Hey y'all! If you've ever dreamed of bite-sized potatoes smothered in gooey melted cheese with that perfect creamy texture, then these Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes are about to become your new go-to side dish. They're a hands-off, crowd-pleasing favorite that fits right in at weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Super easy—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
- Perfectly creamy and cheesy with every forkful.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead of time.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins and toppings.
- Minimal clean-up thanks to the one-pot cooking method.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- 2.5 lbs small Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and quartered
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked bacon bits, for topping
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and quarter the Yukon Gold potatoes. Leave the skins on for extra flavor and texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the potatoes, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Spray the inside of your Crock Pot/slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add the potato mixture, spreading it evenly. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Cover and let cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra green onions and bacon bits if desired. Serve warm and creamy straight from the Crock Pot!
Notes for Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- For ultra-creamy potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well (What’s the Best Potato For Cooking?).
- If prepping ahead, you can assemble the potato mixture and refrigerate overnight before cooking.
- Check potatoes at the earliest cook time to avoid overcooking.
Variations for Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- Loaded Cheesy Potatoes: Add crumbled cooked bacon, chopped chives, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a loaded twist.
- Spicy Southwest Style: Stir in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
- Vegetarian Delight: Mix in sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra veg and flavor.
Required Equipment for Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- 6-quart slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions for Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing.
Serving Ideas: What to Pair with Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for balance.
- They’re perfect as a comforting side for holiday or potluck spreads.
Pro Tips for Ultimate Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents (Why Shred Your Own Cheese?).
- For extra decadence, try stirring in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before serving.
- Keep the lid closed while cooking to trap in the steam and ensure creamy potatoes.
FAQ: Crock Pot Cheesy Baked Potatoes
- Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
- Yes, but russet potatoes may break down more and become softer. Try to cut them into larger chunks.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before and start the Crock Pot when you’re ready to cook.
- Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
- Yes, you can use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream or swap in Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Learn more about healthy swaps at EatingWell.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Add the diced potatoes, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
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3Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
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4Stir in the sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the green onions. Mix well.
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5Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
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6Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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