There’s something magical about Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this slow cooker classic is the ultimate side dish for holidays, potlucks, BBQs, or cozy family dinners. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, your crockpot does all the work while your kitchen stays clean.
These cheesy potatoes are loaded with flavor from melted cheddar, creamy soup, and a touch of sour cream—all wrapped around tender chunks of potato. The result? A rich, melty, golden side dish that everyone comes back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or 6 cups peeled, diced fresh potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: more shredded cheese, sliced green onions, cooked crumbled bacon, or crushed potato chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash brown potatoes, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Pour the mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional)
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle additional cheese on top and cover again to let it melt. Add green onions or bacon just before serving, if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Scoop and serve warm straight from the crockpot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Variation:
- Loaded Cheesy Potatoes: Add crumbled bacon, green onions, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Make it a Meal: Add diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or ground beef to make it a main dish.
COOKING Note:
If using fresh diced potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, blanch or parboil them first for about 5–7 minutes before mixing to ensure they cook through in the crockpot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for Holidays: Serve on your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter table.
- With BBQ: Excellent with grilled meats, burgers, ribs, or pulled pork.
- For Breakfast: Top with fried eggs for a brunch-style cheesy hash.
- At Potlucks: Always a hit—easy to transport and keep warm in the crockpot!
Tips:
- Don’t skip greasing the crockpot—it helps prevent sticking and burning.
- For extra creaminess, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
- To save time, prep the mixture the night before and refrigerate.
- Stir occasionally during cooking (especially if using fresh potatoes) to ensure even heat.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~5 hours (hands-off)
🍽️ Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, 8 servings):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~21g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~550mg
Values may vary depending on cheese and soup used.
❓FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Combine all ingredients and store in the fridge overnight. Just transfer to the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes—let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely. Use a 6–7 quart crockpot and extend the cook time slightly.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
- Yes—use peeled and diced Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Parboil first for better texture.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
- You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup—or make a homemade roux-based sauce.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a deliciously simple side dish with dinner, this recipe delivers rich flavor and ease every single time.
Let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back and get ready to enjoy a cheesy classic that everyone will devour