These crockpot cheesy potatoes are my go-to for potlucks, holidays, and busy family dinners. They take just 10 minutes to throw together with 6 simple ingredients, come out creamy every time, and the slow cooker does the rest — no oven space needed!
This recipe was created as I really wanted to make my easy cheesy potato casserole recipe for a family dinner but I was out of oven space with everything else I was making.
That’s when I thought of my crock pot. So I gave it a try and was amazed by the results. This crock pot cheesy potatoes recipe tasted just like the one made in the oven.
My family loved this recipe and I hope you do too. This recipe is perfect to make your the summer holidays and barbecue. You can enjoy a delicious cheesy potato casserole without heating up your kitchen! You might also like Au Gratin Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep
- Frees up your oven for holidays and potlucks
- Can be made ahead and frozen
- A tested crowd-pleaser with over 650 five-star ratings
Cheesy Potatoes or Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes?
I have heard this recipe called both of these before. Essentially this is a cheesy potato casserole but I believe people started calling them funeral potatoes but it’s the perfect pot luck dish because everyone loves them.
Ingredients:
- Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes – Either shredded or diced works, but I used shredded for this recipe. No peeling or chopping needed, which makes this an easy dump-and-go side.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Creates the creamy base. Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup both work well as substitutes.
- Milk – Thins the soup mixture so it coats the potatoes evenly. No milk on hand? Swap in the same amount of evaporated milk.
- Onion – Adds a little savory flavor throughout. This is optional if you’d rather leave it out.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds that classic cheesy flavor, and holding some back for the top is what gives you that melty, gooey crust.
- Sour Cream – Keeps the potatoes creamy and helps prevent them from drying out in the slow cooker. Plain Greek yogurt works as a swap if you want it tangier.
Substitutions I’ve Tested:
- No milk on hand? Swap in the same amount of evaporated milk.
- Want it tangier? Plain Greek yogurt works in place of the sour cream.
- Using fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Peel and dice 4-5 russet potatoes (depending on size) in place of the frozen hash browns.
How to make crockpot cheesy potatoes:
Step 1: Spray the inside of a 6 quart crock pot with nonstick spray. This makes clean up easy and makes serving these cheesy potatoes even easier.
Step 2: Take your frozen hash browns and break them up while still in the bag. This is easier to do while they’re in the bag and helps them cook more thoroughly once they’re added to the slow cooker.
Step 3: In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream.
Step 4: Stir in the hash browns, onions, and 1 cup of the cheese. Use a large spoon instead of a whisk so the hash browns don’t turn to mush when mixing them in.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the crock pot and top with the remaining cheese. This is what gives the casserole that nice cheesy top, so don’t skip this step! If you’re worried about it being too cheesy, use just ½ cup of cheese to top the casserole.
Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until a fork slides easily into the potatoes and the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Serve with a large spoon and enjoy!
Variations
- I usually use frozen hash browns for this recipe since they’re convenient and inexpensive, but fresh potatoes work too if you prefer (see substitutions above for how much to use).
- Want to turn this into a complete meal? Stir in cooked shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or browned sausage. I’ve done this a few times and it always turns out great.
- Stirring in diced green chilis or peppers adds a delicious spicy kick.
- Some readers like to stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for a little extra flavor, but this recipe is delicious and tested as-is without any added seasoning.
Make Ahead & Freezer Instructions
How to Make Ahead:
Mix everything except the final layer of cheese up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, stir well and add straight to the crock pot.
How To Freeze:
Combine all ingredients except the last cup of cheese in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add to the crock pot and cook as directed, topping with the reserved cheese at the end.
Potluck Timing Plan:
Need this ready for an early morning potluck or church breakfast?
Assemble the casserole in the crock pot the night before (don’t turn it on), cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set it to cook on high right before you head out the door. I don’t recommend holding it on “keep warm” for more than 2 hours, since it can dry out — plan your cook time so it finishes close to when you’re serving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — this recipe fits well in a 6-quart crock pot even when doubled. For a bigger crowd in an electric roaster, keep a close eye on it since cook times will vary and it can burn on the bottom if left too long.
Yes. Assemble it in the crock pot the night before, refrigerate it overnight, then cook it on high the next morning so it’s ready in time. I don’t recommend holding it on the “keep warm” setting for more than 2 hours, since it can start to dry out.
Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup both work well as substitutes. I also have a Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup that works great.
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash browns (28 oz.) *See Notes
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz.)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ Onion Chopped (Optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. sour cream
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Break apart the frozen hash browns while they are still in the bag to separate the potatoes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in the hash browns, onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the crock pot and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More easy Potato Recipes to Try:
- Easy Stovetop Scalloped Potatoes
- Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
- Easy Twice Baked Potatoes
- Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
What size package of shredded frozen hash browns do you use? Do you start with 16 oz, or 32 oz? If you double this recipe, what size pkg of hash browns?
Karen – I used a 20 ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns for this recipe. If you double the recipe, I would use 2 bags (40 ounces total). Thank you!
super delicious! Others requested the recipe.
Woohoo! I love hearing this so much Hallie! Thank for sharing and for the positive review of the recipe!
Can evaporated milk and greek yogurt be substituted for this?
Roberta – Yes, the evaporated milk can be used instead of milk in this recipe and plain greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream. Let me know how it turns out!
Can I expand this recipe and do it in a 22 qt electric roaster?
Kristy – I haven’t tested this yet but I think it would work great! I would watch closely as it cooks to make sure that it does not burn on the bottom and get over cooked. If you try it out, please come back and let me know how it turns out!
Did you not use any seasoning?
No I don’t and it turns out delicious! I hope you try it out and I hope you enjoy it!
I would like to use russet potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. How many potatoes should I use?
Mary – I recommend using 4-5 potatoes (depending on the size of your potatoes) instead of the frozen hash browns. Come back and let me know how it turns out!
Question; I’ve got to bring these to a Sunday morning potluck. If I cook them overnight, will the “keep warm” setting overcook them? Or dry them out? Thanks!
It really depends on how long it will be on the keep warm setting. It if will be on this setting longer than 2 hours there is a chance that they can dry out. I think that it would be best to prep the meal in the crock pot before bed, refrigerate it and then get up early to turn it on the high setting before your church potluck in the morning. If you try it out, please let me know how it turns out!
Excellent!
Thank you so much Suzan! This means so much to me and I appreciate your positive review!
I am making a double batch in a 6 quart crockpot. Is there any need to stir the casserole half way through cooking it due to the volume?
Joanne – I think I would stir it at least halfway to make sure that all the potatoes are cooked evenly through with that larger amount. Let me know how it works out!
I am a vegetarian, so what would I substitute for cream of chicken?
Cream of celery would be delicious in this recipe instead of the cream of chicken.
My bags are 30 oz, I plan to double the recipe do I compensate with more milk?
Since you are doubling the recipe, I would recommend you double the milk as well and add a splash bit more of milk to the mixture since your bag of potatoes are a bit bigger than the ones that we used. Let me know how it turns out!
I would like to double this recipe. How long would you suggest I cook it on low? Thank you.
If doubled, it would take longer to cook on the way through since the mixture is thicker in the crock pot. I would recommend cooking it on low for 5-7 hours until the potatoes are cooked through.
Made this tonight with my meatloaf & it was absolutely delicious! Will definitely be making it from here on out! Thanks for sharing your recipe! ??
Woohoo! Thank you so much for sharing and thank you so much for the positive review!
For anyone who has done this in the oven, what temp and for how long? I have a crockpot full but have a large family gathering and im wondering if I need to make more. Thanks in advance!
Amy – I have a cheesy potato casserole that is made in the oven that is very similar to this recipe. I hope you try it out and enjoy it!
I have made this in the oven with thawed 2 pounds of hash brown potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken and 1 stick of butter. It’s my sister’s recipe. Make it every year for Thanksgiving. I double the batch. Haven’t tried it with milk. Gonna try in crockpot. Do you thaw the potatoes before mixing?
Mary – You don’t need to thaw the potatoes first. Just break up any large pieces if needed. Hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe.
How many does the 1X serve? This will be a side dish on a buffet for 20.
Hey Cindi. This recipe is 9 servings. Hope this helps.
I add ham to mine to make it a full meal, then add aside salad or a hot veggie on thr side. Easiest meal n the world!
