I first made Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes on a busy Sunday when my three kids begged for something creamy and comforting. I tucked the dish into my slow cooker while wrangling lunch, and by dinnertime, the house smelled like pure love. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes became our go‑to side when life felt chaotic—it’s cozy, cheesy, and effortless. The kids dive right in, and I get a moment to breathe. Whenever someone asks, “What’s for dinner?” I smile and say “Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes,” because it’s easy, nourishing, and always brings us together around the table
Why You’ll Love this :
There’s something undeniably comforting about Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes. They’re rich, creamy, and loaded with melty cheddar goodness—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a potluck, preparing an easy holiday side dish, or just need something warm and satisfying for a weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. It’s a one-bowl, no-fuss kind of dish that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker. Plus, it pairs perfectly with almost any main course, from grilled meats to roasted chicken. You’ll love how indulgent it tastes without requiring a single pot on the stove.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
To make these irresistibly creamy potatoes, you’ll need just a few everyday ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to make a dish that’s velvety, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Substitutions & Variations for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to tailor to your preferences. Instead of cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian twist. Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed option. Want a little kick? Stir in diced green chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use shredded Colby Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. For added crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed diced hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and chopped onion if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and melting. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese fully melted and bubbly.
- If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or extra cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cover again.
Pro Tips :
- Always thaw the frozen hash browns before using. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess water in your dish.
- Use a slow cooker with a ceramic insert for even heat distribution.
- Stirring halfway through helps blend flavors and stops the cheese from sticking to the edges.
- For best results, cook on low rather than high to avoid overcooking or drying out the potatoes.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power until warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20 minutes. If the potatoes seem dry after reheating, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or milk to restore creaminess.
What to Serve With Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a versatile side that complements many mains. Serve them alongside classic comfort foods like roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops. They also pair beautifully with BBQ ribs or smoked sausages for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, try serving with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. At holiday dinners or family gatherings, these cheesy potatoes add a creamy, crowd-pleasing element that everyone will enjoy.
FAQs About Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I freeze leftover cheesy potatoes?
It’s best to freeze before cooking. If you freeze leftovers, texture may change slightly upon reheating.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the mixture in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Can I add bacon or other toppings?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits, green onions, or jalapeños make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 2g |
Protein | 7g |
Sodium | 500mg |
Sugar | 2g |
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy slow cooker side dish perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals. Made with simple ingredients like hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this recipe is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Lightly grease your slow cooker.
2. Combine hash browns, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and onion in a large bowl. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper; pour into slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring halfway through.
5. Add crushed crackers or extra cheese in last 30 minutes if desired.
Notes
Thaw hash browns before using for best results.
Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg