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Bowl of Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch topped with melted cheese and chives, served on a wooden table

Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch

This Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Ranch recipe transforms a classic side dish into a hands-off delight, saving you time while delivering creamy, flavorful results. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, these easy loaded mashed potatoes are customizable and sure to impress!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • ¼ cup ghee or butter (use ghee for Whole30-friendly)
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup homemade ranch or store-purchased
  • 6 oz shredded cheddar cheese + additional for topping (1–1 ½ cups) (omit for Whole30 or substitute ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
  • ¼ cup chopped chives

Method
 

  1. Halve or quarter potatoes into 1- to 1 ½-inch chunks and place them in your slow cooker.
  2. Add ghee or butter, chicken broth, garlic, and salt to the slow cooker.
  3. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to HIGH. Cook for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cooked potatoes. Add extra broth or water, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Stir in ranch dressing, cheese, and chives until fully combined.
  6. Top with additional cheese, a drizzle of ranch, and a sprinkle of bacon and chives, if desired.
  7. Serve immediately, or keep warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to eat.

Notes

Don’t skip the rinse: Rinse your peeled, cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier mashed potatoes. Make ahead: Prep the potatoes ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge (up to one day) before cooking. Avoid gummy potatoes: Don’t over-mash! Stop as soon as you hit your desired texture to keep them fluffy. Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk.