Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

The Creamiest Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe Ever Made

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker cheesy potatoes recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, golden, and packed with irresistible flavor, these potatoes deliver a hearty side dish that steals the show at any meal.

Tender potato chunks mingle with melted cheese, creating a luxurious texture that practically melts in your mouth.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness without hours of complicated preparation.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dish a perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy edges and smooth, cheesy interior that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist this crowd-pleasing potato masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Cheesy Potato Variations for Family Dinners

  • Vegetarian Cheese Potato Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Sodium Potato Bake: Swap regular cheese with low-sodium cheddar, eliminate added salt, and use herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor enhancement.
  • Gluten-Free Potato Medley: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute hash browns with fresh diced potatoes, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Greek-Inspired Potato Dish: Replace cheddar with feta cheese, add oregano and diced bell peppers, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean touch.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Potatoes Hot

  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve these creamy cheesy potatoes alongside grilled barbecue chicken or juicy hamburgers for a classic summer meal that everyone will love.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast that'll impress family and guests.
  • Comfort Food Companion: Complement these potatoes with roasted chicken, meatloaf, or pot roast to create a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like a big hug on a plate.
  • Game Day Sidekick: Dish up as a crowd-pleasing side during football watch parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings where people want delicious, easy-to-share comfort food.

Storing Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the container with a tight lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled cheesy potatoes to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns directly from the bag without thawing. Just make sure to break up any large frozen clumps before mixing with other ingredients.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra flavor. Sharp cheddar will give a more intense cheese taste.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make it vegetarian-friendly. This simple swap maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can mix all ingredients the night before and store the mixture in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer to the slow cooker and start cooking.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes: Comfort Food Essentials

  • Hassle-Free Comfort: Whip up a deliciously creamy potato dish with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Packed with rich cheddar cheese, savory cream of chicken soup, and a hint of garlic, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
  • Set-and-Forget Convenience: Simply mix ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.
  • Versatile Side Dish Superstar: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday meals, or as a comforting side that pairs perfectly with any main course.

What to Use for Cheesy Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that form the hearty base of this comforting slow cooker dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that provides a rich, tangy flavor to the potato mixture.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy binding ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the recipe.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a smooth, tangy richness to the potato casserole.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Melted butter drizzled on top to add richness and create a golden surface.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a touch of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any stubborn potato mixture from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Potato Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gather your ingredients:
  • Frozen hash browns
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Diced onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine all these ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

The mixture should look creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Pour the entire potato mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Add Buttery Finish

Drizzle melted butter over the top of the potato mixture.

This will add a rich, golden flavor and help create a slightly crispy top layer.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4-5 hours, or high heat for 2-3 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Give the potato mixture a gentle stir to distribute the melted cheese.

If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.

Tips for Creamy Cheesy Potatoes

  • Use non-stick cooking spray generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Blend ingredients completely to distribute cheese, soup, and seasonings evenly throughout the potatoes.
  • Drizzle melted butter on top for extra richness and a golden, crispy surface.
  • Cook on low heat for deeper flavor development and more tender potatoes.
  • Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness just before serving.
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy slow cooker cheesy potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty Wisconsin cheddar and tender russet potatoes meld into a luxurious side dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) frozen diced hash browns
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) diced onion

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, blend frozen hash browns with shredded cheddar, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, diced onions, aromatic garlic powder, and seasoning until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  3. Transfer the creamy potato mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading evenly across the surface.
  4. Elegantly drizzle melted butter over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature for 4-5 hours, or high temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing potatoes to become fork-tender and cheese to melt luxuriously.
  6. Gently fold the contents to redistribute the creamy sauce before serving.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish to enhance visual appeal and add a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • Prevent sticking by generously coating the slow cooker with non-stick spray, ensuring easy cleanup and smooth serving.
  • Choose full-fat dairy products like sour cream and cheddar for maximum richness and creamy texture in the dish.
  • Customize the recipe by adding crispy bacon bits, diced green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor and personal flair.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade alternative using cornstarch and broth, keeping the dish accessible for different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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