Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes recipe, you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite in my household.
First off, the creamy, cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. The flavors meld together beautifully as they cook, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
I love how versatile it is, pairing well with everything from grilled meats to holiday feasts.
It’s the perfect side dish that always gets compliments, and I can’t wait for you to experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes. This dish is a cheesy, creamy delight that can turn a simple meal into something special.
And the best part? You don’t have to fuss over it in the kitchen. Just gather your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a cozy side dish for a family dinner, you’re in for a treat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of potato soup
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients. You might be wondering if you can substitute or tweak anything.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have frozen hash browns? Try using fresh potatoes—just chop them up and adjust the cooking time a bit.
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, leave out that cream of mushroom soup and double up on the cream of potato instead. Cheese lover? Go ahead and add an extra cup of cheddar.
And if you want to sneak in some veggies, toss in a handful of spinach or some bell peppers. Cooking should be fun and personal, so feel free to make it your own!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes
Making Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes is as easy as pie—or maybe even easier, since you don’t have to bake anything. First things first, grab your slow cooker and spray the inside with some cooking spray. Trust me, you want to make sure this cheesy goodness doesn’t stick to the sides. Nobody wants to be scraping hardened cheese off the pot later; that’s a whole level of kitchen drama I’m not here for.
Now, let’s throw everything into the slow cooker. Start with 2 lbs of frozen hash browns. They’re already prepped for you, so you can skip the chopping and the peeling. Next, add in a can of cream of potato soup and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Can you already smell that deliciousness?
Now comes the fun part: cheese. Toss in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. If you’re anything like me, you might’ve a moment of hesitation, wondering if you should add a little more cheese. Spoiler alert: you should.
Then, stir in a pint of sour cream and a chopped small onion. Oh, the flavor. Finally, sprinkle some fresh ground pepper on top. Mix everything together until you can’t see the bottom of the pot anymore.
Once everything is nicely combined, it’s time to let the slow cooker do its thing. Set it to low and let it cook for about 7 hours. That might sound like a long time, but think of it as an investment in comfort food bliss.
You could go about your day, run some errands, or maybe even tackle that pile of laundry that’s been staring at you. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of cheese and potatoes.
And when you finally scoop out that first serving, you’ll understand why this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying—almost as satisfying as finally getting that laundry done. Almost.
Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes Substitutions & Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes.
Instead of frozen hash browns, you can use fresh sliced potatoes for a firmer texture. Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
If you’re not a fan of cream soups, try a homemade cheese sauce or a mix of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. You can also toss in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes
What pairs perfectly with Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes? I love serving them alongside a juicy grilled steak or tender pork chops. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the savory flavors of the meat beautifully.
If you’re craving something lighter, try a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette; it balances the richness of the potatoes. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also make a fantastic side.
And don’t forget a warm, crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness! Whatever you choose, your Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes will shine as the star of the meal. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes turn out perfectly, I recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties; it melts better and enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
Don’t skip the sour cream, as it adds creaminess and richness. If you want a little kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
For the best texture, make sure to cook on low for the full seven hours.
Finally, if you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the microwave, making for a delicious next-day treat. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!