Cheesy Potatoes

It’s not surprising that our favorite cheesy potatoes recipe was developed by a fourth-generation Idahoan, since the state knows its spuds. As one of our top-rated potato recipes (and we have lots), this dish delivers a crowd-pleasing combination of crispy potatoes, creamy dairy and plenty of gooey cheese. The trick? Stirring in a bag of frozen hash browns rather than fresh potatoes. Since hash browns have less moisture than raw potatoes, they really soak up the unctuous sauce. Though it may sound homey, this easy side dish is rich and decadent, making it as appropriate for a special occasion as it would be for a family dinner.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potatoes

• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Recipes with cream of chicken soup get a head start on flavor and creamy richness—although a different kind of cream soup, such as mushroom or celery, will do the same. If you’re watching your sodium intake, swap a low-sodium soup and decrease the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess to the dish.
• Frozen cubed hash brown potatoes: Using hash browns in recipes with frozen potatoes guarantees a lot of flavor and a short amount of prep time. If you prefer, you may use leftover homemade hash browns, but note that shredded hash browns will have a different texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar is a foolproof pick here, because it’s both flavorful and melty.

Directions

Step 1: Load up the slow cooker

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In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt and pepper.

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Stir in the hash browns and 1-1/2 cups of the cheese.

Step 2: Cook

Cook, covered, on low until the potatoes are tender, about 4 to 5 hours.

Step 3: Top with cheese

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During the last five minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the potatoes. Return the lid to the slow cooker and allow the cheese to melt.

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Cheesy Potatoes Variations

• Add protein: Make these potatoes a main dish by adding chopped cooked meat, such as chicken or ham, directly to the slow cooker. (This is a great way to use up leftover chicken, such as rotisserie.) Flaked tuna is another good option, and bacon bits would be delicious.
• Add vegetables: Cheese and potatoes taste great with virtually any vegetable. We like to use frozen veggies for convenience. Think peas, broccoli or spinach. Fresh chopped veggies, such as green onions, garlic, bell peppers or cauliflower also work. Chopped root vegetables, such as turnips and winter squash, would add sweetness to the dish.
• Add crunch: A crispy topping is a nice balance to the creamy potatoes. This works best when you cook cheesy potatoes in the oven. Sprinkle 1-1/2 cups of lightly crushed corn flakes or bread crumbs over the top of the potatoes and drizzle with 1/4 cup of melted butter before baking. You can also cook the potatoes in the slow cooker, then transfer them to a casserole dish, sprinkle with crumbs and butter, then broil for a few minutes, until the crumbs are browned.

How to Store Cheesy Potatoes

Leftover cheesy potatoes should be kept in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Freeze Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes freeze well both cooked and uncooked.

• To freeze cooked cheesy potatoes: Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.
• To freeze uncooked cheesy potatoes: Combine the ingredients as described in Step 1, stirring in a large bowl. Transfer to a freezer-safe airtight storage container or freezer bag, and keep in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge before cooking as directed.

Can you make Crockpot cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Cheesy potatoes are the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the potatoes one day ahead, mixing together all the ingredients and storing the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also assemble the potatoes and then freeze for up to three months. The day before you want to cook them, thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.

Cheesy Potatoes Tips

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How do you make cheesy potatoes in the oven?

While we love slow-cooker side dishes, sometimes you don’t have time to slow-cook. Luckily, this recipe makes a delicious, cozy potato casserole, too. After combining the ingredients, transfer the potato mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish instead of a slow cooker. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges begin to brown.

What can you serve with cheesy potatoes?

Cheesy potatoes are a versatile side dish that truly match anything. In the summer, serve cheesy potatoes with barbecue chicken and grilled vegetables. In the winter, they’re yummy with stew recipes and soups. Cheesy potatoes make a lovely potluck side dish for any occasion, and you won’t believe how quickly they’ll get gobbled up.