The Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy slow cooker cheesy potatoes offer a comforting twist on classic side dishes that’ll make your dinner table sing.

Cheese lovers can rejoice with this simple, hearty recipe packed with flavor.

potatoes transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece without hours of complicated preparation.

Our method ensures maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite promises pure, delicious satisfaction that everyone around the table will adore.

Jump in and discover why this dish becomes an instant favorite.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes: What Makes Them Special

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming basic pantry staples into a creamy, cheesy potato dish without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and a silky sauce, this recipe guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one bowl, transfer to the slow cooker, and walk away – no complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills required for a delicious side dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a standalone vegetarian main course, making it adaptable for various meal plans and dietary preferences.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

• Hash Brown Potatoes: Shredded potatoes that create a hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, creamy flavor and melts beautifully in the slow cooker.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy, savory sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Butter: Melted butter enhances the overall flavor and helps create a golden surface.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Onion: Chopped onion adds a subtle aromatic depth to the potato casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that provides a fresh, bright finishing touch to the dish.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Blend Potato Mixture

Toss hash brown potatoes, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and chopped onions into a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Carefully pour the creamy potato mixture into the slow cooker.

Use a spatula to spread the contents evenly across the bottom, ensuring a smooth and consistent layer that will cook perfectly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the potatoes to simmer and meld together for 4-5 hours. During this time, the ingredients will transform into a bubbling, cheesy delight with tender potatoes throughout.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the potatoes are soft and the cheese has melted into a golden, creamy consistency, your dish is ready. Scoop out the hot, comforting potatoes onto serving plates.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before bringing to the table.

Tips to Enhance Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

• Swap frozen hash browns for freshly grated potatoes to elevate the dish's texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and selecting reduced-fat cheese options.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or gruyère for unique taste combinations.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham during the last hour of cooking to introduce extra protein and savory depth.
• Ensure even cooking by stirring the mixture halfway through the slow cooker process to prevent sticking and promote consistent temperature distribution.

Flavorful Twists to Enjoy with Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use plant-based butter for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular hash browns for gluten-free potato shreds and use cornstarch-thickened cream soup alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate dish.

Side Dishes to Complement Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring these creamy, cheesy potatoes to your next gathering as a crowd-favorite side dish that everyone will love.
• Hearty Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast for a comforting weekend morning meal that'll satisfy hungry family members.
• Game Day Touchdown Treat: Dish out these cheesy potatoes during sports viewing parties as a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack that pairs perfectly with chicken wings or sliders.
• Cozy Dinner Side Kick: Complement roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops with these rich, melty potatoes for a satisfying and warming dinner experience.

Best Storage Practices for Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Transfer cheesy potatoes to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Thaw frozen cheesy potatoes overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns?

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 kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for variety.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

No, the cream of chicken soup contains chicken, so it’s not vegetarian. For a vegetarian version, substitute with cream of mushroom soup.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix all ingredients and store the mixture in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator overnight, then start cooking the next day.

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cheesy potatoes deliver comfort on a plate with creamy, rich layers of potato goodness. Midwestern home cooks will appreciate this simple, satisfying side dish that brings families together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 cup (113 grams) melted unsalted butter

Dairy and Soup:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 12 cup (75 grams) chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine shredded hash brown potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy condensed chicken soup, tangy sour cream, richly melted butter, and finely diced onions in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Generously season the potato mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the prepared mixture into the slow cooker, smoothing the surface to create an uniform layer for consistent cooking.
4. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the dish to simmer gently for 4-5 hours, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
5. Monitor the potatoes’ tenderness and cheese’s melting point, ensuring a golden, bubbly top develops during the cooking process.
6. Once cooking is complete, let the cheesy potato casserole rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle and achieve optimal serving consistency.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before presenting the dish to eager diners.

Notes

• Test potato tenderness by inserting a fork into the center, ensuring they’re soft and fully cooked through.
• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different types like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
• Reduce fat content by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and light cream of chicken soup without compromising taste.
• Add protein variety by mixing in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier side dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 337
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 495 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg