Description: These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect as a side dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooking in the crockpot ensures the potatoes become tender and infused with a rich, savory flavor, making them irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 7–8 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or any creamed soup you like, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variations)
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter (unsalted or salted, adjust salt in recipe accordingly)
- ½ cup sour cream (full-fat or light, depending on preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for a subtle garlic flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best for enhanced flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste based on butter and soup used)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (for a touch of color and freshness)
- ¼ cup chopped green onion (or regular onion, finely diced, for a mild onion flavor)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese (or your preferred cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the potatoes. Dicing them into roughly 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking. The size of the dice is crucial; too small, and they might become mushy during the long cooking process; too large, and they may not cook through evenly. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally creamy texture, while Russet potatoes provide a classic, slightly drier, and fluffier consistency.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot In your crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, cream of chicken soup (or your chosen alternative), melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, parsley flakes, chopped onion (or green onion), and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s essential to mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure that every potato piece is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. This even distribution is key to achieving a consistent taste and texture throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potato mixture and gently stir until evenly combined. The cheese will melt during the cooking process, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that binds all the ingredients together. Consider using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. For example, combining cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby Jack can add depth and richness to the dish.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb all the flavors from the soup, butter, and spices, resulting in a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish. Cooking on LOW ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Stirring During Cooking Stir the mixture every 2–3 hours to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This step is crucial to prevent the potatoes on the bottom from becoming overly cooked while those on top remain undercooked. Stirring also helps to distribute the cheese and sauce evenly, ensuring that every bite is cheesy and delicious. If you’re unable to stir frequently, you can reduce the cooking time slightly, but be sure to check for tenderness.
Step 6: Final Stir and Serve Once the potatoes are soft and cheesy, give them a final stir to ensure everything is well combined. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or green onion if desired. These potatoes make a perfect side dish or a comforting main course, especially on a cold day.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a winner for many reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep time and the hands-off cooking process of a crockpot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy potatoes are a universally loved dish. Their creamy texture and savory flavor make them appealing to all ages and palates.
- Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by using different types of creamed soup, cheeses, or adding extra seasonings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and let it cook while you go about your day. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need to free up your time.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy potato dish. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and feel cozy on a chilly evening.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve these potatoes as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish. They complement a variety of main courses and add a creamy, cheesy element to any meal.
- As a Main Course: For a simple and satisfying meal, serve these potatoes as a main course, especially on a cold day. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Transform these potatoes into a hearty breakfast or brunch dish by adding crumbled bacon or sausage, a fried egg, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: These potatoes are always a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and parties. Their crowd-pleasing flavor and easy preparation make them a perfect choice for feeding a large group.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon bits, chives, jalapenos, or a dollop of salsa for extra flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Potato Type: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russet potatoes for a fluffier consistency.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican-style blend all work well.
- Soup Variation: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of potato soup.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. You can also add other seasonings such as onion powder, smoked paprika, or dried thyme.
- Slow Cooker Size: Use a 5-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and don’t overflow.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the potatoes for tenderness after 4 hours and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as chopped bell peppers, corn, or broccoli florets.
- Storage: Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) Total Time: Up to 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving) (Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams Sodium: Approximately 500-700 mg (depending on soup and cheese used)
Conclusion:
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, combined with slow cooking, can create something truly extraordinary. This recipe is not just about making a dish; it’s about creating a memory, a shared experience around a table filled with warmth and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees a delicious result every time. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these irresistible potatoes.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning or even the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then start cooking it when you’re ready. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits, resulting in an even more delicious dish.
Q2: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? Can I use something else? A: Yes, you can certainly substitute the cream of chicken soup. Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative and adds a rich, earthy flavor. Cream of celery soup is another great option for a slightly milder taste. You can even use cream of potato soup for a super potato-y dish!
Q3: Can I add meat to this recipe to make it a complete meal? A: Definitely! Adding cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the crockpot with the other ingredients can transform this side dish into a hearty main course. Cook the meat separately until it’s browned, then stir it into the potato mixture before cooking.
Q4: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot? A: To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients. Also, stirring the mixture every 2-3 hours helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the potatoes from settling and sticking to the bottom.
Q5: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley flakes? A: Yes, using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish. If you’re using fresh parsley, use about 2-3 tablespoons of chopped parsley instead of 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes. Fresh chives or dill would also be delicious additions. Remember to add fresh herbs towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor.
