer a fluffier bite.

Do I have to cook the bacon before adding it to the Crockpot?

Yes, cooking the bacon first ensures a smoky crispiness and prevents it from becoming greasy or undercooked in the slow cooker.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes are naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and cheese don’t contain additives with gluten.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just make sure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the doubled quantity to cook evenly.

What if I don’t have a Crockpot, can I make this on the stove or in the oven?

You can bake the mixture in a covered casserole dish at 350°F until tender, but slow cooking yields the creamiest, hands-off results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes—simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re a slow cooker veteran or just looking for a fuss-free side that impresses, this recipe is incredibly worth trying. Go ahead and treat yourself to this cozy, cheesy goodness that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Related Posts

• Best Oven-Roasted Sausages, Potatoes, and Peppers
• Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers for Dinner
• Easy Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Squash and Tomatoes

Print