Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen - without spending hours at the stove! This Slow Cooker Bacon and Ham Breakfast Potatoes recipe is the breakfast game-changer you've been waiting for. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or when you want to impress your family and friends with minimal effort, this one-pot wonder combines hearty potatoes, savory ham, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese into a mouthwatering morning masterpiece that'll have everyone racing to the breakfast table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and meat by washing and dicing potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure potatoes are uniformly cut to promote even cooking.
- Chop onions finely and crumble pre-cooked bacon into small pieces. Dice ham into small, bite-sized cubes approximately 1/4-inch in size.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Layer ingredients in the slow cooker starting with diced potatoes as the base, creating an even bottom layer.
- Sprinkle chopped onions, diced ham, and crumbled bacon evenly over the potato layer.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Cover the ingredients with shredded cheese, spreading it uniformly across the top.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting for 4 hours.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Check potatoes for tenderness at the 4-hour mark. They should be soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking.
- Prep Ahead: You can dice all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save morning prep time.
- Bacon Bonus: For extra crispy bacon, consider pre-cooking it slightly before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cheese Choices: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, feel free to experiment with different varieties like sharp cheddar or smoky gouda.
- Moisture Management: If potatoes seem too dry during cooking, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep them moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a fried egg for extra indulgence.
- Leftovers Love: This dish reheats beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
