Easy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes That Melt in Your Mouth

When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself, these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this slow cooker side dish is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, and cozy potlucks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something warm and filling on a chilly evening, you’ll love how easy this is!

Made with simple pantry staples like frozen hash browns, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, this dish comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again—because it just never fails.

Ingredients

Save

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy delight:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash browns (you can also use shredded hash browns or fresh potatoes)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts better!)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sour cream (or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it creamier, but any milk works)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, adds a nice color and mild warmth)
• Optional topping: 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or French fried onions

Instructions

1. Prep your crockpot: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a liner for super easy cleanup.
2. Mix everything together: In the crockpot, combine hash browns, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything until well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick—it’ll all melt together beautifully as it cooks.
3. Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to keep the cheese distributed and prevent sticking.
4. Add topping if desired: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes over the top for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, French fried onions work great here too!
5. Serve and enjoy: Once the potatoes are tender and creamy and the cheese is melted and bubbly, give everything a final stir and serve warm. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

Save

These cheesy potatoes are an incredibly versatile side that pairs well with just about anything. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Holiday mains: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or a festive leg of lamb.
• Everyday comfort: They’re the perfect partner for meatloaf, grilled steak, or BBQ chicken.
• Vegetarian meal: Add a green salad and roasted veggies for a hearty vegetarian dinner.
• Brunch table: Believe it or not, they make a great brunch addition with eggs and fruit salad.

This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Add some spice with a handful of diced jalapeños or swap in pepper jack cheese.
• Go meatier by mixing in cooked sausage, crumbled ground turkey, or chopped rotisserie chicken.
• Make it extra rich with a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese stirred in at the beginning.
• Looking for a golden top? If you prefer a crispy finish, transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.

Possible Variations

This recipe is a great canvas for creativity. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:

• Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
• Broccoli cheddar version: Toss in steamed broccoli florets and use sharp cheddar.
• Loaded baked potato: Stir in green onions and top with a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Healthier twist: Use reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and skip the butter.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you—these reheat beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Or reheat in a baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just peel and dice them into small, uniform pieces. Keep in mind they may take a little longer to cook.

What if I don’t want to use canned soup?
You can make your own creamy base with a simple roux: melt 3 tablespoons butter, whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, then add 1 cup of milk and stir until thickened.

Can I make this dish the night before?
Yes! Assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Set the crockpot to cook in the morning.

What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can try Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or even a spicy blend like pepper jack.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken and double-check that your cheese and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are a big hit with kids. If you’re feeding picky eaters, you can even skip the onion powder or paprika.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough. If doubling, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours, especially on low.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy side dish, these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are calling your name. With easy prep, everyday ingredients, and rich flavor, they’re the kind of dish you’ll bring to every gathering—and never bring home leftovers.

Serve them up at your next family dinner, holiday celebration, or potluck party, and watch everyone come back for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!