Cheesy Slow-Cooker Potatoes Recipe

Golden Cheesy Slow-Cooker Potatoes Recipe: Comfort in a Pot!

Creamy and irresistible slow-cooker potatoes blend comfort with pure cheesy goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Potatoes smothered in rich, melted cheese create a side dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Every forkful promises a delightful mix of tender potato chunks and gooey cheese layers.

These slow-cooker potatoes offer a hands-off cooking method that ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks and cheese lovers appreciate how simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing dish.

The magic happens when sharp cheddar and crispy edges combine in one mouthwatering creation.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Making Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Easily

  • Prep the Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn stuck-on mess.

  • Mix the Magic

Toss all your delicious ingredients into the slow cooker, stirring everything together until it’s perfectly blended and looking irresistible.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and let your slow cooker work its magic. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, giving it an occasional stir to ensure even cooking.

  • Add Some Crunch

Want extra texture? Sprinkle some crushed crackers or cornflakes over the top during the final 30 minutes of cooking for a delightful crispy layer.

  • Serve and Savor

When the potatoes are tender and the cheese is gloriously melted, dish up this comfort food masterpiece and get ready to enjoy a seriously delicious meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Ideas for Your Potato Side Dish

  • Crispy Topping Tricks: Experiment with different types of crushed crackers like Ritz, butter crackers, or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor variations.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular cheese and cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast, vegan cheese, and plant-based cream soup for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that's packed with protein.
  • Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the cheesy potato dish.
  • Spice Sensation: Kick up the heat by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicier version of this classic comfort food.

Serving Up Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Hot

  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve these creamy cheesy potatoes alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork for a classic comfort meal that guests will love.
  • Potluck Perfect: Bring this dish to family gatherings or community events in a portable slow cooker to keep it warm and impress everyone with its cheesy goodness.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair these potatoes with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast that will satisfy hungry morning crowds.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Set out this cheesy potato dish during sports watch parties as a filling side that keeps everyone coming back for more delicious bites.

Save & Reheat Cheesy Potatoes the Right Way

  • Fridge Fresh Feast: Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping deliciousness sealed tight.
  • Reheat Revival: Warm portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
  • Freezer Friendly Hack: Portion potatoes into freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire recipe night before, refrigerate raw ingredients in slow cooker insert, then start cooking next day for effortless meal planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Bliss

For Potato Base:
  • Hash Browns: Convenient frozen potato shreds that create a hearty foundation for the dish, choose a brand with minimal added ingredients.
  • Milk: Enhances creaminess and helps bind ingredients together, select whole milk for richer flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and silky texture, opt for full-fat version for best results.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides savory depth and helps create a smooth sauce, look for low-sodium varieties.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Onion Powder: Provides sweet and savory undertones, great for consistent seasoning.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste profile.
  • Paprika: Adds gentle smoky color and mild pepper notes.
For Topping and Binding:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates irresistible gooey texture, select a blend like cheddar or monterey jack.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps ingredients meld together.
  • Crushed Crackers or Cornflakes: Creates delightful crispy layer, adds textural contrast.

Gear Guide for Creamy Crockpot Potatoes

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for creating these creamy, cheesy potatoes with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients before transferring to the slow cooker.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like cheese, soup, sour cream, and seasonings.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even distribution of cheese and seasonings.
  • Optional Topping Sprinkler: Handy for evenly spreading crushed crackers or cornflakes over the potatoes.
Print
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Cheesy Slow-Cooker Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Slow-Cooker Potatoes


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes emerge as a comforting side dish beloved by families everywhere. Rich cheese and tender potatoes create a simple, satisfying accompaniment you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen diced hash browns (or fresh potatoes, diced)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
  • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Generously spray crockpot interior with non-stick cooking spray to guarantee effortless release and cleaning.
  2. Mixture Creation: Combine hash browns, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in the slow cooker. Thoroughly blend ingredients until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
  3. Cooking Process: Select cooking preference – LOW temperature for 4-5 hours or HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours. Periodically stir to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent ingredient separation.
  4. Topping Enhancement: During final cooking phase, optional crispy layer can be incorporated by sprinkling crushed crackers or cornflakes across potato surface, creating delightful textural contrast.
  5. Serving Technique: Validate potato tenderness by fork testing. When potatoes reach desired softness and cheese transforms into luxurious sauce, immediately transfer to serving dish while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Generously spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to guarantee easy removal and hassle-free cleaning.
  • Balance Moisture: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy mixture that prevents dryness and ensures consistent flavor throughout the dish.
  • Control Cooking Time: Adjust temperature settings based on your schedule – LOW for slower, more developed flavors or HIGH for quicker preparation, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Customize Texture: Add crispy topping like crushed crackers or cornflakes during the last 30 minutes to introduce a delightful crunch and elevate the potato’s overall texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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