If you have a craving for comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, creamy potatoes bathed in cheesy goodness, infused with just the right hint of onion and garlic, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an effortless dish that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and delivers a rich, flavorful experience every time you scoop a bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe combines simplicity and indulgence in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a crucial role in creating the creamy texture, savory depth, and irresistible cheesy flavor that make this dish shine. From the comforting cream of chicken soup to the sharpness of cheddar cheese, every single element sings in harmony.
- Frozen diced potatoes: These make prep quick and ensure consistent cooking without peeling or chopping.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture to balance the creamy potatoes.
- Sour cream: Brings a tangy richness that boosts creaminess and flavor complexity.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): The secret base providing savory depth and moisture.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the onion flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Introduces luscious richness and helps meld flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 1/2 cups): Provides sharpness and melty indulgence that defines this dish.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding your frozen diced potatoes and diced onion to the crockpot. Then, spoon in the sour cream and cream of chicken soup, which act as the creamy base for the potatoes. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season everything just right. Pour the melted butter over the top for a velvety finish, and finally fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to start embedding that cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Secure the lid on your crockpot and let the magic happen by cooking on low for about 4 hours. This slow cooking lets the potatoes soften tenderly, absorb all those comforting flavors, and allows the cheese to melt perfectly into the mix without a fuss.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Cheese Melt
Once the potatoes are cooked through and creamy, take off the lid and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese across the surface. Cover the crockpot again for about 15 minutes to let the cheese melt into a golden, bubbly topping that’s pure heaven to bite into.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cheesy potatoes with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild zing. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of crispy bacon bits can also elevate the dish to a celebration of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains like roast chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops, and it’s fabulous alongside fresh green vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the indulgence. It’s great for holiday dinners and cozy family meals alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins or mini crockpots for easy portion control and a pretty presentation. You can also spread it in a baking dish after slow cooking and broil the top for a few minutes to create a bubbly, crunchy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making the next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep this goodness around longer, you can freeze the cheesy potatoes in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating helps restore the creamy texture that makes this dish such a standout comfort food.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
You can, but frozen diced potatoes save time and cook more evenly in the crockpot. If using fresh, peel and dice them evenly, and you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the cream of chicken soup for a creamy mushroom or vegetable soup to keep the rich flavor without meat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar is classic here, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for a different twist in flavor and meltiness.
Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Just prepare it as directed, then once cooled, freeze in portions. Thaw overnight before reheating gently to enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can prepare this on the stovetop or in an oven-safe dish, cooking at low heat and stirring often until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, but the crockpot makes it particularly hands-off and easy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and that timeless comfort food vibe, this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s perfect for busy days, potlucks, or any time you want a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you reach for again and again!
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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender diced potatoes and onions, it cooks low and slow in a crockpot, making it effortless to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 1 32 oz bag frozen diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
Dairy and Dairy-Based
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 1/2 cups + 1 cup)
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, add the frozen diced potatoes, diced onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, melted butter, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Place the lid securely on the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 4 hours. This allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: After 4 hours, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and become bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use a vegetarian cream soup and vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Using fresh diced potatoes will increase the cooking time significantly.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
