Description: Creamy, cheesy potatoes made easy in your crockpot! This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect as a side dish for any occasion. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup onion, diced (or green onion for a milder flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, chives, paprika
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, dice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This uniformity ensures even cooking in the crockpot, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are mushy. Aim for roughly ½-inch cubes.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients: In a large crockpot (6-quart or larger is ideal), start layering the diced potatoes at the bottom. Spread them evenly across the base. Next, add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the diced onion. At this stage, if you’re using any additional ingredients like cooked bacon bits, sprinkle them evenly over the cheese and onion layer. This layering ensures a balanced distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk (or almond milk), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while the milk thins the soup to the perfect consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Combine Everything: Pour the creamy mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir the ingredients together, ensuring that the potatoes are well-coated with the creamy base. This step is crucial for achieving the signature cheesy texture and preventing the potatoes from drying out during the long cooking time.
Step 5: Set the Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato pieces and the specific crockpot model. To ensure they are fully cooked, check the potatoes around the 6-hour mark by piercing them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they are ready; if they still feel firm, continue cooking for another hour or two.
Step 6: Add the Topping: Once the cooking time is complete and the potatoes are fork-tender, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot again and let it sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly. The residual heat in the crockpot will melt the cheese to golden, gooey perfection, creating an irresistible cheesy topping.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the cheesy potatoes into individual bowls or serving dishes. Garnish with additional toppings, such as fresh chives, crumbled bacon bits, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve warm as a comforting and satisfying side dish alongside your favorite main course. These cheesy potatoes are best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Effortless Convenience: This recipe epitomizes easy cooking. The crockpot does most of the work, freeing up your time and energy for other tasks. Simply layer the ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Cheesy potatoes are a classic comfort food that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck dinner, or a casual weeknight meal, these potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Side Dish: These cheesy potatoes can be paired with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken and roasted pork to baked ham and barbecued ribs. They also make a delicious addition to holiday feasts and special occasions.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your personal preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or toppings to create a unique and personalized dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a side dish to grilled steak, chicken, or pork chops.
- Alongside a hearty meatloaf or baked ham.
- As part of a holiday meal, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Served with scrambled eggs and bacon for a comforting breakfast.
- As a topping for baked potatoes.
- Served with chili or soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Alongside pulled pork sandwiches or sliders.
- As a cheesy addition to a breakfast casserole.
Tips:
- For a smoother, creamier texture, use Yukon gold potatoes.
- To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
- If you prefer a bolder flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the creamy mixture for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
- To prevent the cheese from browning too much during the last 15 minutes of cooking, place a layer of aluminum foil over the top of the crockpot.
- If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
Protein: 12 grams
Sodium: 500 mg (can vary greatly depending on sodium content of ingredients)
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a timeless classic that is easy to make and always a hit. The combination of creamy potatoes, cheesy goodness, and minimal effort makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your own preferences, ensuring that you’ll always have a delicious and satisfying side dish on hand. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes in this recipe?
A: While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes as a convenient alternative. However, keep in mind that frozen potatoes may release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to reduce the amount of milk or adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and creamy mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the crockpot and follow the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that the potatoes may discolor slightly if stored for an extended period, but this will not affect the flavor.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this recipe. Some popular choices include broccoli florets, diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms. Add the vegetables along with the potatoes in Step 2, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses. Consider using a cheese that melts well and has a flavor that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A: The standard version of this recipe contains gluten due to the cream of chicken soup. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute or make your own creamy sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
