Crockpot Cheesy Bacon Smoked Sausage Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly different texture, you can lightly brown the smoked sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This extra step adds a deeper, more complex flavor profile and a slightly crispier texture to the meat.

However, this is entirely optional and the recipe works perfectly well without it if you are short on time. If you choose to brown the sausage, be sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to the slow cooker to maintain food safety standards.

If you find the sauce is too thick after the cooking time, you can stir in a small amount of milk or heavy cream during the final minutes of cooking. This will thin the consistency and make the sauce even creamier.

Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture before pouring it over the potatoes. These small adjustments allow you to customize the dish to your specific flavor preferences while maintaining the core structure of the recipe.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Replace the regular smoked sausage with a spicy andouille or hot smoked sausage. Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for an extra kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheddar sauce.
• Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add a cup of frozen corn kernels or sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker when adding the potatoes. These vegetables add extra color and texture to the dish, making it even heartier and more vibrant.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

This dish does not freeze well due to the potato and cheese soup base, which may change texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Once cooled, place the container in the refrigerator, where the dish will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, ensure the food is heated until it is steaming throughout. If you notice any signs of spoilage or an off-smell, discard the leftovers immediately to ensure food safety.

You can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing the sausage and dicing the potatoes, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

When you are ready to cook, simply layer the prepped ingredients into the slow cooker, add the seasoning and soup, and proceed with the cooking instructions. This makes the assembly process even faster during busy times, allowing you to get the meal started in just a few moments.

Serving ideas

This dish is best served hot, directly from the slow cooker, which helps keep the cheese sauce at a perfect, pourable consistency. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesy potatoes and sausage.

The heartiness of this meal makes it a complete dinner on its own, but a side of crusty bread is also excellent for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce left on the plate.

When plating, use a large spoon to gently scoop the sausage and potatoes, ensuring each serving gets plenty of the creamy cheddar sauce. If you want to add a bit of color or freshness, a light garnish of chopped fresh parsley or green onions can be added just before serving. The warmth of the dish makes it particularly comforting on cooler evenings, so serve it immediately after the resting period to enjoy the best texture and flavor profile possible.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Cheesy Bacon Smoked Sausage Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 lbs diced potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Distribute the diced potatoes evenly over the top of the sausage layer, ensuring they are spread out to cook consistently throughout the slow cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet evenly over the layer of potatoes. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the cheddar cheese soup until smooth, then pour it over the seasoned potatoes, allowing it to coat the ingredients as it settles.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.