Introduction
Comfort Food in a Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s a crowd-pleaser, these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are perfect. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Potatoes
7–8 large potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 1.2 kg)
Cream of Chicken Soup
300 ml can cream of chicken soup (or equivalent creamed soup of your choice)
Butter
60 ml butter, melted
Sour Cream
120 ml sour cream
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Dried Parsley Flakes
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Chopped Green Onion
60 ml chopped green onion (or regular onion)
Cayenne Pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Shredded Cheese
100 g shredded Mexican-style cheese (or cheese of your choice)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
4–6 hours on LOW
Total Time
Up to 6 hours
Yield
Serves 8
To prepare this delicious dish, add the diced potatoes to your crockpot. Then pour in the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, parsley flakes, chopped onion, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir everything together until well combined. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and mix again to evenly distribute. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked, stirring every 2–3 hours to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and cheesy, give them a final stir and serve hot, garnished with a little extra parsley or green onion if desired. Enjoy this quick and comforting side dish at your next family dinner!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and dicing 7–8 large potatoes. Aim for uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. The smell of fresh potatoes fills the kitchen as you cut them, setting the stage for a comforting dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the diced potatoes into your crockpot. Next, pour in a 300 ml can of cream of chicken soup. Add 60 ml of melted butter and 120 ml of sour cream to enrich the dish with creaminess. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt (adjustable to taste), and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes. Toss in 60 ml of chopped green onion for a hint of sharpness, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Mix everything together until fully incorporated, and the mixture is fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Gently sprinkle 100 g of shredded Mexican-style cheese over the potato mixture. Stir again to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the creamy potatoes, creating a cheesy, mouthwatering aroma.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the potatoes will soften and absorb the flavors. To encourage even cooking and prevent sticking, stir the mixture every 2–3 hours, allowing the enticing smells to waft through your home.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
After 4 to 6 hours, check if the potatoes are fork-tender and gooey with cheese. Give the dish a final stir, and it’s ready to serve! For an added touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley or green onion to enhance the presentation.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 1–2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. For an oven option, warm at 180°C (350°F) until heated throughout.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to swap out the cream of chicken soup for any cream soup you prefer, such as cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version. You can also add ingredients like crumbled bacon or diced ham for a heartier option.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these creamy cheesy potatoes contains approximately 250 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Adjusting the cheese and butter can tailor the dish to fit various dietary needs.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Ingredients
Peel and dice large potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Combining Ingredients
In the crockpot, layer the diced potatoes with the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sour cream, and seasonings. Stir together thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
Cooking in the Crockpot
Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW. Cooking for 4 to 6 hours allows the potatoes to become tender and absorb the flavors.
Stirring for Even Cooking
Stir the mixture every 2–3 hours to promote even cooking and prevent sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
Final Touches
Once the potatoes are tender, give the mixture a final stir and garnish with fresh parsley or green onion for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your preference.
What if I want to make it healthier?
Consider using reduced-fat versions of sour cream or cream of chicken soup, or add more vegetables to the mix.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just combine and cook in the crockpot the next day.
Is it possible to cook on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, you can cook on HIGH for about 2 to 3 hours, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with cheesy potatoes?
These cheesy potatoes pair well with grilled meats, salads, or as a hearty side dish for family gatherings.
Conclusion
These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, providing a creamy and cheesy counterpart that your family and friends will love. The simplicity of preparation combined with the comforting taste makes it an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy the flavor and warmth they bring to your table!
Loaded Baked Potato Variation
For a twist, add crispy bacon bits, chives, and extra cheese to your cheesy potatoes. This addition provides a loaded baked potato experience straight from the crockpot.
Vegetable Medley Add-In
Incorporate a medley of vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. This not only enhances nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors to the dish.
Spicy Kick Version
Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This spicy variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra zest in their comfort food.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Mix in cooked rice and steamed broccoli for a delicious cheesy broccoli rice casserole. This combination transforms the dish into a hearty main course.
Italian Herb Infusion
Add Italian seasonings like oregano, thyme, and basil along with some diced tomatoes for an Italian twist on your cheesy potatoes, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish.
Meat Lover’s Version
Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage for a meat lover’s delight. This combines savory meat flavors with the creamy potatoes, making it a filling meal.
Sweet Potato Alternative
For a healthier option, substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. This adds natural sweetness and a delightful color to your dish.
