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Creamy Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon

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A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying slow cooker potato side dish featuring red potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Perfect for easy comfort food with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds red potatoes, washed and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. Wash and dice the red potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. No need to peel.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. Spray the slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray or butter. Add the potato mixture and spread evenly. Dot with the softened butter.
  6. Pour the milk evenly over the potatoes. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half of the cooked bacon. Mix gently to combine. Replace the lid and cook for the remaining time to let the cheese melt.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon and fresh chives on top.

Notes

If potatoes seem too dry during cooking, add a splash more milk. Watch potatoes closely after 4 hours to avoid overcooking. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and increase smoked paprika or add smoked cheese. Dairy-free options include dairy-free cheddar and coconut or cashew-based yogurt instead of sour cream. Can be baked in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 1 hour as an alternative method.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker potatoes, swamp potatoes, creamy potatoes, cheddar potatoes, bacon potatoes, comfort food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-swamp-potatoes-with-cheddar-and-bacon-recipe-for-easy-comfort-food/