This creamy, cheesy Crockpot Potato Casserole is a fantastic side dish that's perfect for any festive dinner like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's simple to make and full of comforting flavors, including crispy bacon and gooey cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns (1 large package)
- ½ onion, diced
- 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup (1 can)
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional, for topping)
Recommended Equipment
- Crockpot
- Cast Iron Skillet (for bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hash Browns
- Take the hash browns out of the freezer and let them sit for about 10-12 minutes to soften slightly.
Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot
- Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the partially thawed hash browns, diced onion, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the mixture is bubbly.
Step 5: Prepare the Bacon
- While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon in a cast iron skillet until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
Step 6: Add More Cheese
- Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Just before serving, top the casserole with the crispy bacon and optional fresh chives for added flavor and a pop of color.
Becky’s Tips
- Cooking Time Variations: If you're short on time, you can cook the casserole on high for 2-3 hours instead.
- Warm Setting: If not serving immediately, you can keep the casserole warm on the "keep warm" setting for up to 2 hours.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile enough for holiday meals or any special occasion throughout the year.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 747mg
- Potassium: 484mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 833IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 288mg
- Iron: 2mg
Conclusion
Enjoy this hearty and delicious Crockpot Potato Casserole at your next family gathering or special occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser that's not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and versatile.
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Crockpot Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Potato Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It's the perfect way to serve a crowd or have a warming family meal ready with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, sliced about ¼ inch thick
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Grease the inside of the crockpot with butter or nonstick spray.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom. Top with half of the onion, half of the bacon (if using), and one cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the layered potatoes.
- Dot the top with butter pieces and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and let it melt for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
- For a crispier top, you can transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil it for a few minutes after it’s cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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