Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 6-8 hours (on Low)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (High) or 6-8 hours 15 minutes (Low)
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low effort

Description

These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this dish requires minimal prep and cooks hands-free in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 6 cups) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes or crispy fried onions (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure all potatoes are coated.

Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot

1. Transfer the mixture to the greased slow cooker and spread evenly.
2. Cover and cook on:
   • High for 3.5-4 hours (for faster cooking)
   • Low for 6-8 hours (for slower, more melty results)
3. Stir once halfway through cooking (optional, but helps distribute heat evenly).

Step 4: Add Topping (Optional)

1. If using a crunchy topping (cornflakes or fried onions), sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly, turn off the slow cooker.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbs	Fiber	Sugars	Protein
380 kcal	24g	14g	65mg	780mg	30g	2g	3g	10g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or diced chicken for a heartier meal.
• Extra Creamy: Add 4 oz of cream cheese for an even richer texture.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
• Crispy Topping Alternative: Use crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for a buttery crunch.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through (add a splash of milk if needed).
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—easy to make, irresistibly cheesy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit!