5-Star Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes: The Easiest Comfort Food Side

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than crockpot cheesy potatoes. There’s something magical about tender, buttery potatoes swimming in a velvety, cheesy sauce—especially when your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. As a mom constantly juggling work, errands, and the occasional Netflix binge, I can confidently say that this recipe is a lifesaver.

Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a cozy family dinner, or just craving something indulgent without the fuss, these potatoes bring everyone to the table. Plus, let’s be honest: anything involving cheese deserves a standing ovation. Stick with me and I’ll show you how to make these golden beauties, along with some clever tips, healthy swaps, and even ideas for jazzing up leftovers. Let’s get those crockpots ready!

---

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you kick up your feet (or catch up on emails).
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for BBQs, holidays, or any gathering. Trust me—your guests will beg for the recipe.
• Customizable: Switch up the soup base or cheeses for fun flavor spins.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot = fewer dishes. That’s a win in my book!
• Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, with just the right kick of seasoning.

Still not convinced? Check out Bon Appétit’s guide to slow cookers if you want to up your crockpot game!

---

Ingredients

• 7–8 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup (or swap for cream of mushroom/celery)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional garnish)

For more ideas on creamed soups, see Allrecipes’ collection of homemade creamed soup substitutes.

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and stay delightfully tender.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Combine: Gently fold the diced potatoes into the sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.
4. Layer & Cook: Lightly grease your crockpot insert. Pour the mixture in, spreading evenly. Cover and cook:
   • On HIGH: 3.5 to 4 hours
   • On LOW: 6 to 7 hours
5. Cheese Time: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt into gooey perfection.
6. Garnish & Serve: Stir if you like it ultra-cheesy throughout, or serve with the cheese layer intact. Top with green onions for a fresh pop of color!

---

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

• Even Dice = Even Cooking: Keep your potato cubes uniform in size to prevent any undercooked surprises.
• Add Some Crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or crispy bacon bits just before serving.
• Soup Swap: Cream of mushroom or celery works great if you want a veggie-friendly twist.
• Peek Check: Some crockpots run hot! Stir halfway if yours tends to have hot spots.

---

Bake It With the Littles

This recipe is wonderfully kid-friendly! Here’s how to involve the little hands:

• Mixing Duty: Kids love stirring the sauce ingredients together.
• Cheese Sprinkling: Let them sprinkle the cheese on top—bonus points if they “sample” along the way.
• Colorful Garnish: Give them the task of scattering green onions or even chopped chives for a playful finish.

Cooking together turns a simple dish into a family memory—plus, they might be more willing to eat their veggies if they’ve helped make them!

---

Meal-Prep Magic

Planning ahead? You can easily prep these crockpot cheesy potatoes the night before:

• Pre-Dice Potatoes: Store them submerged in water in the fridge to prevent browning.
• Mix Sauce Ahead: Keep the sauce mixture sealed in an airtight container.
• Assembly Time: Day of, just drain the potatoes, combine with the sauce, and toss into the crockpot.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

---

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

If you’re watching your waistline (or cholesterol), here are some tweaks:

• Swap Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.
• Light Butter: Replace with a plant-based or light butter alternative.
• Cheese Choices: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar or a mix of part-skim mozzarella.
• Soup Smarts: Use a lower-sodium soup or make your own condensed soup substitute to cut down on salt.

Trust me, with all that creamy goodness, no one will notice these subtle swaps!

---

Leftover Remix

Got extras? Here are some fun ways to reinvent your leftover cheesy potatoes:

• Breakfast Hash: Toss with scrambled eggs and sausage for a hearty morning meal.
• Potato Cakes: Mash the leftovers, form into patties, and pan-fry until golden brown.
• Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into hollowed bell peppers, top with extra cheese, and bake.
• Soup Starter: Stir into a broth with veggies and ham for a creamy potato soup.

---

Gift It Like a Pro

These potatoes are practically a hug in a bowl—perfect for sharing! Whether it’s a new neighbor, a friend who just had a baby, or someone recovering from surgery, cheesy potatoes make a thoughtful (and delicious) gift.

Tip: Package in a disposable foil container, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and include reheating instructions. Pair with a simple green salad and you’ve delivered a complete, comforting meal.

---

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! Diced frozen hash browns are a fantastic shortcut. Just note they might cook a bit faster.

What other cheeses work well?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also melt beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is big enough! You may need to add a little extra cooking time.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, cheese, and sour cream. There are also some great dairy-free creamed soup options available.

---

Final Thought

Crockpot cheesy potatoes aren’t just a side dish—they’re a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply indulging your inner carb-lover, this recipe delivers every time. Trust me, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.

And hey, if you’re looking for more cozy sides, check out my Slow Cooker Creamed Corn or this Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese for more ooey-gooey goodness!

Print