A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy cheese, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Prepare the potatoes by washing, peeling, and slicing them thinly.
Use a mandoline slicer for even slices, which ensures uniform cooking.
Dice the onion and cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it.
Cook the bacon on medium heat to render the fat and achieve a crispy texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the sauce.
Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by half of the onion, bacon, and cheese.
Press down gently on the layers to compact them slightly for even cooking.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, then pour the sauce evenly over the top.
Ensure the sauce covers the top layer to prevent it from drying out.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.