Instant Pot Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Name: Instant Pot Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lb red potatoes, scrubbed; 3 bacon strips; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/3 cup Ranch dressing

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe:

These cheesy bacon ranch potatoes are a hit every time I serve them! They’re creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.

Plus, they’re quick cooking, thanks to the Instant Pot. Regular baked cheesy ranch potatoes take at least an hour, and the slow cooker version requires advance planning. But this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes!

Just 4 main ingredients, all of which are kitchen staples.
Only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.
Sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

And if you’re looking for similar flavors in a complete meal, try this chicken bacon ranch casserole!

Our family's favorite potato side dish. Cooking these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes in Instant Pot truly cuts down on cooking time, requiring only about 10 minutes of hands-on time. And with only 4 main ingredients, you know it's going to be your favorite side dish to fix! And it'll be a hit every time you serve it. #InstantPotRecipe #baconranchpotatoes #sidedish #quickrecipe #easyrecipe #busycooks

Key Ingredient Notes:

Red potatoes – With thin skin and a waxy texture, red potatoes are the best choice for cheesy bacon ranch potatoes. There’s no need to peel them, and they’ll retain their shape and texture after they’re cooked. Just give them a good scrub first!
Bacon – Adds a savory, smoky, salty flavor to the potatoes. Uncooked bacon strips are best, but precooked is okay, too. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to compensate for bacon fat if you opt for precooked bacon. Reserved bacon grease works as well!
Cheddar cheese – Makes the bacon ranch potatoes seriously creamy and addicting! I always recommend grating a block of cheese because it melts easier and has a smoother texture, compared to pre-shredded cheese from a bag.
Ranch dressing – To add flavor and enhance the creamy texture!

If using pre-cooked bacon, I suggest adding about 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to compensate for bacon fat.

How to make cheesy bacon ranch potatoes in Instant Pot:

1. Prepare the potatoes and bacon

Chop the potatoes into cubes that are about 1 inch in size.
Cut or dice the uncooked bacon strips into small pieces.

2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté

Using the sauté function, add the bacon to your Instant Pot, and cook until crisp.

Tip: If you end up with too many brown bits stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot, add ¼ cup of water to help scrape them up and deglaze the bottom.

Stir in the potatoes, dried parsley, garlic powder, and salt.
Add ⅓ cups of water. Note: I use a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you have an 8-quart IP, add ½ cups of water.

Tip: I don’t suggest adding more than the recommended amount of water because potatoes tend to overcook. If you overcook the potatoes, they’ll end up looking more like loaded mashed potatoes than chunks of potato.

3. Set your Instant Pot to “Manual”

Cook the potatoes and bacon using your Instant Pot’s manual function, for 7 minutes at high pressure. Note: Your Instant Pot will need to come to pressure first. This took my IP about 12 minutes.
Quick release the pressure, and carefully open the lid.

4. Add the remaining ingredients

Stir in the ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Serve cheesy bacon ranch potatoes while they’re warm and fresh!

Time-Saving Tips:

While freshly grated cheddar is best, a bag of store-bought shredded cheese is okay, too! Using store-bought will save you a few minutes of prep time and extra dirty dishes.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, use my beginner’s guide to familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot. After learning a few easy tips and tricks, you’ll breeze through IP recipes!

Make-Ahead Tips:

Fully cook the potatoes and bacon in your Instant Pot up to 1 day in advance.
Let the cooked potatoes and bacon cool. Then, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the potatoes and bacon until they’re warmed through. Stir in the ranch dressing and cheddar cheese, and serve immediately.

Storing Tips:

Store leftover cheesy bacon ranch potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
To reheat, transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven at 350° until the potatoes are warmed through.

A bowl of Instant Pot cheesy bacon ranch potatoes.

FAQs:

What to serve with cheesy potatoes?

Cheesy bacon ranch potatoes pair well with scrambled, fried, or poached eggs when served at breakfast or brunch. They can be served alongside simple proteins at dinnertime, such as stovetop chicken thighs, seared steak, or grilled chicken breast.

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Stick with waxy varieties with a low starch content and thin skin, because they’ll retain their shape and texture when cooked. These include red potatoes, fingerlings, and baby potatoes. Avoid starchy varieties, such as Russet and Idaho potatoes, which are better for mashing and baking.

Can I make this recipe with ranch seasoning instead of ranch dressing?

Ranch dressing provides flavor and a creamy texture and really pulls the entire dish together. Ranch seasoning would add similar flavors but won’t result in the same smooth and creamy mouthfeel as ranch dressing. For this reason, I don’t recommend making the substitution.

More Easy Potato Sides: