Creamy Ranch–Style Potatoes
These Creamy Ranch Potatoes are the perfect hands-off side dish, blending the zesty flavor of ranch with rich, smooth cream cheese. Instead of being mashed, the potatoes are served in quarters and coated in a thick, savory sauce, giving them a more indulgent, casserole-like texture. Yukon Gold potatoes work especially well because their naturally buttery flesh holds up beautifully during slow cooking without breaking down.
Creamy Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered | 3 lbs |
| Cream cheese, softened and cubed | 1 (8-ounce) block |
| Unsalted butter, cut into pieces | 4 tablespoons |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Dry ranch seasoning mix | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh chives, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
How to Make Creamy Ranch Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into even quarters (or sixths if large). Arrange them in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Ranch Base
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, chives, and pepper. Whisk or stir until mostly smooth.
Tip: If the mixture looks slightly lumpy or separated, don’t worry. As it cooks, the butter and cream cheese will melt together into a silky sauce.
Step 3: Coat with Sauce
Pour the ranch mixture over the potatoes. Use a spatula to gently spread the sauce so most pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours. The potatoes are done when a fork slides in easily. Keep the lid closed to maintain even cooking.
Step 5: Toss and Season
Once tender, gently stir the potatoes to evenly distribute the sauce. Taste before adding extra salt, as the broth and ranch seasoning usually provide enough flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with additional chives for color and serve hot, either straight from the slow cooker or transferred to a serving dish.
