Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to whip up and bursting with cheesy goodness, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes! This recipe is close to my heart because it brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table eager to dive into this creamy, cheesy comfort food.
What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly delicious it is. Just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! It’s perfect for potlucks, dinners, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it seems to magically vanish every time I serve it. So, let’s get cooking!
What’s in Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes?
Frozen Hash Browns: The star of this dish! I always opt for the shredded variety because they cook down perfectly, becoming indulgently creamy. Plus, using frozen hash browns saves so much prep time!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich and savory flavor. You can use a low-fat or reduced sodium version if you’re looking to cut back a bit without sacrificing too much of that associated comfort.
Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy goodness! It helps to bind everything together and gives the dish its signature creamy texture. Feel free to use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese! I usually go for sharp cheddar to add an extra punch of flavor. Sometimes I even mix it up with a blend of cheeses—I’ll leave that to your creativity!
Butter: Just a little bit to add richness. You could definitely use a healthier oil if you’d like, but butter really complements the potatoes in this case.
Onion: Diced onions bring a great depth of flavor. I usually go for yellow or white onions, but if you’re feeling adventurous, use shallots for a sweeter touch.
Is Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Good for You?
While it’s undeniable that Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is a decadent dish, there are some redeeming qualities tucked into its gooey goodness.
Potatoes: They provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. And when you include the skin, they add dietary fiber, which is always a plus!
Cheese and Sour Cream: While they do add richness and flavor, keep in mind that they also ramp up the calories and fat content. Moderation is key here! Choosing lower-fat cheese or sour cream can help make it a bit lighter.
Now, be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re serving this at a gathering. It’s easy to overindulge when something is this good.
Ingredients
– 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns (shredded)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
– 1/2 cup butter (melted)
– 1 small onion (diced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 8-10 people
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes?
1. Start by greasing your crockpot (this makes for much easier cleanup later!).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (save the other half for topping), melted butter, and diced onions. Stir until everything is well-coated and combined.
3. Season the mixture with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste it before you add too much—remember, the cheese will add saltiness too!
4. Transfer the potato mixture into the greased crockpot and spread it out evenly.
5. Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for approximately 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender and creamy.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt to gooey perfection.
Cheesy Tips for Serving!
– You can add toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or even jalapeños for a kick if you want to get fancy.
– Try serving these cheesy potatoes with grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad to balance out the creaminess.
– Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for a few days and are fantastic reheated.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Each bite is a warm hug, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Please share your experiences and any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking, my friends!
