Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Sophy
This crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe has been a family favorite during Sunday dinners for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about walking into the house and smelling that rich, creamy aroma of melted cheese and tender potatoes bubbling away in the slow cooker. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a busy weeknight when you need something reliable and delicious, these slow cooker cheesy potatoes never disappoint.
What makes this dish such a go-to comfort food? It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. While traditional potato casseroles require oven space and constant monitoring, this crockpot potato casserole practically makes itself. You simply combine a handful of ingredients, turn on your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The result? Creamy potatoes that are so rich and flavorful, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Best of all, this recipe uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Table of Contents
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish! Made with frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and busy weeknights. Just mix, pour, and let your crockpot do all the work for perfectly creamy, cheesy potatoes every time.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen hash browns (do not thaw)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided – 1½ cups for mixture, ½ cup for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes these potatoes irresistible.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Seasonings Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping). Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 3: Combine with Hash Browns Add the frozen hash browns directly to the cheese mixture (no need to thaw). Gently fold everything together with a spatula until every potato piece is coated with the creamy sauce. The mixture will be thick – this is perfect!
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the potato mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
Step 5: Slow Cook Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The potatoes are done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this adds time.
Step 6: Add Final Cheese and Serve About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let it melt into gooey perfection. If using optional toppings like bacon bits or green onions, add them now. Stir gently before serving to combine the melted cheese throughout.
Notes
Storage Instructions: Store leftover crockpot cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The potatoes will thicken as they cool, which is completely normal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 10g
Keywords: crockpot cheesy potatoes, slow cooker cheesy potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, crockpot hashbrowns, easy side dish, holiday side dish, potluck recipe, comfort food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for an effortless side dish that delivers maximum flavor, these cheesy potatoes in crockpot are your answer. I love making this recipe because it frees up valuable oven space during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it’s absolutely perfect for potlucks where you need something warm and crowd-pleasing.
This slow cooker side dish is ideal for busy weeknights too. You can prep it in the morning, set it, and come home to a ready-made dinner companion. The cheese melts perfectly creamy, creating a sauce that coats every potato bite. I can’t count how many times guests have asked for this recipe—it always gets compliments! Plus, there’s no babysitting required. No stirring every few minutes, no worrying about burning. Just simple, stress-free cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 32 oz frozen hash browns (about one standard bag)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crispy fried onions
Simple Swaps: If you prefer, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken—it adds a wonderful earthy flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream for a lighter version, though I love the traditional richness of full-fat sour cream in this recipe.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Making these slow cooker cheesy potatoes couldn’t be simpler. Here’s my tried-and-true method:
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Whisk them together until smooth and well blended. This creates the luxurious sauce that makes these crockpot cheesy potatoes so irresistibly creamy.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Seasonings Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (save that extra half cup for later!). Add your onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 3: Combine with Potatoes Add the frozen hash browns directly to the mixture—no need to thaw them first! Gently fold everything together until every potato piece is coated with that gorgeous cheesy sauce. Don’t worry if it seems thick; the potatoes will release moisture as they cook.
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, then pour in the potato mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time. I prefer the low setting because it gives the flavors more time to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Finishing Touches About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle that remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and let it melt into gooey perfection. If you’re adding bacon bits or green onions, this is the time to do it!
Pro Tips:
- Give the potatoes a gentle stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heating
- Avoid lifting the lid too often—every peek adds 15 minutes to cooking time
- If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing:
Use freshly shredded cheese. I know pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but I’ve found that shredding fresh cheese makes a huge difference. Pre-bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of smooth. When you’re learning how to make cheesy potatoes creamy in the crockpot, this one tip is a game-changer.
Don’t overcook them. The potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape. If you cook them too long, they can turn mushy and release too much liquid.
Let them rest before serving. After turning off the crockpot, let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up beautifully.
Reheating leftovers? Add a tablespoon of milk or cream before microwaving to restore that creamy texture. They actually taste even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to really marry together. This is easily the best slow cooker cheesy potatoes recipe for meal prep!
Variations to Try Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some delicious ways to mix it up:
Loaded Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes: Stir in diced cooked ham or crumbled breakfast sausage to turn this side dish into a hearty main course. It’s perfect for brunch!
Spicy Version: Swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add a diced jalapeño for some heat. My husband loves this variation!
Vegetarian-Friendly: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of chicken, and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Extra Veggies: Fold in a cup of frozen broccoli florets or diced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Crunchy Topping: For Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes hashbrowns with texture, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before serving. You can even broil them for a minute to get them golden and crispy!
Serving Ideas
These creamy potatoes pair wonderfully with just about any protein. Here are my favorite combinations:
Serve them alongside a honey-glazed ham for Easter dinner—the sweet and savory combination is unbeatable. They’re also phenomenal with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or BBQ ribs for summer cookouts.
During the holidays, I always make a double batch because they’re the perfect companion to turkey at Thanksgiving or prime rib at Christmas. The rich, cheesy flavor complements traditional holiday fare beautifully. They’re also a hit at potlucks and church dinners—this is the dish that disappears first from the buffet table every single time!
Storage and Reheating
Leftover crockpot cheesy potatoes store beautifully, which makes them perfect for make-ahead crockpot cheesy potatoes planning.
Storage: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The potatoes will thicken as they cool, which is completely normal.
Reheating:
- Microwave method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of milk or cream, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Oven method: Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Here’s a little secret: they taste even creamier the next day! The flavors deepen and the sauce becomes more luxurious after sitting overnight. I sometimes intentionally make this dish the day before a gathering just for that extra-special texture.
FAQs about Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and dice about 2 pounds of potatoes into small cubes. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may take longer to cook—plan for 5-6 hours on low.
Can I cook crockpot cheesy potatoes on high instead of low?
Absolutely! Cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of 4-5 hours on low. Just watch closely toward the end to prevent overcooking.
How do I make this recipe less rich?
Try using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, or replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. You can also cut the butter down to ¼ cup.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. The cooking time remains roughly the same, though you may want to add an extra 30 minutes to ensure everything heats through evenly.
Do I need to thaw frozen hash browns first?
No! Use them straight from the freezer. They’ll release moisture as they cook, which actually helps create that signature creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe always brings smiles to our table, and I hope it does the same for yours. There’s something so comforting about a dish that’s both incredibly easy and absolutely delicious—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday night or bringing a crowd-pleasing side to your next gathering, these slow cooker cheesy potatoes won’t let you down. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks you to make them again and again!
Ready to Make This Recipe?
Try these crockpot cheesy potatoes this week and let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment below with your favorite variation or any creative twists you’ve tried. And if you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family—comfort food this good is meant to be shared!
Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily when you need a reliable side dish. Happy cooking!
