These slow cooker summer cookout potatoes are the kind of easy side dish that saves the day when you need something hearty, crowd-pleasing, and simple to throw together. Using raw unpeeled diced russet potatoes keeps prep nice and easy, and with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients, the crock does most of the work while you focus on burgers, hot dogs, and time outside with family and friends.
Serve these potatoes alongside grilled hamburgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or bratwurst for an easy backyard meal. They also go well with fresh fruit, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a crisp green salad, and a little extra shredded cheese or sliced green onion on top makes them feel extra special on the table.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Cookout Potatoes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
3 pounds russet potatoes, unpeeled and diced
Directions
1. Wash the russet potatoes well, leave the skins on, and dice them into bite-size pieces. Place the diced potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the melted butter over the potatoes, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, and toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice if convenient, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes, cover again, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Gently stir before serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If you have family members who like simpler flavors, use a mild cheddar and stir the cheese in well so every bite is creamy and evenly seasoned.
Add a little color: A sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped parsley right before serving gives these potatoes a fresh look and a little extra flavor without adding much work.
Make it heartier: For a more filling cookout side, stir in cooked crumbled bacon at the end with the cheese. It turns this into a loaded-potato style dish that disappears fast.
Cut evenly: Try to dice the potatoes into similar-size pieces so they cook at the same rate. Smaller cubes will soften faster, while larger chunks may need extra time.
Prevent sticking: If your slow cooker tends to run hot, give the insert a light coating of cooking spray before adding the potatoes, and stir once during cooking if you can.
