Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
A quick and creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe that combines tender potatoes and rich cheddar cheese in a slow cooker for a comforting, family-friendly side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make dish delivers cheesy, creamy goodness with minimal effort.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed if needed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions or chives
Optional Variations
- Crispy cooked bacon bits (to taste)
- Alternative cheeses: mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack (1 cup shredded)
- Diced bell peppers or mushrooms (1/2 to 1 cup)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (to taste)
- Prep the ingredients: Gather all ingredients, thaw frozen hash browns if necessary, and measure out sour cream, cheese, milk, and butter to streamline the process.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, milk, melted butter, and onion soup mix. Stir until smooth and well blended to form the creamy sauce base.
- Add potatoes and cheese: Fold shredded hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture until all pieces are coated evenly.
- Transfer to crockpot: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, then pour in the potato mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
- Finish and garnish: After cooking, give it a gentle stir, then sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives for freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- Grate fresh cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
- Drain excess moisture from hash browns to avoid a runny dish.
- Use a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent overflow.
- Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Stir gently once or twice during cooking to promote even heat distribution without breaking down potatoes too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: crockpot cheesy potatoes, slow cooker potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, easy cheesy potatoes, family side dish, comfort food, gluten free potatoes