Cozy Crockpot Swamp Potatoes Recipe with Easy Cheesy Ranch Sauce
Soft, pillowy potatoes smothered in a creamy cheesy ranch sauce, slow-cooked to tender perfection in a crockpot. This comforting side dish is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 g), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (homemade blend of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika)
- 1 cup sour cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
- 1/4 cup milk (60 ml), whole or 2%
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g), melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes into about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick slices. Rest the sliced potatoes in cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat dry.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning mix, melted unsalted butter, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and well combined. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spray or lightly butter the crockpot insert. Arrange a layer of potato slices evenly on the bottom. Spoon some of the cheesy ranch sauce over the potatoes, spreading gently. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Once done, gently stir the swamp potatoes to combine any separated sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
Use thin and even potato slices for uniform cooking. Rest sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain steam and heat. Adjust seasoning after cooking as cheese and ranch seasoning add saltiness. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce moisture. For extra texture, sprinkle crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: crockpot potatoes, swamp potatoes, cheesy ranch sauce, slow cooker side dish, comfort food, easy potato recipe