Crockpot cheesy potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a holiday feast, or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

This easy-to-make recipe combines tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings, all cooked slowly to perfection in your Crockpot. The result? A rich, comforting dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make the best Crockpot cheesy potatoes, offer tips on how to customize the recipe, and share why this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Why Choose Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes?

Hands-off cooking: You can set it and forget it, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Flavor enhancement: Slow cooking intensifies the flavors, making the dish taste like it’s been prepared for hours.

Versatility of the Crockpot: Crockpots can be used for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and cheesy potatoes.

Effortless preparation: You can focus on preparing other parts of your meal or relax while the Crockpot does the work.

Tender potatoes: The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb the creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a flavorful and cheesy dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

6 large potatoes (russet potatoes work best)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to add more for extra cheesy goodness)

1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup (you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)
1/2 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into thin slices. You want them to be thin enough to cook evenly but thick enough to hold their shape during the slow cooking process. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to cube the potatoes instead of slicing them.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will form the creamy, cheesy base that will coat the potatoes as they cook.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes in the Crockpot Grease the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray or a little bit of butter. Begin layering the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the Crockpot, followed by a generous layer of the cheese sauce mixture. Repeat this process until all the potatoes and cheese sauce are used up.

Step 4: Cook on Low Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato slices and the specific Crockpot you’re using. Check the potatoes occasionally – they should be fork-tender when done.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Cover the Crockpot again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on low to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the cheese has melted and the potatoes are perfectly tender, give everything a good stir. If desired, sprinkle some chopped green onions or chives on top for added color and flavor. Serve your Crockpot cheesy potatoes hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content, which helps them become creamy when cooked. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery flavor, but avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t soften as well.

Don’t skip the cheese: For the best cheesy flavor, opt for freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and meltability of the cheese.

Make it ahead of time: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then heat it up in the Crockpot when you’re ready to serve. Just add the cheese at the end and cook it for an additional 15-20 minutes to melt it.

Customize the recipe: While the classic version is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative! Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even a bit of jalapeño for some spice. You can also swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.