There's nothing quite like the smell of Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of creamy, cheesy goodness. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce with just the right hint of seasoning – pure bliss for any potato lover.

I first discovered the magic of these potatoes during a busy holiday season. Desperate for a crowd-pleasing side dish that didn’t require constant attention, I turned to my trusty slow cooker. To my delight, this recipe became a smash hit and now graces our table for everything from Sunday brunch to Thanksgiving dinner.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
Get ready to make your new favorite side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. These Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes will become your go-to, and here’s why:
First off, they’re incredibly simple to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No babysitting over the stove or complicated steps. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you still want something delicious.
The flavors are irresistible. Imagine creamy, cheesy potatoes infused with a hint of garlic and onion, creating a perfect harmony of savory and comforting. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
What’s more, these cheesy potatoes are amazingly versatile. You can dress them up with toppings like crumbled bacon, chives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost. Plus, they pair well with just about any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled steaks.
Lastly, the slow cooker does all the work. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and let it cook while you focus on other dishes or simply relax. It’s a lifesaver for holidays and big gatherings!
Ready to learn how to make these effortless cheesy potatoes? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, no-fuss ingredients that come together to create something magical.
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds for the best texture. Russets become fluffy and tender, while Yukon Golds lend a creamier consistency. Peel them and cut into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star here. Its bold flavor stands out beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist. Grate the cheese yourself if you can; it melts better than pre-shredded.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds both creaminess and flavor depth. If you prefer a homemade version, a simple roux-based sauce works well too. You could also use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy note and keeps the dish extra creamy. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version with a bit of added protein.
Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper gives these potatoes just the right amount of flavor. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to enhance all the ingredients.
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe – just your trusty slow cooker. A 6-quart size works perfectly for this amount.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Making these cheesy potatoes is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal hands-on time.
First, prepare your potatoes. Peel and chop them into 1-inch cubes. Even sizing is key to ensure everything cooks uniformly. No one wants undercooked or overly mushy potatoes!
Next, spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent any sticky messes later on. Then, add your chopped potatoes and season them with a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a separate bowl, combine your cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours, but the low setting yields the creamiest results.
About 30 minutes before serving, give the potatoes a good stir and sprinkle an extra handful of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
Total cook time may vary based on your slow cooker model, but you’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are soft and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
Storage Options
Leftovers of these Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes are a blessing. Here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum deliciousness:
Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They reheat well, making them an ideal make-ahead side dish.
Freeze: If you’d like to save some for later, let the potatoes cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm the potatoes in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a loaded baked potato vibe, stir in cooked and crumbled bacon just before serving and top with chopped green onions. A dollop of sour cream on top also adds a delicious finishing touch.
If you want to make this dish a little lighter, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheddar. You’ll still get a wonderfully creamy texture without as much fat.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. The subtle kick will add depth to the dish.
You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. It still tastes delicious and pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. You can’t go wrong with cheesy potatoes that are this easy and delicious!
Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite of these Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will win over everyone at the table!
PrintSlow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes recipe is an easy and delicious side dish that combines tender potatoes, rich cheese, and simple seasonings. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, these cheesy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes - 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- n a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a slow cooker and spread it evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped chives if desired
Notes
- You can use frozen diced hash brown potatoes to save time.
- For extra flavor, add crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mix.
- Adjust the cheese type to your preference (e.g., use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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