Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free side dish, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe. I adore how simple it’s to prepare—just mix everything in a bowl, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. The result? Creamy, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with any meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for gatherings; everyone raves about it! I appreciate that it frees up my oven for other dishes, making meal prep a breeze. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your home.
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Potatoes
When it comes to making a side dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Potatoes. This recipe isn’t just about tossing a few ingredients together; it’s about creating a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
And guess what? You don’t have to be a culinary wizard to whip this up. It’s all about convenience—just mix, dump, and let the slow cooker do its thing while you kick back and relax.
So, what do you need to gather for this delicious dish?
Here’s what you’ll need for the Slow Cooker Potatoes:
- 1 (2 lb) bag frozen hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is a favorite)
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 (32 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned garlic pepper seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. You might be wondering, “Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?” Well, you could, but let’s be real—frozen hash browns are a huge time-saver here.
They’re prepped and ready to go, perfect for when you’re juggling a million things at once. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or even toss in some veggies for a little twist.
Just remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease. It’s all about making your life a bit easier while still serving up something that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potatoes
Making Slow Cooker Potatoes is as easy and satisfying as it sounds. You’re about to plunge into a world of creamy, cheesy goodness that practically cooks itself. So, let’s get this party started.
First, grab a very large mixing bowl because we’ve some serious mixing to do. You’ll need 1 (2 lb) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes—no peeling or cutting required, thank you very much. Then, dump in 2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar works wonders here, but feel free to use whatever tickles your fancy.
Next, add in a pint of sour cream, because let’s be honest, who can resist that tangy goodness? Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the 1 (32 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup. This is the magic ingredient that brings everything together. Pour in 1 cup of milk for that extra creaminess, and toss in a finely chopped medium onion. If you’re like me and sometimes chop onions with reckless abandon, maybe keep a box of tissues nearby.
Once you’ve got all that in your bowl, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned garlic pepper seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix it all together until it looks like a cheesy, creamy dream—no need to be perfect here, just get everything combined.
Now, here comes the fun part. Take your glorious mixture and transfer it into your slow cooker. I like to use a spatula for this so I don’t leave half of it behind in the bowl, but let’s be real, a spoon works just fine too.
Once it’s all in there, cover it up, set your slow cooker to low, and forget about it for 5-6 hours. This is the perfect opportunity to kick back, binge-watch your favorite show, or finally tackle that laundry pile that seems to multiply overnight.
When the potatoes are tender, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that’s ready to impress. Just be prepared for the compliments to roll in, because trust me, they will.
Slow Cooker Potatoes Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe is delicious as is, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
I love swapping frozen hash browns for diced fresh potatoes or using sweet potatoes for a twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses—sharp cheddar or pepper jack add a kick!
If you’re not a mushroom fan, try cream of chicken or even a cheese sauce instead. For added flavor, toss in cooked bacon or sautéed veggies.
Herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish, too. Don’t hesitate to mix and match; it’s all about what you enjoy most!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Potatoes
If you’re looking for the perfect companions to your Slow Cooker Potatoes, consider pairing them with savory proteins and fresh vegetables.
I love serving these creamy potatoes alongside grilled chicken or tender beef, as the flavors complement each other beautifully. For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots work wonders.
You could also add a simple salad for a revitalizing crunch. Don’t forget a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or barbecue, to elevate the meal.
With these pairings, your Slow Cooker Potatoes will shine and become the star of the dinner table!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Potatoes turn out perfectly, I recommend using high-quality ingredients. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding an extra splash of milk or sour cream. Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting seasonings can make a big difference!
If you’re short on time, using frozen hash browns is a fantastic shortcut.
Finally, for added depth, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. These little tweaks will elevate your dish and impress your guests—trust me, it’s worth it!