Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

Crockpot Loaded Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. This easy recipe makes it simple to prepare a dish that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, these loaded potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy Turkey Bacon for an irresistible twist. You’ll find this dish not only delicious but also incredibly convenient as it cooks while you’re busy with other tasks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a rich and savory taste.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side for various meals or as a hearty snack during game days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves loaded potatoes!
• Customizable: Add different toppings like green onions or jalapeños to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Crockpot Loaded Potatoes, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: This is the star of the show! It cooks your potatoes evenly and allows you to focus on other tasks.
• Knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts when cubing your potatoes, making prep quick and easy.
• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine your creamy ingredients smoothly before adding them to the potatoes.

Ingredients

This recipe is a delicious and easy way to make loaded potatoes in your crockpot. Perfect for a party or a potluck!

For the Potatoes

• 4 russet potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

For the Creamy Mixture

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot

Add the cubed potatoes to the bottom of your greased crockpot.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, softened butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture over the potatoes in the crockpot.

Step 3: Season

Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potato mixture.

Step 5: Cook

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Top with Bacon

Just before serving, top with crumbled Turkey Bacon for extra flavor!

Enjoy these amazing Crockpot Loaded Potatoes as a side dish that everyone will rave about!

How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

Crockpot Loaded Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal and impress your guests.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve the loaded potatoes on their own for a comforting meal that’s satisfying and rich in flavor.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• These potatoes complement grilled chicken, steak, or pork perfectly, adding a creamy side that balances the smokiness of grilled meats.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Top with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Include a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the loaded potatoes, making for a well-rounded meal.

Serve at Parties

• Use these crockpot potatoes as a party snack or appetizer. Guests can serve themselves and customize their toppings.

How to Perfect Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

To ensure your Crockpot Loaded Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which results in creamy and fluffy loaded potatoes.

• Cut Evenly: Cube the potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly throughout the dish. This helps avoid hard or mushy spots.

• Don’t Skip the Broth: Adding chicken broth enhances the flavor and keeps the potatoes moist while cooking.

• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place cheese on top of the potato mixture to prevent it from burning during cooking and ensure it melts perfectly.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crockpot model, adjust cooking times slightly for best results—check for tenderness before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

Crockpot Loaded Potatoes pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables
   Colorful grilled vegetables add nutrition and brightness to your plate, balancing out the rich flavors of loaded potatoes.

2. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, making it a refreshing counterpart to creamy potatoes.

3. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread complements savory loaded potatoes beautifully; plus, it’s easy to make alongside your main dish.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The crispy texture of roasted Brussels sprouts adds depth and contrasts nicely with soft potatoes.

5. Baked Beans
   Hearty baked beans provide protein and sweetness that pairs well with cheesy loaded potatoes, creating a filling meal.

6. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad brings in crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.

7. Garlic Bread
   For garlic lovers, serve warm garlic bread as a dipper for any leftover cheese sauce from the loaded potatoes.

8. Macaroni Salad
   Creamy macaroni salad offers another layer of comfort food that complements the textures in loaded potatoes nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Loaded Potatoes can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the greasing step – Not greasing the crockpot can cause sticking. Always apply a light coat of cooking spray or oil.
• Overcrowding the potatoes – Adding too many potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
• Not checking doneness – Cooking times can vary with different crockpots. Always check if the potatoes are tender before serving.
• Ignoring seasoning options – A lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired during cooking.
• Neglecting to layer ingredients properly – Adding all ingredients at once might not allow for even flavor distribution. Layer your ingredients for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crockpot Loaded Potatoes

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Loaded Potatoes:

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Each variety offers a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I customize my Crockpot Loaded Potatoes?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as green onions, jalapeños, or different cheese varieties to suit your taste.

How long do I need to cook them?

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These loaded potatoes make great meal prep options, perfect for reheating throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Loaded Potatoes are a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to please any crowd. Their creamy texture and flavorful toppings make them perfect for parties or cozy family dinners. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients to make this recipe truly yours!