If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe. It brilliantly combines tender, tender diced hash browns with creamy, cheesy goodness slow-cooked to perfection, making it a go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave something irresistibly cozy. The magic lies in how the flavors meld together over hours in the crockpot, creating a luscious, cheesy potato dish that’s both delightfully simple and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a dish packed with flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible cheesy pull. The beauty of this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is that you only need a handful of accessible ingredients to make a truly show-stopping side.
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes: The star of the dish providing that characteristic bite and texture without any peeling or chopping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is preferred for its robust flavor that melts beautifully throughout the potatoes.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy, savory depth that binds everything together effortlessly.
- Sour cream: Introduces tangy creaminess that balances the richness.
- Chopped onion: Offers a mild bite and subtle sweetness for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Melted butter: Brings a buttery richness that amplifies the comfort factor.
- Garlic powder: A small punch of savory aroma that elevates the overall taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and round out the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by mixing the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth and well blended. This creamy base is what infuses every bite with rich and savory flavor.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Cheese
Next, stir in the frozen diced hash brown potatoes along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure every potato piece is evenly coated with the mixture — this ensures a consistent cheesy texture throughout the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent the cheesy potatoes from sticking as they cook. Then pour the potato mixture inside, spreading it out evenly so it cooks flawlessly.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cover the crockpot and cook your potatoes on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is hot, bubbly, and the flavors have married beautifully.
Step 5: Melt the Remaining Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a gooey, golden crust that seals in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an inviting pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top. This simple finishing touch makes your Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or green onions after the potatoes are cooked adds a burst of brightness and a lovely contrast to the creamy layers. You could also add crispy cooked bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
This cheesy potato dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steaks, or even hearty meatloaf. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that acts as the perfect complement to any protein or vegetable-centered meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the cheesy potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets straight from the crockpot for a rustic feel. Alternatively, scoop them onto a vibrant platter and scatter your garnishes over the top for a family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the cheesy potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers without losing any of that delicious flavor or creaminess.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, portion the cooled cheesy potatoes into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbly again. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! If you prefer fresh potatoes, cube them and partially cook (boil or microwave) before combining with the other ingredients to ensure they become tender during crockpot cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure all other ingredients are free of gluten. Always check labels to be sure!
Can I add meat to the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Stirring in cooked bacon, diced ham, or even cooked sausage before cooking adds extra savory flavor that makes the dish heartier.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is best for rich flavor and good melting quality, but you can experiment with cheese blends like cheddar and Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist.
How do I make the potatoes less watery?
Using frozen hash browns works best as they are partially dehydrated. If using fresh potatoes, draining any excess moisture after partial cooking helps prevent watery results.
Final Thoughts
There is something simply joyful about a generous scoop of this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe on your plate, loaded with creamy, cheesy comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite side!
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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish featuring frozen diced hash browns baked in a creamy mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese. Cooked in a slow cooker, this dish offers gooey, cheesy layers perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
creamy base
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Add potatoes and cheese: Add the frozen diced hash brown potatoes and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture and cheese.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the potato mixture evenly into the slow cooker, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Cook the potatoes: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are hot, bubbly, and tender.
- Add remaining cheese and melt: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Cover and allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked and the cheese is melted, garnish the cheesy potatoes with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve warm as a delicious and creamy side dish.
Notes
- For a fresh twist, you can substitute frozen hash browns with cubed fresh potatoes—just be sure to par-cook them slightly before mixing.
- Enhance flavor by stirring in cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham before placing the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor, or try a blend of cheeses for different taste profiles.
- If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the condensed cream of chicken soup you use is labeled gluten-free.
