Rustic Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Dreamy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Hearty potatoes mingle with rich, melted cheese, creating a side dish that steals the show at every gathering.

Creamy and indulgent, these potatoes develop deep, satisfying flavors during slow cooking.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a weeknight dinner hero.

Tender potato slices nestle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese blanket that beckons everyone to the table.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for you and your loved ones.

Prepare to be transported by this classic, soul-warming comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All Ingredients For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Frozen Hash Browns: Convenient pre-shredded potatoes that create a creamy, comforting texture without peeling or chopping.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a rich, gooey coating that adds depth and creaminess to the dish.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a silky base that helps bind ingredients and adds savory depth.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Milk: Thins the mixture for even cooking and helps distribute flavors.
  • Melted Butter: Adds luxurious flavor and helps prevent sticking.
For Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder: Brings subtle, aromatic warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Onion Powder: Adds gentle, sweet onion essence throughout the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Paprika: Contributes a mild smoky note and beautiful reddish-orange color.
Optional Topping:
  • Crushed Crackers or Cornflakes: Creates a delightful crispy contrast to the creamy potatoes.

Slow Cooker Tools For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

  • Slow Cooker: Essential tool for creating creamy, cheesy potatoes with minimal effort.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients before transferring to the slow cooker.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
  • Optional Crispy Topping Sprinkler: Helpful for evenly spreading crushed crackers or cornflakes.

Steps To Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

  • Prep Your Crockpot

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray to prevent any stubborn stuck-on bits.

  • Mix Creamy Potato Magic

Toss all your delicious ingredients into the crockpot, whisking them together until they’re smooth and well-blended. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its magic. Simmer on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Give it a gentle stir every now and then to keep everything evenly heated and delicious.

  • Add Crispy Crunch

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

  • Serve and Savor

When the potatoes are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted, dish out this comforting side and watch everyone dig in with excitement. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy potato goodness!

Ideas To Change Up Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

  • Cheese Flexibility: Swap out cheddar for other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make the dish vegetarian-friendly and add an earthy taste.
  • Protein Power-Up: Mix in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the side dish into a hearty main course.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soup and substitute crackers with crushed gluten-free corn chips or rice cereal for a crispy topping.
  • Spice Enthusiast's Twist: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat and excitement to the classic cheesy potato recipe.

Serving Suggestions For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these creamy potatoes on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered on top for a stunning presentation.
  • Brunch Buddy Boost: Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast spread that'll make everyone smile.
  • Potluck Perfect Companion: Pair with grilled chicken, BBQ pulled pork, or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal that'll be the talk of any gathering.
  • Comfort Food Combo: Top with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits right before serving to add exciting texture and flavor layers.

Keep Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Warm Or Save Later

  • Advance Prep Power: Gather ingredients the night before and mix them in a large bowl, then refrigerate overnight to save morning cooking time.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Package leftovers in airtight containers, storing in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating in microwave or oven.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide potatoes into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunch or side dish options during busy weeks.
  • Leftover Remix: Transform remaining cheesy potatoes into a breakfast casserole by adding scrambled eggs and extra cheese, creating a delicious morning meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours

Total Time: 4-5 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Print
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Rustic Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Rustic Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 4-5 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes delight diners with a comforting blend of hearty spuds and melted cheese. Wisconsin cheddar and russet potatoes create a simple side dish that warms family gatherings with rich, savory goodness you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen diced hash browns
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 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: Thoroughly coat the crockpot interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent adhesion and simplify cleaning process.
  2. Ingredient Fusion: Combine shredded hash browns, creamy cheese, condensed chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in the slow cooker, ensuring comprehensive blending of ingredients until uniformly distributed.
  3. Slow Cooking: Cover with lid and set temperature to low, allowing potato mixture to gently simmer and develop robust flavors for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent bottom scorching and promote even heat distribution.
  4. Texture Enhancement: During final 30 minutes, optionally sprinkle crushed crackers or cornflakes across surface for delightful crunch and aesthetic appeal.
  5. Doneness Assessment: Verify potato tenderness by effortlessly piercing with fork; potatoes should yield smoothly and remain structurally intact.
  6. Serving Presentation: Once cheese melts completely and potatoes reach optimal consistency, transfer creamy mixture to serving dish, presenting a warm, comforting side that promises culinary satisfaction.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Generously spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to avoid difficult cleanup and ensure smooth removal of potatoes.
  • Uniform Mixing: Blend ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly, preventing clumpy or uneven texture in the potato dish.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain low, consistent heat to allow gradual flavor development and prevent burning or overcooking the potatoes.
  • Optional Texture Boost: Add crispy cracker or cornflake topping during final cooking stage to introduce delightful crunch and enhance overall mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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