Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a rich, satisfying side dish that pairs well with any meal. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy a hands-off cooking experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – The crockpot does all the work with minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Creamy & Cheesy – A rich and indulgent side dish everyone will love.
- Customizable – Add bacon, ham, or veggies to switch it up.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Always a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen diced or shredded hash browns
- Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese
Directions
- Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped onions.
- Add the frozen hash browns to the crockpot, then pour the cheese mixture over them. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Stir the potatoes before serving and garnish with optional toppings like bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
Variations
- Meaty Addition – Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for extra protein.
- Extra Creamy – Add a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Spicy Twist – Mix in diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or French fried onions on top before serving.
- Healthier Option – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Peel and dice fresh potatoes, but they may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe without soup?
Yes, you can substitute with a homemade roux made from butter, flour, and milk.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes in a greased baking dish.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for a different flavor.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. Start cooking in the morning.
What can I serve with cheesy potatoes?
They pair well with ham, chicken, steak, BBQ, or any holiday main dish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger crockpot and increase the cooking time slightly.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and skip the butter for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are an easy, creamy, and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday meal, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, this recipe is a must-try. Serve them warm, topped with extra cheese and crispy bacon, for the ultimate comfort food experience!
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Potatoes
These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a rich, creamy, and effortless side dish made with tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and a deliciously savory sauce. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this slow cooker recipe is a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash browns (or fresh potatoes, diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 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)
Instructions
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.- Add the hash browns, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If adding a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or cornflakes over the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a vegetarian version.- Swap cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
- Add diced ham, cooked bacon, or green onions for a heartier dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.