If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, cheesy potato casserole is effortlessly whipped up using simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, delivering irresistibly tender hash browns smothered in rich cheddar and tangy sour cream. Whether you are bringing a dish to a family gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with its velvety texture and inviting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe serves a special purpose, coming together to create that signature creamy, cheesy goodness while offering depth and subtle hints of savory comfort. The list is short but essential, making it a breeze to gather what you need.
- Frozen hash browns: The hearty and tender potato base that soaks up all the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides a luscious, smooth texture and rich chicken-infused flavor that binds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty goodness that defines the dish’s signature cheesy vibe.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of color.
- Melted butter: Infuses richness and helps create that mouthwatering, silky sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential aromatic punch to enhance the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Perfectly seasons the dish to taste, elevating all other ingredients.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a slightly nutty, crispy crust during the final moments of cooking.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the creamy base
Start by combining the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture that promises a creamy sauce coating every single potato piece.
Step 2: Add hash browns and cheddar cheese
To the mixture, add the frozen hash browns along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Carefully fold everything together, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated with this rich, cheesy goodness. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and gooey cheese.
Step 3: Transfer to the Crockpot
Grease your Crockpot to prevent sticking, then pour in the potato mixture. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. This slow cooker method is a game-changer— it allows the potatoes to become tender while all those flavors slowly meld together.
Step 4: Cook low and slow
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking time lets the cheese melt perfectly and the potatoes soften to a dreamy, fork-tender state. If you like, give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking, but it’s absolutely delicious even without.
Step 5: Add final toppings
In the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions on top if you’re using them. This small addition adds a wonderful crunchy texture and extra layers of flavor that turn this dish from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once cooked, scoop out generous portions and serve hot. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting warmth — a true classic that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or crisp bacon bits take this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe over the top. A light sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs such as chives can also add a splash of color and extra dimension without overpowering the comforting flavors.
Side Dishes
This cheesy potato casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think juicy grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a savory meatloaf. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent companions to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and chives. Or turn it into loaded cheesy potato bowls by adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra texture and flavor plays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy, delicious next-day side or snack. The flavors meld even more, so you’ll find it just as tasty the day after.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a longer time, freeze it in a suitable container. It’s best to freeze before adding fresh toppings like green onions, which can be added after reheating. Frozen cheesy potatoes can last up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through and bubbly again. Stir halfway through reheating to distribute the heat evenly, and, if desired, add a little more cheese on top to freshen up that melted magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can be used, frozen hash browns are recommended because they soften nicely and absorb the flavors better during slow cooking. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces and check for tenderness as they may cook faster or slower.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can adapt this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe by substituting sour cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and plant-based cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure your Crockpot is large enough to handle the increased volume, or consider cooking it in two smaller Crockpots. The cooking time might increase slightly, so check for tenderness before serving.
What can I do if my potatoes are watery after cooking?
Sometimes frozen hash browns release extra water during cooking. To avoid this, you can thaw and drain them before mixing. If your final dish is too watery, cooking uncovered for a bit at the end will help evaporate excess liquid.
Can I add other vegetables or protein to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize! Adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms can make this dish even heartier. Some people also like mixing in bell peppers or broccoli for more color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest: creamy, cheesy, and effortlessly made to impress. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it offers that perfect blend of simple ingredients with big, satisfying flavor. Give it a try and watch this humble dish become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish made with frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, and a combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Cooked slowly in a Crockpot to perfection, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for family meals or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined to create a creamy base.
- Add potatoes and cheese: Add the frozen hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Crockpot: Grease your Crockpot (slow cooker) to prevent sticking, then transfer the potato mixture into the Crockpot and spread it evenly.
- Cook slowly: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. During cooking, stir once or twice if desired to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should become tender and the cheese melted and bubbly.
- Optional topping: About 15 to 20 minutes before the cooking time ends, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions over the top to add extra flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, serve the cheesy potatoes hot as a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as an alternative to cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian option, but note this would change the diet classification.
- Stirring during cooking is optional but helps to evenly distribute heat and flavors.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can add the Parmesan in the last 20 minutes or broil briefly after cooking, but be careful of the Crockpot material.
- For a lower fat version, reduce butter or use a lighter sour cream alternative.
- Make sure the hash browns are fully frozen – do not thaw before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
