Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes are a comforting, creamy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or anytime you need an easy and crowd-pleasing accompaniment. This recipe combines tender potatoes with a rich and cheesy sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on other dishes or relax while it does all the work.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the frozen diced hash brown potatoes to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the sauce mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later.
Step 4: Cook the Cheesy Potatoes
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the potatoes are cooked and the cheese is melted, stir gently and garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Potato Type: Frozen diced hash brown potatoes are convenient for this recipe, but you can also use fresh potatoes. Just make sure to peel, dice, and parboil them until slightly tender before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cream Soup Substitute: If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere for extra flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add Crunch: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs over the potatoes just before serving.
Variations
- Loaded Cheesy Potatoes: Add cooked, crumbled bacon and sliced green onions to the potatoes for a loaded version. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy Cheesy Potatoes: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
- Broccoli Cheesy Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a veggie-packed twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and combine it with the potatoes in the slow cooker the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day as directed.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Potatoes?
Store any leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze Cheesy Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze cheesy potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and dice them, then parboil until slightly tender before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish Pairing: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops for a hearty meal.
- Breakfast Option: These cheesy potatoes are also great as part of a breakfast or brunch spread, paired with scrambled eggs and sausage.
- Toppings: Top with additional cooked bacon, chopped chives, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
- Holiday Side: This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, complementing a variety of main courses.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes are a comforting and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with tender potatoes makes this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a simple weeknight meal, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
