Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes is a simple yet elegant side dish made with diced potatoes in a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. A tasty alternative to hash browns, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker. The whole family will love this dish, even your picky eaters.

a fork full of cheesy potatoes and smoked sausage

What is Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes?

Cheesy Potatoes is a simple, classic side dish packed with the flavors of savory diced potatoes and smoked sausage and topped with melted cheddar cheese. I loved the addition of adding smoked sausage to give it a more robust flavor profile.

Love it a bit more spicy? You can totally add in some andouille or chorizo sausage!

How Do I Store Cheesy Potatoes?

You can store leftover Cheesy Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. 

close up view of slow cooker cheesy potatoes with diced chives to garnish in a white bowl

Can I Freeze Cheesy Potatoes?

I would not suggest freezing Cheesy Potatoes because the potato texture may turn soggy, watery, or grainy. But, if you do decide to freeze Cheesy Potatoes, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight before you reheat.

Can I Prep Cheesy Potatoes in Advance?

Yes. If you are using freshly diced potatoes, keep them from turning brown by covering them in a water bowl. Then, store the submerged potatoes in a bowl in the fridge up to one day in advance. Serve prepared Cheesy Potatoes within three days.

side view of slow cooker cheesy potatoes with sausage and diced chives

Tips for Making Cheesy Potatoes

  • You can use chopped fresh potatoes to make Cheesy potatoes in the Slow Cooker.
  • Consider serving Cheesy Potatoes with crumbled pieces of bacon on top alongside your favorite green salad.
  • Add extra flavor to Cheesy Potatoes by blending an additional cheese with the cheddar, such as Colby Jack or Swiss Cheese. 

Recommended 

Homemade Hamburger Helper
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Cauliflower Stuffing

cheesy potatoes made in a slow cooker served in a white dish and small brown bowl

Notes 

Before making these Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes, Consider these suggestions:

  • After you reach halfway through cooking time, pick up the insert and turn 180 degrees to ensure even cooking time on all sides. We want a nice golden brown color around the whole edge.
  • Preheat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat to make Cheesy Potatoes without a Slow Cooker. Add the cooking oil to the hot skillet and sear the sliced sausage first. Remove the sausage before adding the potatoes to the pan. Spread them into a single layer. Cook until the potatoes are golden brown on one side without stirring or turning. Repeat on the other side. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the sausage and the remaining ingredients (minus the cheese) into the skillet when the potatoes are crisp and creamy. Once heated through, transfer to a covered casserole dish and cook at 350 degrees. After 25 minutes, sprinkle with cheese on top and bake uncovered for five more minutes.  
  • You can also prepare Cheesy Potatoes with fresh varieties, such as red, yellow, or russet potatoes.
cheesy potatoes covered with cheddar melted on top with diced chives

Substitutions

  • Sour Cream– For a high-protein alternative to sour cream in Cheesy Potatoes, combine Greek yogurt in equal parts. 
  • Smoked Sausage– You can substitute turkey sausage in this Cheesy Potatoes Recipe. 
  • Cream of Chicken Soup– If you don’t have the cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup, or make your own by combining 3 T butter, 3 T white flour, ½ cup chicken stock, and ½ cup milk. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour. Then add the chicken stock and milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until it thickens. 

More Yummy Side Dishes You’ll Enjoy

If you like this Slow Cooker Country Potatoes recipe, you’ll want to try some of our other easy side dishes! Try any from the list below.

Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe
Roasted Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Carrots
Air Fryer Zucchini Casserole
Potatoes Au Gratin
Instant Pot Squash Casserole

Yield: 6-8

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb full cooked smoked sausage, sliced and seared
  • 1 - 16 oz container sour cream
  • 1 can 10 3/4 oz cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 - 30 oz bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese
  • Chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking oil
  2. In large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Then add tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, cooked sausage, salt, pepper, and potatoes. Gently stir ingredients together.
  3. Cover and cook on Low heat for 5-6 hours, or High heat setting 3 to 4 hours. After you reach halfway cooking time, pick up insert and turn 180 degrees. This will ensure even cooking time on all sides. We want a nice golden brown color around the whole edge.
  4. Once almost done, add remaining cheese on top. Cover and cook until cheese has melted, about 15-20 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?

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