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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

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Crockpot cheesy potatoes are the perfect comfort food, combining buttery Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese and a creamy sour cream-based sauce. The dish is prepared by layering thinly sliced potatoes, shredded cheese, and optional sautéed onions in a slow cooker. A luscious creamy sauce made with butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and seasonings is poured over the layers before slow cooking. After several hours, the potatoes turn tender and are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or crispy bacon for added flavor and serve warm as a side dish or even a main course.

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A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 20:35:44 GMT
A bowl of food with cheese and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of food with cheese and herbs. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This crockpot cheesy potato recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become tender while soaking up all the rich, cheesy flavors, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made these cheesy potatoes for a family potluck where I needed something that could cook while I was busy with other preparations. It was such a hit that it has become my most requested contribution to gatherings, and my nephew now asks for it specifically at every holiday meal.

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Freshly sliced potatoes create the best texture and absorb flavors better than frozen alternatives
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts more smoothly than prepackaged options
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup: Forms the creamy base that binds everything together
  • 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess that balances the rich cheese flavor
  • ½ cup unsalted butter: Creates richness and helps form the velvety sauce
  • ½ cup yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes garlic flavor evenly throughout the dish
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild warmth that complements the creamy texture
  • Optional garnishes: Such as fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel your potatoes and slice them to approximately ¼ inch thickness using a sharp knife or mandoline. Uniform slices ensure even cooking throughout the dish. For extra insurance against gumminess rinse the sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Sauté the Onion:
While technically optional this step dramatically improves the final flavor profile. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onions for 5 to 7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. This process eliminates the raw onion bite and develops a sweeter more complex flavor that will permeate the dish.
Layer the Ingredients:
Grease your crockpot thoroughly to prevent sticking. Create three even layers starting with potatoes then cheese and a portion of the sautéed onions. The distribution of ingredients in distinct layers ensures every serving contains the perfect balance of potatoes and cheese. End with a generous layer of cheese on top which will create a beautiful golden crust.
Create the Cream Sauce:
In a separate bowl whisk together the melted butter cream of chicken soup sour cream garlic powder salt and pepper until completely smooth. Take your time with this step as eliminating all lumps now guarantees a silky sauce later. The combination creates a rich flavorful base that will slowly penetrate the potatoes as they cook.
Pour and Cook:
Pour the cream sauce evenly over your layered ingredients ensuring it seeps down through all the layers. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to gradually soften while absorbing the creamy sauce creating the perfect tender but not mushy texture.
Final Touches:
Once the potatoes are fork tender gently stir everything to distribute the sauce evenly. Adjust the seasoning to your preference and add any desired garnishes just before serving. Fresh herbs provide a vibrant color contrast while bacon adds a wonderful textural element against the creamy potatoes.
A bowl of food with a green herb on top. Pin it
A bowl of food with a green herb on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The real secret to this recipe is letting the potatoes cook long enough that they fully absorb the cream sauce. My grandmother always said cheesy potatoes need time to develop their flavor and she was right. The first time I rushed this recipe the potatoes were still good but after trying a properly slow cooked version the difference was remarkable.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization depending on your preferences and what you have available. For a smoky variation substitute smoked gouda for half of the cheddar cheese. The depth of flavor this creates transforms the dish entirely especially when paired with crumbled bacon on top.

Storage and Reheating

These cheesy potatoes actually improve overnight as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency and warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. The potatoes also freeze surprisingly well for up to three months simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

While traditionally served as a side dish with ham or roasted chicken these potatoes are versatile enough to complement nearly any protein. For a complete meal serve alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread. At brunch they pair beautifully with egg dishes and can even stand alone as a vegetarian main when topped with extra vegetables like broccoli or roasted bell peppers.

A bowl of food with potatoes and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with potatoes and cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its hearty, comforting flavors and creamy, cheesy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, or a combination of both. Yukon Golds add a creamy texture, while Russets hold their shape during cooking.

→ Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?

Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients if preferred.

→ Can fresh garlic be substituted for garlic powder?

Yes, you can use 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Sauté it lightly before adding to mellow the flavor if you prefer a less pungent taste.

→ What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of potato soup. Keep in mind each will slightly alter the flavor profile.

→ What are good topping suggestions for this dish?

Fresh parsley, green onions, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika are great options to enhance flavor and presentation.

→ Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes, use cream of celery or cream of potato soup instead of cream of chicken, and ensure no animal-based toppings are added.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can slice the potatoes and prepare the cream sauce in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Rich cheesy potatoes slow-cooked with layers of golden Yukon slices, creamy sauce, and melting cheddar.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
380 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
02 2 cups sharp or medium cheddar cheese, shredded
03 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
04 1 cup sour cream
05 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
06 ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

10 Fresh parsley, chopped
11 Green onions, chopped
12 Crispy crumbled bacon
13 Paprika

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into ¼ inch thick slices. Optionally rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry.

Step 02

Optional but recommended: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 03

Lightly grease the crockpot. Layer one-third of the potatoes, one-third of the cheddar cheese, and half of the sautéed onion (if using), and repeat the layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.

Step 04

In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.

Step 05

Evenly pour the cream sauce over the layered potatoes and cheese in the crockpot. Spread gently with a spatula to ensure coverage without disturbing the layers.

Step 06

Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbly and creamy.

Step 07

Once cooked, stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 08

Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, crumbled bacon, or paprika as desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  1. For a vegetarian option, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or cream of potato soup.
  2. Using freshly shredded cheese results in smoother melting and better flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot or slow cooker
  • Skillet (optional for sautéing onion)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Mandoline slicer (optional for even potato slices)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from cheese, sour cream, and butter.
  • Contains gluten if using regular cream of chicken soup.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 8 g