Cheesy Potatoes: Crock-Pot Cooking Guide

how do you cook cheesy potatoes in a crock pot

Cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, are a classic dish for potlucks and holidays. They are easy to make in a slow cooker and require minimal preparation. The ingredients are simple and can be thrown together in a crock pot and left to cook. The ingredients include frozen potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, spices, and shredded cheese. The potatoes are cooked on a low setting for 4 to 6 hours or on a high setting for 2 to 4 hours. Before serving, the remaining cheese is sprinkled on top, resulting in a delicious, comforting dish.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty Easy
Ingredients Frozen potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, spices, cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, green onions, milk, flour, chicken stock, mustard, garlic, crackers, ham, green beans, jalapeño peppers, cornflakes, raw potatoes
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 4-8 hours
Equipment Slow cooker
Servings 10

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Ingredients

To make cheesy potatoes in a crock pot, you will need a crock pot liner or non-stick spray, a slow cooker, and the following ingredients:

  • Frozen diced potatoes, often labelled as hash browns or home fries, are the base of this recipe. You can also use fresh potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes.
  • Cream of chicken soup forms the base of the sauce. You can also use cream of mushroom soup or make your own gluten-free cream soup by melting butter and stirring in flour and chicken stock.
  • Sour cream is added for a tangy, ultra-creamy texture and to prevent the potatoes from drying out. You can use full-fat, reduced-fat, or dairy-free sour cream.
  • Butter, preferably salted, adds richness to the dish.
  • Spices and seasonings such as garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and seasoned salt enhance the flavour.
  • Cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese is commonly used, but you can also use Swiss or pepper Jack. The cheese is mixed into the potatoes and also used as a topping.

You can also add various ingredients to customise your cheesy potatoes, such as cooked bacon, diced ham, sausage, finely diced onions or green onions, jalapeño peppers, or a cornflake topping.

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Preparation

To prepare crockpot cheesy potatoes, you'll need a crock pot or slow cooker. It's recommended to use a liner or spray the crock pot with cooking spray to make cleanup easier.

For the ingredients, you'll need frozen diced potatoes, which can be found in bags in the frozen section of the grocery store. You can also use fresh potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes, but these will need to be diced before adding them to the crock pot.

In addition to the potatoes, you'll need a variety of other ingredients to create the cheesy sauce. These include:

  • Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • Sour cream (full-fat, reduced-fat, or dairy-free)
  • Butter (preferably salted)
  • Spices such as garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
  • Cheese, such as sharp shredded cheddar cheese

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, sausage, finely diced onions or green onions, or jalapeño peppers.

To prepare the dish, start by breaking up the frozen hash browns in the bag to make it easier to mix them with the other ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. You can also add milk to create a tangier base for the sauce. Then, stir in the hash browns, onions, and a portion of the cheese.

After all the ingredients are combined, pour the mixture into the crock pot. Top with the remaining cheese to create a nice cheesy top. You can also add a cornflake topping by mixing melted butter with cornflakes and sprinkling it on for the last half hour of cooking.

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Cooking

Cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, are a delicious and comforting dish that can be made in a crock pot. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holidays, and it's super easy to make! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook cheesy potatoes in a crock pot:

Ingredients:

  • Frozen diced potatoes or frozen hash brown potatoes (you can also use fresh potatoes like Russet or Idaho)
  • Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • Sour cream (full-fat, reduced-fat, or dairy-free)
  • Butter (preferably salted)
  • Spices: garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
  • Cheese: shredded sharp cheddar or any other variety like Swiss or pepper Jack
  • Milk
  • Optional: cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, sausage, finely diced onions or green onions, jalapeño peppers, or cornflake topping

Instructions:

  • Prepare the crock pot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crock pot with cooking spray or a liner for easy cleanup.
  • Mix ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Then, stir in the potatoes, onions, and about half of the shredded cheese. You can also add in any additional spices or seasonings you desire.
  • Cook: Transfer the mixture to the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot, so adjust as needed.
  • Add cheese topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the crock pot, and let the cheese melt. This step gives the potatoes a nice cheesy topping.
  • Serve: Serve the cheesy potatoes immediately while they're hot and gooey. They go well with ham, green beans, baked beans, or soft dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

  • You can also add meat or other ingredients to jazz up your cheesy potatoes. Try adding cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, sausage, or finely diced onions or jalapeño peppers for extra flavor.
  • For a cornflake topping, mix melted butter with cornflakes and sprinkle it on for the last half hour of cooking.
  • If you prefer to use raw potatoes instead of frozen, make sure to put them in a lint-free towel first and wring out all the liquid.
  • If you want to make a homemade or gluten-free cream of soup, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour until it forms a paste, and then add chicken stock and stir until thickened.
  • Cheesy potatoes can also be made in the oven. Simply follow the same steps, but bake covered with tinfoil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40-45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to get a bubbly cheese topping.
  • To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until hot. You can also freeze this dish after allowing it to cool completely.

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Serving

Crockpot cheesy potatoes are a perfect side dish for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday. They are also a great main dish. The recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep work.

When serving crockpot cheesy potatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are enjoyed at their best. Firstly, crockpot cheesy potatoes are best served immediately after cooking. If you are using a crockpot, you can keep the dish warm until you are ready to serve. This is a convenient way to ensure the potatoes stay at an optimal temperature without drying out.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days. To reheat, place the desired portion on a microwave-safe plate and warm in 30-second increments until you reach your desired temperature.

You can also freeze crockpot cheesy potatoes. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Then, follow the reheating instructions outlined above.

Crockpot cheesy potatoes are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. For a heartier meal, consider pairing them with proteins such as ham, sausage, or baked pork chops. They also go well with sides like green beans, crockpot baked beans, or soft dinner rolls.

Additionally, you can add a cornflake topping to your cheesy potatoes. To do this, mix 1/2 cup of melted butter with 1 1/2 cups of cornflakes. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To prevent the topping from becoming soggy, drape a paper towel over the crockpot before putting the lid back on.

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Storage

Storing your cheesy potatoes correctly will ensure they stay fresh and tasty. If you have leftovers, it is important to refrigerate them promptly in a covered container. They will keep in the fridge for up to four or five days, as long as they weren't left sitting out at room temperature for more than 3 hours. You can also freeze cheesy potatoes for longer-term storage. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, but be aware that the texture will change once frozen and defrosted due to the dairy content.

To reheat your cheesy potatoes, you can use a microwave or an oven. For microwave reheating, place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and warm them in 30-second intervals until heated through. If reheating a large quantity, it may be preferable to use the oven. Spread the potatoes in a baking dish, cover, and reheat at 325°F for around 30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the oven; place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

If you know you will be short on time when preparing this dish, you can make it in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you are ready to cook, scrape the mixture into your crockpot and cook as directed.

Frequently asked questions

You will need frozen diced potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, spices, and shredded cheese.

You can cook cheesy potatoes in a crock pot for 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.

To make a cream of soup, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour or gluten-free flour. Stir until the mixture turns into a brown paste. Then, add 11 ounces of chicken stock and stir until the mixture thickens.

You can use any kind of shredded cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper Jack.

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