When the holidays roll around or a quiet Sunday dinner calls for something comforting, few side dishes satisfy like these 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish Wedding Potatoes. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting, this classic Midwestern-style potato casserole delivers everything people love about old-fashioned church supper cooking with almost no stress.
This slow cooker version keeps things wonderfully practical. Instead of juggling oven space during busy holiday meals, the slow cooker quietly handles everything while the potatoes turn tender and velvety under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. By the time dinner arrives, the edges are bubbling and golden while the center stays creamy and spoonable.
Growing up in the Midwest, dishes like this appeared at nearly every church gathering, family reunion, and wedding reception. Long buffet tables always seemed to include giant pans of cheesy potatoes sitting beside baked ham, roast beef, and dinner rolls. My grandmother often made her version for Easter and Christmas because she knew it would stay warm for hours without losing its comforting texture. The smell of butter, potatoes, and sharp cheddar drifting through the kitchen still feels tied to holidays and slow Sunday afternoons. Even now, this slow cooker recipe brings back those memories while making modern holiday cooking far easier and less hectic.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker lightly with butter.
- Peel and grate the russet potatoes.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese and melted butter.
- Fold the grated potatoes into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let stand on WARM for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Why Amish Wedding Potatoes Are So Popular
Rich, Creamy Comfort Food
One reason these slow cooker Amish wedding potatoes remain such a beloved side dish is because they combine simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Grated russet potatoes soften beautifully while absorbing the creamy sauce made from sour cream, condensed soup, butter, and cheddar cheese.
The result feels rich and hearty without requiring complicated preparation. Every spoonful delivers tender potatoes coated in velvety cheese sauce with bits of browned edges mixed throughout.
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor that balances the richness perfectly. Meanwhile, sour cream gives the casserole a gentle tang that keeps it from tasting overly heavy.
Because the slow cooker cooks everything gently over several hours, the flavors blend together beautifully while the potatoes become soft and creamy.
Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings
This recipe works especially well for holidays because it frees up valuable oven space. While the turkey, ham, or roast cooks elsewhere, the slow cooker quietly handles the potatoes without extra attention.
Additionally, these potatoes stay warm for hours on the slow cooker’s WARM setting. That makes them ideal for buffets, church dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings where people eat at different times.
The recipe also feeds a crowd easily. Since potatoes remain one of the most affordable comfort-food ingredients, this dish stretches beautifully while still feeling rich and celebratory.
Because the ingredients are familiar and family-friendly, nearly everyone enjoys them. Even picky eaters usually return for second helpings.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Wedding Potatoes
Choosing and Preparing the Potatoes
Russet potatoes work especially well for this recipe because they soften nicely while absorbing the creamy sauce. Their starchy texture helps create the casserole’s rich consistency.
Grating the potatoes rather than cubing them allows the casserole to cook evenly while creating that classic creamy texture associated with wedding potatoes.
If the grated potatoes seem extremely wet, gently squeezing out excess moisture helps prevent watery casserole. However, avoid removing too much liquid because the potatoes still need some moisture to cook properly.
Using freshly grated potatoes creates the best flavor and texture. Frozen hash browns can work in a pinch, but fresh potatoes give the casserole a softer, richer consistency.
Creating Creamy, Velvety Texture
Mixing the soup, sour cream, butter, and cheese thoroughly before adding the potatoes ensures every strand gets evenly coated.
The butter melts into the sauce while cooking and helps create rich flavor throughout the casserole. Meanwhile, the cheddar melts gradually and thickens the mixture beautifully.
Cooking on LOW produces the creamiest texture because the potatoes soften slowly without overcooking the edges too quickly.
Avoid opening the lid often during cooking. Trapped heat and steam help the potatoes become tender and prevent uneven texture.
Near the end of cooking, adding extra cheddar cheese on top creates a bubbly golden finish that makes the casserole especially inviting.
Easy Variations and Serving Ideas
Different Cheese and Soup Options
Although sharp cheddar remains traditional, several cheese variations work wonderfully in this recipe.
Extra-sharp cheddar creates stronger flavor while smoked cheddar adds subtle smoky richness. Monterey Jack melts smoothly for extra creaminess, while a blend of cheeses creates deeper flavor overall.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can replace cream of chicken depending on personal preference or family tradition.
For slightly richer casserole, some cooks add a splash of milk or cream before slow cooking. This creates an even silkier texture while keeping the potatoes spoonable and soft.
Best Main Dishes to Serve Alongside
These Amish wedding potatoes pair beautifully with classic holiday meats like baked ham, roast turkey, or pot roast.
The creamy sauce also complements pork chops, meatloaf, and roasted chicken especially well because it mixes deliciously with meat juices on the plate.
To balance the richness, serve these potatoes with lighter vegetables like green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad.
Dinner rolls or crusty bread also work nicely for soaking up extra cheese sauce left on the plate.
Storage, Reheating, and Helpful Tips
Keeping Potatoes Warm for Gatherings
One major advantage of this recipe is how well it stays warm in the slow cooker. After cooking finishes, switch the slow cooker to WARM and leave the lid on loosely.
The potatoes remain creamy and delicious for up to two hours, making holiday timing much easier and less stressful.
Stirring gently every so often helps maintain even texture while preventing the edges from becoming overly dark.
Reheating Leftovers Successfully
Leftover Amish wedding potatoes reheat beautifully. Refrigerate leftovers in shallow airtight containers within two hours for best food safety.
Microwaving works well for quick portions, but reheating in a buttered skillet creates crispy edges that many people love even more the second day.
For larger portions, warming the potatoes covered in the oven helps preserve moisture while gently reheating the creamy sauce.
Leftovers also pair wonderfully with eggs for hearty breakfasts the following morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes. Frozen shredded hash browns work well, although fresh potatoes create a softer and creamier texture.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture several hours ahead and refrigerate it before slow cooking.
Why are my potatoes watery?
Excess moisture from the potatoes may cause thin sauce. Gently squeezing grated potatoes beforehand helps prevent this.
Can I use another cheese besides cheddar?
Yes. Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, Colby, or cheese blends all work beautifully.
How long can I keep them warm in the slow cooker?
These potatoes stay creamy and safe on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours.
Conclusion
These 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish Wedding Potatoes bring together everything comforting about old-fashioned Midwestern cooking. Tender grated potatoes, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and buttery richness create a side dish perfect for holidays, church suppers, and cozy family dinners alike.
Because the slow cooker handles the work hours ahead of time, this recipe makes entertaining and holiday cooking far easier without sacrificing homemade flavor. Whether served beside roast meats or enjoyed straight from the crock, these creamy potatoes always feel warm, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.
