Crockpot Bacon & Red Potatoes: The Easiest, Most Flavorful Side Dish You’ll Ever Make

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 lbs baby red potatoes (halved or quartered)

• 10–12 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)

• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

• 3 tbsp butter (melted)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and smokiness)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Cooking Time at a Glance

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon First

Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-size pieces. Save a small amount of bacon grease if desired for extra flavor.

Pro tip: Cooking the bacon separately and adding it at the end (and during cooking) ensures you get that smoky flavor without the bacon becoming soggy.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and cut red potatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size. Keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

3. Load the Crockpot

Add the following to your slow cooker:

• Potatoes

• Onion (if using)

• Garlic

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika (if using)

• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning

4. Add Fat and Flavor

Pour the melted butter over the potato mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Add the Bacon

Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving a little for topping at the end.

6. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

7. Finish & Serve

Top with remaining bacon, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and fresh parsley before serving.

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Why Red Potatoes?

Red potatoes are the unsung heroes of the potato world. Here’s why they’re perfect for this recipe:

If you don’t have red potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the next best choice. They’re waxier than russets and will hold their shape reasonably well. Russet potatoes are not recommended—they’ll fall apart into mush.

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Variations & Tips from My Kitchen

Bacon Variations

• Thick-cut bacon – More meaty, better texture, deeper smoke flavor.

• Turkey bacon – Lower fat. Cook until very crisp; it can become chewy in the slow cooker.

• Pancetta – Italian bacon. Less smoky, more savory.

• Vegetarian option – Use smoked paprika and liquid smoke instead of bacon.

Potato Variations

• Baby Yukon Golds – Creamy and buttery. Hold their shape well.

• Fingerling potatoes – Cut into 1-inch pieces. Very creamy texture.

• Purple potatoes – Add beautiful color. Keep the skins on.

Seasoning Variations

• Spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

• Herby – Add fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried.

• Garlic lover – Double the garlic to 6 cloves.

• Smoky – Use smoked paprika instead of regular.

Cheese Toppings (Add at the End)

• Sharp cheddar – Classic. Melts beautifully.

• Parmesan – Adds salty, nutty flavor.

• Gouda (smoked) – Extra smoky depth.

• Pepper Jack – Adds a spicy kick.

• Blue cheese – For adventurous palates.

Add-In Variations

• Green onions – Sprinkle over the top instead of or with fresh parsley.

• Sour cream – A dollop on top makes it taste like a loaded baked potato.

• Chives – Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor.

• Roasted red peppers – Diced and added at the end.

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How to Serve Bacon & Red Potatoes

As a Breakfast Side

• Alongside scrambled eggs – A hearty breakfast spread.

• With fried eggs – Runny yolks over these potatoes is incredible.

• With breakfast sausage or ham – Double the pork goodness.

As a Dinner Side

• With steak – The ultimate surf-and-turf? More like pork-and-potato perfection.

• With roast chicken – Classic and comforting.

• With pork chops – A match made in heaven.

• With meatloaf – Two comfort food classics, one plate.

• With grilled fish – The potatoes balance the lightness of the fish.

For Holidays and Potlucks

• Thanksgiving – A delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.

• Christmas dinner – Goes with ham, turkey, or roast beef.

• Easter – Pairs beautifully with ham.

• Potluck – Stays warm in the crockpot for hours.

Toppings Bar (Fun for Parties!)

Set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their potatoes:

• Shredded cheddar

• Sour cream

• Chopped green onions

• Crumbled bacon (extra)

• Fresh parsley

• Hot sauce

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat (skillet) – The best method. Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the edges.

• Reheat (microwave) – Quickest option, but the potatoes will be softer. Microwave in 60-second bursts.

• Reheat (oven) – Spread on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

• Freeze – Not recommended. Potatoes become grainy and watery when frozen and thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

• Make ahead – You can cook the bacon and chop the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and cook when ready.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Bacon & Red Potatoes

• Don’t skip cooking the bacon first – Adding raw bacon to the slow cooker will result in flabby, greasy bacon. Cook it until crispy before adding.

• Save a little bacon grease – A tablespoon of bacon grease adds incredible smoky depth. Substitute for some of the butter.

• Cut potatoes evenly – Uniform size ensures even cooking. Aim for 1–1½ inch pieces.

• Don’t over-stir during cooking – Stirring can break the potatoes apart. Toss gently at the beginning, then leave them alone.

• Add cheese at the end – Cheese added too early will separate and become grainy. Stir it in during the last few minutes or sprinkle on top before serving.

• Garnish fresh – The pop of green from fresh parsley makes the dish look (and taste) brighter.

• Use a liner for easy cleanup – Slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze, especially with cheesy, bacon-y dishes.

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Recipe Notes from the Test Kitchen

• Red potatoes hold their shape best – Their waxy texture prevents mushiness during long cooking times.

• You can skip the onion – If you prefer a simpler flavor profile or don’t have an onion on hand, the dish will still be delicious.

• Cheese should be added at the end – Adding cheese too early can cause it to separate and become oily or grainy.

• For extra crispiness – Broil the bacon separately and add it just before serving. You can also broil the finished potatoes for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the edges.

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Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

Without cheese (with cheese, add 50–70 calories)

Values depend on bacon fat content and cheese addition.

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Health Benefits (In Moderation)

While this dish is definitely comfort food, it does have some redeeming qualities:

• Potatoes – Provide potassium (important for blood pressure), vitamin C (immune support), and fiber (digestive health).

• Bacon – Adds protein and flavor satisfaction, helping reduce the need for heavy sauces or excessive portions.

• Slow cooking – Preserves nutrients better than frying or boiling.

• Balanced side dish – Pairs well with vegetables and lean proteins for a complete meal.

A note on moderation: This dish is rich. Enjoy it as a side, not a main course, and balance it with lighter fare like a green salad or roasted vegetables.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

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Final Bite

Crockpot Bacon & Red Potatoes is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a hero with almost no effort. The potatoes are tender and creamy. The bacon is smoky and savory. The butter and seasonings tie everything together. And the whole thing cooks while you do… anything else.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving some serious comfort food, this recipe delivers.

Six servings. One crockpot. A side dish that’ll steal the show.

Warning: Make extra. These disappear fast.