Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Whipping up some delectable crockpot cheesy potatoes can turn an ordinary meal into a comfort food celebration.

Comfort arrives slowly when ingredients meld together in a warm ceramic vessel.

Creamy textures and melted cheese promise pure satisfaction for hungry souls.

Potatoes absorb rich flavors while gently cooking throughout the day.

Weekend meals feel special when something hearty simmers without constant attention.

Weekend warriors appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.

Dive into this uncomplicated recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes That Crowd the Table

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Cheesy, creamy potatoes appeal to all ages, making it an ideal side dish for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Slow cooker method allows for hands-off cooking, freeing up time to handle other meal preparations or simply relax while a hearty dish comes together with minimal effort.
• Easy to customize with optional crispy topping of crushed crackers or cornflakes, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy potato base for extra texture and flavor variety.

Ingredients to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Hash Browns, Shredded Cheese: Hearty potato base that provides the core texture and cheesy flavor of the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and depth to the potato mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Best when using fresh, fragrant dried spices.

• Milk, Melted Butter: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds richness to the potato casserole.

• Crushed Crackers, Cornflakes: Optional crispy topping that provides a delightful crunch and textural contrast. Choose crackers or cereal that are fresh and crisp.

How to Cook Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Mix Potato Magic

• Frozen hash browns
• Shredded cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cook on LOW setting for 4-5 hours
• Or cook on HIGH setting for 2-3 hours

Give the potatoes an occasional stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add Crispy Crunch

For an extra texture boost, sprinkle some crushed crackers or cornflakes over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted, scoop out this comfort food masterpiece and enjoy while it’s hot and bubbly!

Pro Tips for Gooey Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Prevent Sticking: Generously spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Mix Thoroughly: Blend all ingredients completely to distribute flavors evenly and create a consistent, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different crispy toppings like panko breadcrumbs, French's fried onions, or crushed potato chips for added crunch and flavor variety.
• Control Moisture: Avoid using frozen hash browns with excess ice to prevent watery results; slightly thaw and drain if needed for optimal consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding smoked paprika, sharp cheddar, or diced green onions to elevate the traditional cheesy potato recipe with extra complexity.

Store and Reheat Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Easily

• Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

Pairings for Cheesy Potatoes from the Crockpot

• Grilled chicken breasts or juicy roasted pork tenderloin complement the creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly, adding lean protein and balanced flavor.
• Crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing refreshing contrast and nutritional balance to the heavy side dish.
• Light, cold beer like pilsner or chardonnay wine offer clean, refreshing notes that cleanse the palate between bites of cheesy potatoes.
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add vibrant color and nutritional variety, creating a well-rounded meal with different textures and tastes.

Ways to Change Up Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Gluten-Free Potato Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free crackers for topping. Swap regular flour-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.
• Vegetarian Cheesy Potatoes: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable broth. Use plant-based cheese and swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Healthier Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and low-sodium chicken broth. Replace some potato hash browns with cauliflower hash for lower carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Bake: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace paprika with chili powder. Incorporate pepper jack cheese and top with crushed tortilla chips for extra kick.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes FAQs

• Are hash browns the best potato option for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shredded hash browns work perfectly because they’re pre-cut, save time, and create a creamy texture without needing to chop or peel potatoes.

• Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Not recommended. The soup provides crucial moisture, binding, and flavor that helps create the creamy consistency and depth of taste in the dish.

• Is it necessary to stir the potatoes while cooking?

Occasional stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking and consistent cheese distribution throughout the dish.

• What if I don't have a crockpot?

While a slow cooker is ideal, you can adapt this recipe for oven baking by using a casserole dish and baking at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, watching to prevent burning.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes blend comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy potato goodness meets melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights dinner crowds with minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes and Cheese:

• 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen diced hash browns (or fresh potatoes, diced)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup butter, melted

Seasonings and Optional Topping:

• 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In the slow cooker, combine hash browns, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a uniform, creamy mixture.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW temperature, allowing the potatoes to simmer and develop rich flavors for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours, gently stirring every hour to distribute heat evenly.
4. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, optional crispy topping can be added. Sprinkle crushed crackers or cornflakes over the potato surface to create a delightful crunchy contrast.
5. Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork. Once the potatoes are soft and the cheese has melted into a luxurious sauce, the dish is ready to be served. Transfer to a serving dish while hot, ensuring each portion captures the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Always use frozen hash browns for the best texture and consistent results in this dish.
• Choose full-fat dairy products like sour cream and cheese to create a richer, more indulgent flavor profile.
• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce and use gluten-free crackers as topping.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg