Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

These easy slow cooker cheesy potatoes are the kind of warm and comforting side dish that always disappears first at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. They are creamy, rich, and packed with classic potato casserole flavor. This recipe uses simple ingredients from your pantry and freezer, making it effortless to prepare and incredibly reliable. You simply mix everything together, place it in the slow cooker, and let the heat transform the combination of potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce into a dish everyone will request again and again.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

1 package frozen Southern style hash brown potatoes thawed, 2 pounds
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces each
1 container sour cream, 8 ounces
1 cup chopped yellow onion optional
1 cup milk
Seasoned salt to taste
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup crushed cheese flavored crackers such as Cheez It, divided

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the ingredients

Before you begin mixing, make sure your frozen hash brown potatoes are fully thawed. Thawing ensures that the slow cooker heats evenly and prevents excess water from diluting the creamy mixture. Measure the shredded Cheddar cheese, open the cans of cream of chicken soup, and chop the onion if you choose to include it. Crushing the cheese flavored crackers in advance also helps the recipe come together smoothly. Taking a few extra minutes here prepares everything for effortless assembly.

Step 2. Mix everything in the slow cooker

Place the thawed potatoes directly into the slow cooker. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, milk, seasoned salt, minced garlic, and half of the crushed cheese crackers. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that every potato is coated with the creamy sauce. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and evenly blended. At this point, the dish is already fragrant and flavorful, but slow cooking will deepen the flavors further and soften the potatoes to perfection.

Step 3. Cook until creamy and tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even heating. Once the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese is melted into a smooth sauce, add the remaining crushed cheese flavored crackers across the top. The crackers provide a flavorful crunchy layer that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior. Serve the dish directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm for parties and gatherings.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Thaw the hash brown potatoes completely. This prevents excess liquid from altering the texture.
2. For an extra rich flavor, use extra sharp Cheddar cheese. The stronger flavor stands out well against the creamy mixture.
3. If you want a firmer topping, sprinkle additional cheese crackers and let the slow cooker sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
4. You can substitute cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you need a vegetarian version.
5. Stirring occasionally helps prevent the edges from browning too much and ensures even heating.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes pair with a wide variety of main dishes, making them a versatile side for gatherings of all kinds. Serve them alongside baked ham, roasted chicken, barbecued ribs, smoked sausage, grilled pork chops, or pot roast. The creamy and comforting texture complements the savory flavors of meat and poultry, and the cheesy richness makes it satisfying on its own.

This dish also works wonderfully on holiday tables. It is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, since it requires almost no active work. Bringing a slow cooker dish to a potluck ensures the food stays warm, and these cheesy potatoes are a guaranteed hit every time. The tender hash brown potatoes, combined with melted cheese and creamy sauce, are universally appealing and suitable for both adults and kids.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	476	14g	32g	33g	2g	3g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Seek professional dietary advice if needed.

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