The Creamiest Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe Ever Made

Creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes dance with comfort on chilly evenings, promising pure culinary bliss.

Soft, golden spuds nestle beneath a blanket of melted cheese that promises warmth in every bite.

Busy home cooks adore this simple yet magical dish that practically prepares itself.

Minimal ingredients combine in a slow cooker to create something truly spectacular.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become instantly memorable with this crowd-pleasing side.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor, ensuring you can relax while dinner practically makes itself.

This recipe will have everyone asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Why Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Are So Creamy And Easy

• Minimize Kitchen Hassle: Whip up this delightful cheesy potato dish using a crockpot, which means minimal prep work and easy cleanup for busy home cooks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, cheesy potatoes deliver ultimate comfort with minimal effort, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings where everyone craves something warm and satisfying.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Slow cooker technique ensures consistent results even for novice cooks, eliminating the risk of burning or uneven cooking that might happen with traditional stovetop methods.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable side dish that works wonderfully for weeknight meals, holiday gatherings, and casual get-togethers, appealing to both kids and adults with its irresistible cheesy goodness.

Everything Needed For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Hash Browns: Hearty potato base that creates a creamy, comforting texture. Frozen shredded hash browns work best for convenience.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk, Butter: Creamy components that provide rich flavor and smooth consistency. Choose a sharp cheddar for extra tang.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the potato dish. Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.

• Crushed Crackers, Cornflakes: Adds a delightful crispy texture to the creamy potatoes. Ritz crackers or corn flakes work perfectly for a crunchy finish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional creaminess and helps bind all ingredients together. Select a low-sodium version if watching salt intake.

Steps To Cook Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your cheesy potato masterpiece slides out easily and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Potato Goodness

• Frozen hash browns
• Shredded cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Dump all these flavor-packed ingredients into the slow cooker. Grab a wooden spoon and mix everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks like a creamy potato paradise.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on LOW setting for 4-5 hours or HIGH setting for 2-3 hours. Every hour or so, give the potatoes a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and distribute those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Want an extra layer of deliciousness? Sprinkle some crushed crackers or cornflakes over the top during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a delightful crispy texture that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted into gooey perfection, your comfort food is ready! Scoop into a serving dish and watch everyone gather around for this irresistible side dish.

Tips For Gooey Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Prevent Sticking: Generously spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Mix Thoroughly: Combine ingredients completely to distribute flavors evenly and create a consistent cheesy potato texture.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different crispy additions like panko breadcrumbs, crushed bacon, or herb-seasoned crackers for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese, coconut milk, and dairy-free cream soup for allergic or vegan diets.
• Temperature Control: Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution, maintaining the perfect creamy consistency.

How To Store Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Neatly

• Refrigerate leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent other refrigerator odors from affecting the flavor.
• Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
• Pro tip: Separate portions before storing to make reheating easier and prevent unnecessary repeated warming which can dry out the potatoes.

Pairing Suggestions For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Craft Wine-Cheese Harmony: Pair these creamy, cheesy potatoes with a crisp Chardonnay or buttery Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, savory flavors.
• Elevate Protein Companions: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast, roasted pork tenderloin, or juicy beef brisket to create a hearty, satisfying meal that balances the potato's creamy texture.
• Unleash Crunch Factor: Top with crispy bacon bits, green onion sprinkles, or toasted almond slivers to add exciting texture and depth to the cheesy potato dish.
• Refresh with Bright Sides: Pair with a tangy mixed green salad or quick cucumber-dill slaw to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Flavor Ideas For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Rustic Ranch Potato Blast: Swap cream of chicken soup with ranch seasoning mix and add crispy bacon bits for a zesty flavor explosion.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Fiesta: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and pepper jack cheese to create a bold southwestern-style side dish.
• Loaded Veggie Potato Medley: Mix in diced bell peppers, spinach, and add sharp cheddar cheese for a nutrient-packed vegetable version.
• Greek-Inspired Potato Fusion: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, sprinkle feta cheese, and add dried oregano for a Mediterranean touch.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes FAQ Help

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Frozen shredded hash browns are perfect because they’re convenient, pre-cut, and cook evenly in the slow cooker without getting mushy.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a vegetable-based cream soup to maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile.

• How can I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the slow cooker?

Always spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients. This creates a protective layer and makes cleanup much easier.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy, creamy potatoes are mild in flavor and have a comforting texture that most children love. The crispy cracker topping also adds a fun crunch that kids enjoy.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4-5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crockpot cheesy potatoes bring creamy comfort straight from hearty Midwestern kitchens to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender potatoes, and crispy edges create a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll want to savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen diced hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup butter, melted

Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by thoroughly coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the shredded hash browns, creamy cheese, condensed chicken soup, tangy sour cream, smooth milk, richly melted butter, aromatic garlic powder, savory onion powder, delicate salt, freshly ground pepper, and warming paprika.
3. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until they are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
4. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the potato mixture to gently simmer and develop deep, comforting flavors for approximately 4-5 hours.
5. Periodically stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent any potential scorching at the bottom of the pot.
6. During the final half-hour of cooking, optionally sprinkle a crunchy topping of crushed crackers or crisp cornflakes over the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
7. Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft and easily mashed.
8. Once the cheese has melted completely and the potatoes are perfectly cooked, carefully transfer the creamy mixture to a serving dish.
9. Serve the potatoes immediately while hot, offering a delightful side dish that promises warmth and satisfying comfort.

Notes

• Grease your slow cooker thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Use frozen hash browns directly from the bag for maximum convenience and consistent texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free crackers as topping.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium soup and using less added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Boost nutritional value by mixing in diced bell peppers or chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
• Create a crispy top by broiling the finished dish for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, ensuring a golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg