It's always fun to cook and serve outside during the hot days of summer. However, side dishes can't always be cooked outside, and sometimes it's difficult to think of good ones that can be cooked without heating up the kitchen. One of the best solutions is to use your slow cooker. Slow cookers are great year round, but especially in the summer since food can cook unattended for hours and doesn't heat up the kitchen. Slow Cooker Cheddar Bacon Potatoes go well with any grilled meat, chicken, or fish, and since they have only five ingredients and take minimum hands-on time to put together, they are perfect for anyone who is busy. These potatoes need to cook at least 5 hours, but can cook up to 8 hours, so they can be started before leaving for work and can cook all day.

Make sure you choose the smallest red potatoes you can find; they need only be scrubbed and quartered – no peeling necessary. The only real chopping is an onion. These potatoes are really cheesy, smoky, and yummy. In fact, they are so easy and good, they'll become a go-to side dish all year round.

8 Servings

8 ounces thick sliced bacon, preferably peppered, chopped
2 pounds tiny red potatoes, quartered
1 large onion, chopped
1 16 oz. jar Double Cheddar Cheese Sauce (such as Ragu Cheese Creations)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
2. Remove from the skillet and drain well; set aside.
3. Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle with the onions.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over and top with the cheddar cheese; sprinkle the bacon over all.
6. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook 5-7 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Stir before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 Calories from Fat 202
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 51% Protein 15% Carb. 34%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 56 mg
Sodium 761 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 15 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 38% Calcium 0% Iron 10%