Dive into the world of effortless and delicious cooking with this Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe! If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly satisfying, look no further. This slow cooker cheesy potato casserole is destined to become a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner. Forget about oven space battles – your crockpot is here to save the day and deliver cheesy potato perfection every time.
Close-up shot of creamy Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes in a white serving dish, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes: Oven-Free Deliciousness
Inspired by the need for a stress-free side dish during a busy family dinner, this crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe was born. The goal was to recreate the beloved flavors of a classic cheesy potato casserole without taking up precious oven space. Drawing inspiration from traditional comfort food, much like you might find in Pioneer Woman recipes, this slow cooker version delivers the same creamy, cheesy goodness with the added convenience of crockpot cooking. The result? A dish that tastes remarkably similar to oven-baked cheesy potatoes, but with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This recipe is a lifesaver, especially during summer holidays and barbecues when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen. Imagine serving a creamy, cheesy potato casserole without turning on your oven – pure genius! If you’re a fan of easy crockpot potato recipes, you might also enjoy exploring recipes like Au Gratin Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe for more slow cooker inspiration.
These Pioneer Woman style cheesy potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses. For another simple and satisfying side, consider trying Crockpot Carrots, or for another easy casserole dish, check out this 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole Recipe.
Cheesy Potatoes, Funeral Potatoes, or Potluck Perfection?
You might hear this dish referred to by different names – cheesy potatoes, slow cooker funeral potatoes, or simply the ultimate potluck side. Regardless of what you call them, the essence remains the same: a cheesy potato casserole that’s guaranteed to be a hit. The term “funeral potatoes” might stem from their popularity at post-funeral gatherings, but their appeal extends far beyond solemn occasions. They are the quintessential potluck dish because everyone, from kids to adults, adores their creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
These easy crockpot cheesy potatoes are not only incredibly simple to prepare but also undeniably delicious. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event, from casual family dinners to festive holiday feasts and bustling potlucks. For a classic pairing, try serving these cheesy potatoes alongside a Honey Baked Ham Recipe for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
Overhead view of a casserole crockpot filled with golden brown Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes, ready to be served.
Essential Equipment: Your Crockpot
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll definitely need a crockpot! While any slow cooker will work, a casserole crock pot is a fantastic investment, especially if you frequently make casseroles. These specialized crockpots, often available on Amazon, are designed to cook casseroles evenly without overheating your kitchen. They are also perfect for keeping dishes warm during potlucks and parties.
While a casserole crockpot is a wonderful tool, it’s not essential for this recipe. A traditional 6-quart crock pot works perfectly well. In fact, this recipe can easily be doubled and still fit comfortably in a 6-quart slow cooker, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Image of a 6-quart traditional crockpot filled with uncooked Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes, showcasing the creamy mixture and shredded cheese topping.
Simple Ingredients for Cheesy Goodness
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman inspired crockpot cheesy potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: Choose shredded or diced hash browns – either works wonderfully. Shredded were used in the featured recipe for a classic casserole texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple forms the creamy base of the casserole.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cheesy sauce.
- Onion: Provides a subtle savory depth.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Cheddar cheese delivers that classic cheesy flavor we all crave.
- Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and extra creaminess.
That’s all it takes to create this incredibly delicious and easy cheesy hashbrown potatoes crockpot recipe!
Making Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes: Step-by-Step
You won’t believe just how easy it is to make this simple crock pot potato side dish recipe. Follow these straightforward steps for cheesy potato success:
- Prepare your Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and effortless serving.
- Break Up Hash Browns: Before opening the bag, gently break apart the frozen hash browns while they are still in the bag. This helps them cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
Image showing frozen hash browns being broken apart in their bag before being added to the crockpot.
- Mix the Cheesy Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the hash browns, diced onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Use a large spoon to gently stir everything together. Avoid using a whisk at this stage to prevent the hash browns from becoming mushy.
- Assemble and Cook: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared crock pot. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. This generous cheese topping is what creates that irresistible golden, cheesy crust, so don’t skip it! If you prefer a slightly less cheesy top, you can reduce the topping cheese to ½ cup.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve these delightful cheesy potatoes directly from the crock pot using a large spoon.
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Cheesy Potato Recipe Tips & Variations
- Fresh or Frozen Potatoes: While frozen hash browns are incredibly convenient and budget-friendly, you can substitute fresh potatoes if you prefer. Simply shred or dice them and ensure they are cooked until tender in the crockpot.
- Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or sausage. These additions make it a hearty and satisfying one-pot dinner.
- Spice it Up: For a flavorful twist, add diced green chilies or chopped jalapeño peppers to the mixture for a spicy kick. Diced bell peppers would also add a nice flavor and color.
Close-up shot of a spoonful of Pioneer Woman Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes being lifted from a crockpot, showing the creamy texture and melted cheese.
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
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Yields: 9 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 30 oz bag frozen hash brown potatoes, shredded or diced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Equipment:
- 6 quart crock pot
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Break up frozen hash browns while still in the bag.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream.
- Stir in hash browns, onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Pour mixture into the crock pot and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- For extra moisture when reheating leftovers, top with a small amount of melted butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins to customize this recipe to your liking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 274kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 440mg
- Potassium: 368mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 514IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 251mg
- Iron: 1mg
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