Description
Hearty crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa delivers comfort straight from Polish-American kitchens, blending smoky sausage with creamy potato goodness. Slow-cooked magic promises a satisfying meal that warms hearts and brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced (454 grams)
Potatoes and Dairy:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (907 grams) (or 6 cups fresh diced potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (226 grams)
- ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess) (113 grams)
- 1 cup sour cream (226 grams)
- ½ cup milk (120 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed (28 grams)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (298 grams)
- ½ cup chopped onion (75 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish) (15 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by generously coating the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent stubborn residue.
- Layer the sliced kielbasa and hash brown potatoes into the crockpot, creating a hearty base for the dish.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth, forming a creamy binding liquid for the ingredients.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Velveeta cheese over the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper throughout the layers to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Strategically place small butter cubes across the top of the mixture, allowing them to melt and infuse richness during cooking.
- Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, until potatoes reach optimal tenderness and cheese becomes completely molten.
- Gently fold the ingredients together just before serving to distribute the melted cheese and seasonings evenly.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with pepper jack for extra kick.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Reduce sodium by using low-fat cheese and unsalted butter to control salt levels.
- Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator for a quick morning start to the slow cooker meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg