Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy side dish that everyone will devour, this is it. These Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes are rich, gooey, and totally crave-worthy. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, stir, and let it do the work. It’s one of those dishes that shows up at every holiday, cookout, and potluck—and there’s never leftovers. Let’s get into it!
🧀 What You’ll Need
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (no need to thaw)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up eating this dish every Thanksgiving and Sunday dinner. It was always the first thing gone from the table. It’s simple, cozy, and ridiculously satisfying.
- Only takes 5 minutes to prep
- No chopping or peeling!
- Great for potlucks, holidays, or casual dinners
- Delicious as a side or even a lazy main dish
- You can keep it warm right in the crockpot for hours
Serves: 8
Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Starch from the potatoes thickens the mix as it cooks, making it ultra creamy.
- Sour cream and soup create a tangy, rich base that holds up to long cook times.
- Cheese melts evenly thanks to the moisture from the butter and cream soup.
🧂 Pro Tips
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
- Don’t thaw the hashbrowns—frozen works best here.
- Stir halfway if you can (not necessary, but helps it cook evenly).
- Use sharp cheddar for more cheesy flavor.
- Add cooked bacon bits or green onions at the end for a tasty twist.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (5-6 qt size)
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick spray
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead of chicken
- Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese instead of cheddar
- Add diced ham or rotisserie chicken to make it a meal
- Use cubed hashbrowns for a chunkier texture
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Mix everything the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, dump it into the crockpot and go!
- Reheats beautifully, so it’s great for leftovers too.
🧑🍳 How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes
Step 1: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, stir together frozen hashbrowns, shredded cheddar, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Pour, Cook, and Let the Magic Happen
Grease your crockpot, then pour in the cheesy potato mixture. Spread it out evenly, cover, and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until hot and bubbly.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Give it a quick stir, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm!
🍽 What to Serve With
- BBQ ribs or grilled chicken
- Baked ham
- Burgers or sandwiches
- Steamed green beans or salad to lighten things up
❄️ Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Not freezer-friendly after cooking (the texture gets grainy).
🍴 Meal Plan Ideas
Dinner Idea: BBQ pulled pork, cheesy hashbrowns, and green beans
Brunch Idea: Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit
Potluck Setup: Keep warm in the crockpot with a ladle and plates nearby
😬 Common Mistakes
- Using thawed hashbrowns: Makes the dish watery.
- Skipping the spray or buttering your crockpot: Sticky cleanup.
- Overcooking: It’ll dry out. Stick to 4 hours on LOW max.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
❓ FAQ
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yep! Just spread in a 9×13” dish and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
Can I add meat to it?
Totally. Add 1 cup cooked bacon, ham, or even sausage.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Not recommended. Frozen hashbrowns keep it simple and consistent.
🧡 Wrap-Up
There’s just something about creamy, cheesy potatoes that feels like a warm hug. I hope this becomes a go-to favorite at your table too. If you try it, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out or answer any questions you’ve got! 🥔🧀💬
