Slow Cooker Amish Ranch Potatoes
These Slow Cooker Amish Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side creamy, flavorful, and effortless. Using just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe transforms simple russet potatoes into a crowd-pleasing, slow cooker potato side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hands-off and easy: Just dump, pour, and cook.
Creamy, herby, and rich without complicated steps.
Perfect alongside roasted chicken, meatloaf, or fresh veggies.
Makes a big batch that keeps well, ideal for game-day spreads or buffet tables.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
3 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 ½ cups bottled ranch dressing (full-fat recommended)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
Layer potatoes: Place potato chunks in an even layer in the slow cooker.
Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the potatoes.
Add butter: Dot the potatoes with butter pieces, tucking some between chunks for even melting.
Pour ranch: Slowly pour the bottled ranch dressing over the potatoes, covering as much surface as possible.
Toss gently: Use a large spoon or spatula to lightly coat the potatoes in the ranch-butter mixture avoid breaking them up.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish: Gently stir to coat evenly in creamy ranch sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Keep on WARM for serving.
Tips & Variations:
Cheesy twist: Stir in 1–1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese in the last 15 minutes.
Lighter version: Mix half regular ranch with half light ranch, but avoid fat-free it separates under slow heat.
Herb boost: Add 1 tsp dried dill or an extra tbsp of fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Potato swaps: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture that holds together.
Mashed-style: Lightly mash cooked potatoes in the slow cooker for a rustic, chunky mash coated in ranch.
Even cooking: If your slow cooker runs hot, stir halfway through to prevent edges from browning too much.
Benefits of This Recipe:
Quick & easy: Minimal prep, mostly hands-off cooking.
Family-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting kids and adults love it.
Make-ahead: Ideal for potlucks, game days, or large gatherings.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with meat, chicken, or fresh greens.
