Crockpot potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food with the added benefit of being effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. Tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese combine to create a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply need a weeknight side, this Crockpot potato casserole will quickly become a favorite. Plus, the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or gatherings.

Why Choose This Crockpot Potato Casserole?

Hands-off cooking: With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and focus on other parts of your meal.

Creamy and cheesy goodness: The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese makes this casserole a comforting and indulgent dish.

Perfect for feeding a crowd: This recipe is great for large gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.

Versatile: You can easily add your favorite ingredients, like bacon, onions, or vegetables, to customize the dish to your liking.

Make-ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients

6 large potatoes (peeled and sliced)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)

1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. Thin slices allow the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce better.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended to create a creamy sauce.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes in the Crockpot
Grease the inside of your Crockpot with butter or cooking spray. Add a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom. Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbly. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to ensure the potatoes cook properly.

Step 5: Add Optional Topping
If you’re using breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, sprinkle them over the casserole in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the casserole a nice crunch without drying it out.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Variations

Loaded Potato Casserole: For a heartier version, add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even diced ham between the layers. These additions will give your casserole extra flavor and texture, perfect for meat lovers.

Vegetarian Potato Casserole: For a vegetarian take, swap out the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, and load up the casserole with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. It’s a great option for a meatless meal.

Spicy Potato Casserole: Add a spicy twist by mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. This version is great for those who like a little heat in their comfort food.

Cheese Lover’s Potato Casserole: To make the casserole even cheesier, mix different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. The melty blend of cheeses will give the casserole a rich, savory flavor.

How to Serve

Crockpot potato casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here’s how to serve it:

With Roasted Meats: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or ham for a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a Holiday Dish: This casserole is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, where it can feed a large crowd.
For Casual Dinners: Pair it with grilled vegetables, steaks, or burgers for a laid-back, comforting dinner.

As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, simply reheat it in the Crockpot or oven.