Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cheesy potatoes slowly cooking in your kitchen, especially when you know that a warm, hearty meal awaits you at the end of a busy day. This easy and crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes recipe delivers tender, flavorful bites coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

this Recipe

I first tried this dish for a potluck, and it was such a massive hit that I barely had any leftovers to bring home. Since then, it's been a go-to side dish for when I want something low-effort but undeniably delicious.

Get your slow cooker ready, because this recipe will become a new family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food. Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes are simple to prepare, yet they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

First, the convenience factor is unbeatable. You can set this dish up in the morning, let it simmer throughout the day, and come home to a warm, ready-to-serve meal. It’s perfect for days when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying, home-cooked dish.

Another major benefit is the melt-in-your-mouth texture. The potatoes become perfectly tender, absorbing the creamy, cheesy sauce as they cook. This makes every bite rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of savory goodness.

Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish for a fancy holiday dinner or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal alongside some roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, these cheesy potatoes will quickly become a regular on your meal plan.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some key tips to get the best flavor.

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. Russets create a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds are creamier. Either way, make sure to peel and dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If you prefer a more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of the show. It melts beautifully and provides a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to mix in a little mozzarella for extra creaminess or even some pepper jack if you like a bit of a kick. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic pantry staple creates a rich base for the sauce. If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make your own creamy base from scratch. It adds a layer of savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.

Sour Cream: Adding sour cream gives the sauce a slight tang and creamy consistency. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhances the overall flavor. You can also add a pinch of paprika for a touch of smokiness.

You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart model works perfectly to accommodate the ingredients and allow them to cook evenly.

How To Make These Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Creating this delicious dish is as simple as layering the ingredients in your slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Let me walk you through each step so you can achieve perfectly cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes every time.

Start by preparing your potatoes. Peel and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity, so they cook evenly. Once diced, give the potatoes a quick rinse in cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps keep the potatoes from clumping together and results in a smoother texture.

Next, prepare your cheese sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and the seasonings are evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick, but don’t worry – it will melt beautifully as it cooks.

Layer the diced potatoes in your slow cooker, then pour the cheesy sauce mixture over the top. Use a spoon to gently stir, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated. If you want an extra cheesy layer on top, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar before covering with the lid.

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours, but the low-and-slow method results in a creamier texture. Once the potatoes are cooked through, give everything a final stir to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.

These cheesy potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the slow cooker, but they also make excellent leftovers. From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, leaving you free to focus on other tasks or relax while dinner makes itself!

Storage Options

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Transfer the cheesy potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for an even more delicious meal the next day.

To reheat, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure they warm evenly. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven. Place the potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potatoes. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using one of the methods above.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs with just a few simple swaps.

For a vegetarian option, swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as delicious.

Want to add some extra veggies? Try mixing in chopped bell peppers, diced onions, or even some frozen peas and carrots. These additions will bring a pop of color and added nutrition to your dish.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Pepper jack cheese also adds a subtle spice that complements the creamy sauce.

For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and consider reducing the amount of cheese. While the result won’t be quite as decadent, it will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese would all work well, adding unique flavor profiles to the dish. The possibilities are endless!

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. With just a little creativity, you can tailor these Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes to suit any occasion. Enjoy!

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