These three-ingredient ranch potatoes are the ultimate no-fuss side dish, delivering rich, creamy flavor with almost zero effort. Inspired by classic potluck and farmhouse cooking, this recipe uses bottled ranch dressing to coat tender potatoes in a savory, buttery sauce that cooks low and slow to perfection. The result is a warm, comforting dish that feels homemade, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing every time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, brunch tables, or family gatherings, these ranch potatoes pair beautifully with roasts, chicken, and hearty mains while filling your kitchen with irresistible, cozy aromas.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small red or yellow potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces | 3 pounds |
| Bottled ranch dressing | 1 1/2 cups |
| Unsalted butter, cut into small pieces | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with a little butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into bite-size chunks, leaving the skins on for added flavor and texture.
Add the potatoes to the slow cooker and pour the ranch dressing evenly over them.
Scatter the butter pieces over the top of the potatoes.
Stir gently to coat the potatoes evenly with the ranch dressing and distribute the butter.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir once more before serving to blend the melted butter and dressing, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Variations & Tips
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Colby Jack over the potatoes during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking until melted. Add crumbled cooked bacon before serving for a smoky, savory upgrade. To stretch the dish for larger gatherings, layer thinly sliced onion over the potatoes before adding the ranch dressing—it softens and blends into the sauce as it cooks. Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamier texture, while russets yield a fluffier, more rustic result. If the ranch dressing is thick, thin it slightly with a splash of milk for smoother coating. When watching sodium, choose a lighter ranch dressing and taste before adding extra salt.
