Unbelievably Easy Crock Pot Cheese Potatoes

Want a simple, tasty side dish? Try these Crock Pot cheesy potatoes! They are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. I’ve been making them for years, and they’re always a hit. Every time I bring them to a potluck, someone asks for the recipe. The best part? They’re super easy to make, and they never disappoint. Let me tell you, the first time I made these, I was a bit nervous, but they came out perfect. Now, I make them for every holiday, and they’re always the star of the show!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 (30-ounce) bags of frozen, diced hash brown potatoes
• Butter
• Diced onion
• All-purpose flour (thickener)
• Unsalted chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make It

Melt butter in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Add diced onion and sauté until softened.

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onion and butter mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add unsalted chicken broth, a splash at a time, stirring well after each addition to ensure a smooth sauce.

Stir in sour cream until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese.

Note: The sauce will have a strong, possibly slightly salty flavor at this point, but it will be used to season a large quantity of potatoes.

Combine and Cook:

Add frozen diced hash brown potatoes to the slow cooker.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and stir to coat evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Final Touches:

Sprinkle leftover cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) before serving.

Notes:

• This dish is ideal for potlucks, large family gatherings, and holiday dinners.
• The freshly grated cheese is recommended.

 

Helpful Tips

• Even Cuts: If you decide to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen, make sure they’re cut evenly. This will help them cook at the same rate.
• Stir Occasionally: I like to stir once an hour to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Use Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a great choice too.

 

Tasty Variations

🍽 Loaded Potatoes: Add crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded baked potato flavor.
🌶 Spicy Kick: If you like heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
🥕 Meat-Free Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

 

What to Serve With It

This dish goes great with:
🔥 Grilled Meat: Whether it’s steak, chicken, or pork chops, it’s a perfect side.
🍖 BBQ Favorites: I love serving it with ribs or pulled pork—it’s the ultimate comfort food combo.
🎄 Holiday Meals: It’s a great side for turkey or ham, too!

 

How to Store & Reheat

🧊 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
❄️ Freeze: It freezes really well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or the oven until it’s nice and hot.

 

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this recipe special? It’s simple, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser. I know many people use canned soup for cheesy potatoes, but I promise—this homemade cheese sauce takes it to the next level. I’ve tried both, and the homemade version is totally worth the extra step!

 

Final Thoughts

If you need a no-fail side dish, these Crock Pot cheesy potatoes are it. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy dinner at home. Give them a try and let me know what you think—what’s your favorite cheese combo for this dish? Drop a comment below! 👇