Quick & Tasty Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s crockpot cheesy potatoes transform ordinary spuds into a mouthwatering comfort food sensation.

Imagine a bubbling, golden casserole packed with creamy cheese and tender potato chunks.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Every forkful delivers a rich, velvety explosion of cheesy goodness that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Weeknight miracles happen when your slow cooker works its magic with simple ingredients.

Families will fight for seconds of this irresistible potato masterpiece.

Get ready to become the kitchen hero with this foolproof recipe that turns dinner into a celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Butter: Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for richer flavor and better control of salt levels.
• Onions: Select firm, smooth onions without soft spots or sprouting for the best texture and sweetness.
• Garlic: Pick plump, compact garlic cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for smooth, consistent roux texture and reliable thickening power.

• Heavy Cream: Select fresh, high-fat cream for luxurious, silky sauce consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Source aged, well-developed cheeses with robust, complex flavor profiles.

• Kosher Salt: Pick coarse-grained salt for balanced seasoning and better texture.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground peppercorns for vibrant, sharp flavor notes.
• Thyme: Choose fresh thyme with bright green leaves and strong herbal fragrance.

Tools for Crockpot Potato Prep

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and creating a creamy, flavorful base.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients smoothly and preventing sticking.
• Knife: Sharp tool for precisely chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for adding exact amounts of salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Whisk: Great for blending cream and creating a silky-smooth sauce without lumps.
• 6-Quart Slow Cooker: Spacious appliance for layering and cooking potatoes to tender perfection.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses evenly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Cook Cheesy Potatoes in the Crockpot

• Caramelize Onion Base

Melt butter in a skillet over gentle heat. Sauté chopped onions until they transform into soft, golden nuggets of sweetness, releasing their rich flavor.

• Enhance with Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet, allowing its pungent essence to dance and mingle with the caramelized onions for a quick moment.

• Craft Velvety Sauce Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the pan, stirring constantly to create a silky, golden roux that will become the backbone of your creamy sauce. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.

• Season and Develop Flavor Profile

Introduce salt, fresh thyme, and a dash of black pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

• Melt Cheese Decadence

Remove from heat and gently fold in a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheese. Stir until the sauce transforms into a smooth, glossy river of cheesy goodness.

• Layer Potato Masterpiece

Prepare your slow cooker with a light spray. Create alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and the rich cheese sauce, building a delectable potato landscape. Ensure the final layer is a generous blanket of sauce.

• Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and set the slow cooker to low, allowing the potatoes to become meltingly tender over 6-7 hours. The patient cooking process will transform simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

• Final Touch and Serve

Let the casserole rest briefly after cooking. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a crack of black pepper, inviting everyone to dive into this creamy, cheesy potato wonder.

Cheesy Variations and Texture Tips

• Amplify Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, fontina, or sharp white cheddar to create unique taste profiles that elevate the classic potato casserole.
• Customize Herb Selections: Swap fresh thyme for rosemary, sage, or parsley to introduce new aromatic dimensions and personalize the dish according to your flavor preferences.
• Boost Protein Power: Enhance the casserole by adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked chicken to transform it from a side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hunger.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese sauce and slice potatoes the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline cooking and reduce morning preparation time.

Serving Pioneer Woman Cheesy Potatoes Nicely

• Elevate Cheese Potato Dish: Pair this creamy potato casserole with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with chopped chives, parsley, or green onions to add bright color and a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Create Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad and poached eggs for a decadent weekend brunch that will impress family and friends.
• Add Crispy Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed bacon bits over the top just before serving to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy potatoes.

Save and Reheat Cheesy Potatoes

• Preserve Delicious Leftovers: Store cooled potato casserole in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Sealed containers help maintain freshness and prevent unwanted odors from spreading.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen portions stay delicious for 2-3 months, providing quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every minute to ensure even heating. Alternatively, restore crispy edges by baking in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Divide casserole into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy allows easy grab-and-go meals and prevents unnecessary reheating of the entire dish.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman crockpot cheesy potatoes combine rustic comfort with creamy richness. Melted cheese and tender potato layers create a satisfying side dish you’ll want to savor alongside family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups (170 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups (170 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2.5 cups (590 ml) heavy cream
• 5 tbsps (70 g) unsalted butter, divided
• 4 tsp kosher salt
• 1.5 tsp black pepper, extra for garnish
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped, extra for garnish
• Nonstick cooking spray for greasing

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Instructions

1. Onion Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté onions until translucent and soft, approximately 4-6 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic to the onion mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to release its fragrant essence.
3. Roux Creation: Add remaining butter, then incorporate flour. Whisk persistently until the mixture achieves a light golden-brown consistency, typically within one minute.
4. Sauce Development: Gradually pour heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Integrate kosher salt, thyme, and black pepper. Elevate heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Cheese Integration: Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold in Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, creating a smooth, velvety sauce through careful whisking.
6. Slow Cooker Assembly: Coat slow cooker interior with nonstick spray. Layer sliced potatoes in thirds, alternating with generous cheese sauce portions. Ensure final layer is completely covered with cheese sauce.
7. Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to LOW temperature. Cook for 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender enough for a knife to glide through effortlessly.
8. Finishing Touch: Allow dish to rest uncovered for 20 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme and a light sprinkle of black pepper before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cream slowly and steadily to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Strategic Layering Technique: Distribute potatoes and cheese sauce evenly in thirds for consistent flavor and perfect potato coverage.
• Optimal Slow Cooking Time: Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours to achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes without overcooking.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow 20 minutes of uncovered resting to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld for a more developed taste profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 970 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg