Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes dish with melted cheese and crispy edges

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

by Kimberly

Creamy, cheesy, and comfort-food perfect, Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is the kind of dish that makes busy weeknights feel like a warm hug. With tender diced potatoes bathed in a rich cream-of-chicken sauce and melty Mexican-style cheese, this slow-cooker favorite is simple to assemble and even easier to love. Fun fact: many families keep a slow-cooker recipe like this on repeat for potlucks and holiday sides — it’s reliably crowd-pleasing and low-effort. If you like easy sides, try pairing this comfort classic with other casseroles like Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows for a holiday table that’s all about cozy flavors.

This recipe stands out for its simplicity, kid-approved flavor, and hands-off cooking. Preparation only takes a few minutes, and the crockpot does the rest while you relax. Compared to a baked potato casserole, this version frees up oven space and keeps the house cooler — perfect for summer gatherings. Ready to get your slow cooker going? Let’s make some cheesy magic.

What is Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes?

What exactly makes these potatoes “Crockpot” and “cheesy”? Think of it as the lovechild of a classic potato casserole and a lazy-day slow cooker meal. Why is it called Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes — is it the crockpot, the cheese, or just the irresistible mash-up of both? Maybe it’s because everyone knows that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Picture a bubbling, golden pool of cheese and tender potato cubes arriving at the table — need I say more? Try this recipe and see why the name fits so perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Irresistible creaminess: The sauce from cream of chicken, sour cream, and melted butter creates a silky coating that hugs every potato chunk.
  • Budget-friendly comfort: Potatoes are one of the most economical staples, and this recipe stretches ingredients to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
  • Flavorful toppings: A pinch of cayenne, garlic powder, green onion, and a shower of Mexican-style cheese adds brightness and a slight kick that elevates simple spuds into a star side.

Compared to some lighter vegetable sides like our Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites, these potatoes are heartier and more indulgent — perfect when you want something truly comforting. Go ahead and make a batch; your family will thank you.

How to Make: Quick Overview

This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is easy, forgiving, and deeply satisfying. Prep is minimal — mostly peeling and dicing — and the slow cooker delivers tender, flavorful potatoes with a creamy texture. Standout elements include the rich, creamy sauce and the melty cheese that binds everything together. Plan on about 15 minutes of prep and 4 to 6 hours of cook time on low, depending on your slow cooker and potato size.

Ingredients

  • 7 to 8 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup, room temperature if possible
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, chilled or room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion or regular onion, finely chopped
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese, freshly shredded for best melt

Directions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel 7 to 8 large potatoes and dice them into roughly 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly in the crockpot.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth.
  3. Season: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bowl. Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  4. Add onions: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onion or regular onion into the sauce mixture for a mild onion flavor throughout.
  5. Combine with potatoes: Place the diced potatoes into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the potatoes and stir until all potato pieces are well coated.
  6. Add cheese: Sprinkle in 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese and gently fold to distribute. A layer of cheese throughout ensures melty bites in every spoonful.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking times vary by crockpot model and potato size — check at 4 hours and extend if needed. Stir every 2 to 3 hours to prevent sticking and help the sauce circulate.
  8. Finish and serve: When the potatoes are fork-tender, give one final stir. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or a few sliced green onions for color and brightness.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

What to Serve With

  • Roast or baked chicken for a classic dinner pairing.
  • Honey-glazed ham for holiday comfort and a sweet-salty contrast.
  • A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
  • Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint.
  • For drinks, try an iced tea or a light-bodied white wine to balance creamy flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting

  • Use similar-sized potato cubes so everything cooks evenly — roughly 1-inch is ideal.
  • Freshly shred your cheese instead of pre-shredded bags for better melting and creamier texture.
  • If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for some of the sour cream, or use a reduced-fat sour cream.
  • To avoid watery potatoes, don’t add extra liquid beyond the soup mixture; the cream of chicken provides enough sauce.
  • If you want a bit of crust, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2 to 4 minutes at the end — watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Taste and adjust salt near the end of cooking; flavors concentrate as the dish reduces slightly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Potatoes can be frozen, but texture may change. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heat. Adding a splash of milk or a teaspoon of butter when reheating helps revive creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes both work well. Yukon Golds have a naturally creamier texture, while russets hold together nicely.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup labeled vegetarian, and confirm your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. For best results, avoid refrigerating assembled potatoes for more than 12 hours.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Check the cream of chicken soup label — use a gluten-free canned soup or make a homemade gluten-free white sauce to substitute.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but use a larger crockpot to ensure even cooking. Cooking time may increase slightly; check for fork-tender potatoes.

Why did my potatoes turn out mushy?
Overcooking is the usual culprit. Start checking at the lower end of the time range (around 4 hours) and use slightly larger potato cubes to avoid becoming too soft.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes delivers comforting, creamy, crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and holiday tables. It’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and reliably delicious whether served alongside roast chicken or glazed ham. If you want to see other takes on this slow-cooker classic or compare variations, check out this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes – Tornadough Alli and this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes – Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Recipe. Give it a try, share it with family and friends, and enjoy the cozy results.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes dish with melted cheese and crispy edges

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and comfort-food perfect, Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is a simple and satisfying dish that makes busy weeknights feel like a warm hug.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Potatoes

  • 7 large Potatoes, peeled and diced Cut into 1-inch cubes

Cream of Chicken Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) Cream of chicken soup Room temperature if possible
  • 1/4 cup Butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream Chilled or room temperature

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 cup Chopped green onion Or regular onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch Cayenne pepper

Cheese

  • 1 cup Shredded Mexican-style cheese Freshly shredded for best melt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth.
  • Season: Add garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried parsley flakes, and cayenne pepper to the bowl. Mix well.
  • Add onions: Stir in chopped green onion into the sauce mixture.
  • Combine with potatoes: Place the diced potatoes into the crockpot and pour the sauce over them. Stir until well coated.
  • Add cheese: Sprinkle in shredded Mexican-style cheese and gently fold to distribute.
  • Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Finish and serve: When the potatoes are fork-tender, give one final stir and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You may also like

Send this to a friend