There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow cooker meal wafting through the house, especially when it’s cold out. This recipe for slow cooker ham and potatoes with bacon is a staple in our home, especially after a busy day. It’s a hearty meal that combines the savory flavors of ham and bacon with the earthiness of potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles and hungry appetites!
This dish is wonderfully self-sufficient, but if you’re looking to make a complete meal, I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and some steamed green beans. For an extra cozy touch, serve with warm, crusty bread to sop up all the delicious juices.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs of potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 lb cooked ham, cut into cubes
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
1. Place the chopped potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with the cubed ham, crumbled bacon, diced onion, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure some liquid reaches the bottom.
4. Sprinkle the dried thyme and black pepper evenly over the top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours.
6. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top in the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it melt.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness.
Variations & Tips
For those with picky eaters or dietary restrictions, this recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes, or use turkey bacon to lighten it up. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, maybe even throw in some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
