If you’re craving a side dish that brings creamy comfort, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese all together in one delightful bite, then this Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly alongside a variety of meals, turning ordinary potatoes into a decadent, cheesy masterpiece loaded with smoky bacon goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Just toss ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax.
Rich flavor profile: Creamy potatoes meld with crispy bacon and melted cheese for an irresistible taste.
Great for gatherings: A comforting, shareable side dish that pleases crowds at family dinners or parties.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Hands-off convenience: Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, homemade dish without standing over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, using ingredients that combine to create perfect texture, balance, and vibrant colors. Each element plays a crucial role–from the potatoes that serve as a creamy base to the bacon that adds crunchy saltiness, and the cheese that ties everything together with gooey richness.

Potatoes: Use fresh, peeled potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creaminess and the perfect bite.
Crispy bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch that complements the soft potatoes beautifully.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar melts perfectly, enriching the dish with ooey-gooey goodness.
Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and creamy texture that makes the potatoes extra luscious.
Butter: Enhances richness and helps achieve that silky, sumptuous feel.
Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts creaminess to your liking, making each bite smooth and velvety.
Onion powder and garlic powder: Adds gentle savory depth without overpowering the main flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and elevating every ingredient’s natural taste.

Variations for Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe by swapping or adding ingredients based on what you love or have on hand. The flexibility makes Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes even more fun to prepare and enjoy with different flavor twists.

Swap cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different cheesy profile.
Add veggies: Toss in chopped green onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a subtle kick.
Use turkey bacon: For a lighter twist, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for smoky flavor.

Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes Recipe

How to Make Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. This size ensures they cook evenly and absorb the rich flavors from the other ingredients while becoming perfectly tender.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Fry bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture and smoky flavor payoff that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In the crockpot, gently mix peeled potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, milk or cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir just enough to combine without breaking up the potatoes.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows potatoes to soften thoroughly while allowing cheese to melt to creamy perfection.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Before serving, give the potatoes a gentle stir to mix melted cheese and bacon evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Choose the right potatoes: Waxier potatoes hold their shape better and create a creamier texture than starchy ones.
Don’t skip precooking bacon: This step prevents sogginess and ensures every bite has crispy bacon goodness.
Layer flavors gradually: Adding cheese and seasoning in stages delivers balanced depth.
Use heavy cream for richness: Substituting milk with cream creates a more indulgent texture.
Resist overcooking: Keep an eye on crockpot timing to avoid potatoes turning mushy.

How to Serve Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Garnishes

Top off your Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This cheesy potato dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, steak, or even a fresh green salad, making it an adaptable side for almost any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming look, or spread them out on a buffet table garnished with extra cheese and bacon bits for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick reheats later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or oven on low heat to keep the potatoes creamy without drying out the cheese or bacon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh potatoes are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch; just reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor them closely to avoid over-softening.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream, butter substitutes, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make a delicious version that suits dairy-free diets.

Can I prepare this recipe on high heat in the crockpot?

Cooking on high is possible but may result in less creamy potatoes and a shorter cooking window, generally around 2 to 3 hours; watch closely to prevent overcooking.

How crispy does the bacon stay in the crockpot?

Cooking bacon separately ensures it remains crispy. Once added into the crockpot, it softens slightly but still provides that smoky flavor and some crunch.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for varied taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes recipe brings comfort and convenience together like no other. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves rich, savory sides that are effortless to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you make these creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed potatoes, they’ll quickly become a staple at your table!

Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Print Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy smoky bacon, this Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes recipe is a hands-off, comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or parties. Tender potatoes slow-cooked with rich cheddar, sour cream, butter, and seasonings create a luscious, crowd-pleasing dish full of flavor and texture.

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes

Bacon

8 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy

2 cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 to 1 cup milk or heavy cream (adjust for creaminess)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and optimal absorption of flavors while maintaining tenderness.
Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces to add smoky crunch and texture to the dish.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In the crockpot, gently mix the peeled potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, milk or cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir just enough to combine without breaking up the potatoes.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the potatoes to soften thoroughly and the cheese to melt into creamy perfection.
Stir and Serve: Before serving, gently stir the potatoes to evenly distribute melted cheese and bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Notes

Use waxier potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creamier texture and better shape retention.
Precook bacon to ensure crispiness and prevent sogginess in the final dish.
Layer flavors by adding cheese and seasonings gradually for balanced depth.
Substitute milk with heavy cream for richer, creamier potatoes.
Avoid overcooking to prevent potatoes from becoming mushy—monitor crockpot timing closely.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: bacon cheese potatoes, crockpot potatoes, cheesy potatoes, easy side dish, comfort food, slow cooker potatoes, creamy potatoes, bacon side dish