Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comfort food classic that’s perfect for easy meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The potatoes are cooked slowly in the crockpot, absorbing all the cheesy goodness and becoming tender and soft. The dish is typically made with hashbrowns or cubed potatoes, mixed with a cheesy sauce made from a blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. It’s all seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and sometimes even a touch of paprika for extra flavor, then slow-cooked until it’s bubbly and golden.
I first made Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes when I wanted a hands-off side dish that would be warm and comforting without much effort, and they quickly became a family favorite! The creamy, cheesy texture is so satisfying, and the potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare—just throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! It’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal that could use a little extra comfort.
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Potlucks
- Holiday meals
- Barbecues
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes will become your go-to side dish:
- Creamy and Cheesy: A velvety mix of cheese and cream creates a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Tender Potatoes: Slow-cooked potatoes turn soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Set It and Forget It: This easy recipe requires minimal prep and does all the cooking in the crockpot.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Makes a large batch, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Comfort Food: The combination of cheese, potatoes, and seasonings creates a warm, comforting dish.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust the seasoning or add extra ingredients like bacon or herbs to suit your tastes.
- Effortless Meal: It’s an easy dish to prepare, freeing you up to focus on other parts of the meal.
- Leftover Friendly: The leftovers are just as delicious and can be reheated with ease.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, from steak to chicken.
- Kid-Friendly: A dish that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on your crockpot setting)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Potatoes:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (or fresh potatoes, diced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Additional shredded cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Frozen Hash Browns: A time-saving option that also offers a perfect texture for this dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and rich flavor.
- Sour Cream: Gives the potatoes a creamy, tangy undertone.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides moisture and richness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cheesy Potatoes:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Pour the potato mixture into a greased 4-6 quart crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is fully melted.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, stir the potatoes, then garnish with additional shredded cheese and chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes:
- As a Side to Meat Dishes: Perfect alongside steak, chicken, or turkey.
- For Potlucks: Bring it to potlucks as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- For Family Dinners: A comforting side to complement family meals.
- With Grilled Meat: Pair with grilled ribs or burgers for a smoky flavor contrast.
- As a Breakfast Dish: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and beef bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- For Holiday Meals: A must-have side at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
- With Fresh Vegetables: Serve alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For Barbecue Feasts: Pair with barbecued chicken or ribs for a summer meal.
- For Make-Ahead Dinners: This dish can be prepped in advance and kept warm in the crockpot for easy serving.
- With Hot Sauce or Salsa: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa for a flavorful kick.
Additional Tips
- Use Frozen Hash Browns: For easy prep and a creamy texture, use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother, creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Adding sour cream gives the dish an extra creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the cheese.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
- Layer Ingredients: To ensure even cooking, layer your ingredients in the crockpot, alternating between cheese, potatoes, and other toppings.
- Add Beef Bacon: Crispy beef bacon crumbles or beef bacon bits mixed in will bring a savory crunch and extra flavor to the dish.
- Use Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: For a richer base, try using cream of mushroom or chicken soup instead of the usual cream of potato.
- Stir Occasionally: If you have time, stirring the potatoes once or twice during cooking helps to evenly distribute the cheese and avoid sticking.
- Cook on Low: Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together perfectly without overcooking the potatoes.
- Top with Green Onions: Add chopped green onions or chives on top before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Recipe Variations
- Beef Bacon Cheesy Potatoes: Add crumbled beeef bacon to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Cheesy Potatoes: Stir in diced green chilies or jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Ranch Cheesy Potatoes: Add a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a tangy ranch flavor.
- Loaded Cheesy Potatoes: Top with sour cream, chopped bacon, and green onions for a loaded version.
Special Equipment
- Crockpot: For slow cooking and easy meal preparation.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the ingredients before transferring to the crockpot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or Spoon: To stir and serve the potatoes.
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, you can dice fresh potatoes and cook them in the crockpot. They may take a bit longer to cook. - How long do these potatoes last in the fridge?
They will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze these potatoes?
Yes, these cheesy potatoes freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat in the microwave or oven. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it in the crockpot the next day. - Can I make these potatoes spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or diced green chilies for extra heat. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors. - Can I cook these on high instead of low?
Yes, if you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours instead of low. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. - Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, you can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. - Can I skip the onion?
Yes, you can omit the onion if you prefer, or substitute with onion powder.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering creamy, cheesy goodness with the convenience of slow-cooked perfection. This dish combines tender, diced potatoes with a rich, melted cheese sauce, cooked slowly in a crockpot until everything is beautifully melded together. Whether as a side dish for a family meal, a holiday dinner, or a potluck, these cheesy potatoes are always a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease. You just layer the potatoes with cheese, cream, and seasonings, and let the crockpot do all the work. You can adjust the flavor with a variety of cheese options, like sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella, and even add some crispy beef bacon bits or green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
I can’t wait to see how your Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, comforting creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!