This Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! Packed with tender potatoes and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Using a slow cooker means less fuss for you, just toss everything in and let it cook. I can’t resist sneaking bites while it’s still bubbling away! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Diced Potatoes: These make preparation super easy and convenient. If you prefer fresh, use about 4 large potatoes peeled and diced. Personally, I love using frozen ones for their consistency and ease!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang to the casserole. For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt, which gives a similar taste while being a bit healthier.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is key for adding flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead. I’ve also made the dish without soup, using extra sour cream and some vegetable broth for added moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor. Feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick! Keep in mind that pre-shredded cheese has added ingredients to prevent clumping, which can affect melting.
Bacon: This is optional but adds a great crunch! You can substitute it with cooked turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian dish.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare This Casserole in the Crockpot?
Making this casserole in a crockpot is super convenient, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly.
- Always grease the crockpot to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Mix everything carefully so the potatoes are well-coated. This helps in getting an even flavor.
- Check the potatoes before the minimum cook time. If they are tender, it’s time to add more cheese for that melty top!
- To keep the cheese from burning, add it in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This ensures a gooey top without overcooking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy!
Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes (or 4 large potatoes peeled and diced)
- 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing crockpot
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks for 5 to 6 hours on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high). Perfect for busy days, just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out easily.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well with a spoon. This creamy mixture will be the base of your casserole.
3. Combine All the Ingredients:
Add the frozen diced potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon pieces (if you’re using them), and chopped green onions to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the potatoes are well coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Pour the potato mixture into the greased crockpot. Spread it evenly to make sure it cooks uniformly.
5. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot and cook the casserole on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Check for tenderness; the potatoes should be fully cooked and soft.
6. Add More Cheese:
In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, give the casserole a gentle stir if you’d like, then garnish with additional chopped green onions or chives. Serve it warm as a comforting side dish or a filling main course.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Casserole! It’s a favorite for families and parties alike!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can substitute frozen diced potatoes with 4 large fresh potatoes, peeled and diced. Just be mindful that fresh potatoes may require a slightly shorter cooking time—check for tenderness around the 4-hour mark on low or 1.5 hours on high.
What Cheese Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have sharp cheddar cheese on hand, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a little spice, or even a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup. The casserole will still be delicious and creamy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through—add a splash of milk if it seems dry!