I love that idea Patty! So glad you gave it a try!
I have made this with tater tots and also with sliced fresh potatoes. The tater tots became mushy, and the sliced potatoes were so much better.
Gene – Thanks so much for sharing. I will have to try out this recipe with fresh sliced potatoes as well.
So easy and fast to make. I add some cubed ham and have a side salad or a hot vegetable on the side and tada!! An entire meal that is filling and the entire family enjoys!!
Patty – That sounds yummy! So glad you love it.
I have made these many times. My family loves them!
Looks quick and easy to make. I’ll be trying it this week !!
Best crock pot cheese potatoes I ever had!
This was a phenomenal dish to make for dinner. My family loved it.
Thank you for sharing Donna! I’m so glad your family enjoyed it and thank you so much for the positive review.
I want to make this recipe for this coming weekend. I am thinking to make it in my rectangular shaped crockpot that is shaped like a 9 x 13 inch pan. I think it’s called Casserole Cooker but it is a slow cooker. Very different from a normal shaped crock pot. Would you recommend cooking it for the same length of time and same temperature in this slow cooker as you would a normal shaped one?
Brenda – Since the mixture will not be as thick in a casserole crock pot, I recommend cooking it for cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until the hash browns are tender and cooked through.
Do you think it would work to mix this up the night before and store in the refrigerator until morning before cooking?
Yes, you can. If you refrigerate the crock pot insert, make sure that the insert comes to room temperature before cooking it in the crock pot. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
How does the amount you make effect the cook time, or is it the same if you were to do a triple batch?
Yes, if you make a triple batch, I would increase the cook time to make sure that the inside gets cooked all the way through. Make sure that your crock pot is not more than 3/4 of the way full and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours and check the middle of the potatoes to ensure that they cooked all the way through.
This looks super yummy. Can I use my own potatoes shredded or do they have to be the frozen ones?
Thanks
Ellen
Ellen – Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes in this recipe.
Love these with the hash browns with green peppers!
I love this recipe but usually use fresh potatoes. I boil them, let them cool, then shred. It’s the best!
Oh yum! That sounds delicious – Thank you for sharing.
i really loved this meal, it was easy to make and it had all my favorite ingredients.
Real simple and easy every one loved them
These are one of my favorites
Can a liner be used in the crock pot to ease in the clean up?
yes you can
Everyone loved this dish. So easy to make, definitely going to be one to repeat.
These are just amazing!!! Like all of your recipes.
So glad you are enjoying them!
This looks delicious. I will definitely be making this one!
Yes we love it!
Have not tried yet, but definitely going to add to my recipes.
I hope you enjoy it Teri!
Easy to make! So good!!
love these potatoes! I add bacon to them and chopped green onions in the last 15 minutes. They’re delicouse 🙂
This is the perfect Easter side dish!! Can’t wait to eat this. So yummy.
Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful Easter.
This is so easy and delicious ?
Thank you so much Kathy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it this recipe.
I made this dish as a side to pork chops.
It was super easy to make and the potatoes were savory and delicious. It was just my husband and I so we had leftovers. The leftovers were just as delicious the second time we had them. I used the hash browns with peppers and onions for extra zing!
This will definitely be a regular on our menu!
These potatoes are so simple and taste amazing!
Looks very tasty but for myself will use fresh potatoes.
Thank you – It will be delicious with fresh potatoes as well!
I made this cheesy potato dish in my slow cooker as a side dish to pork chops. It was super easy to put together and the potatoes came out savory and delicious. It was just my husband and I for dinner, so we had leftovers. The leftovers were easy to heat up and they were as delicious as the first time we had them.
I used the hash browns with peppers and onions for a little extra zing!
I definitely recommend this recipe. It will be a regular at our house!
Excellent, easy and tasty potatoes. I used cream of potato soup in mine. Usually have to double the batch for our family since everyone loves them!
Great recipe! Even my picky kiddo enjoyed and had multiple servings. Thanks for this keeper!
Thank you! My kids love this too
Can you substitute greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Yes, plain greek yogurt will work instead of the sour cream in this recipe.
This was absolutely delicious and easy!! We all loved it!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed these potatoes Pamela! Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for the positive review!
How many people will double recipe serve?
It should serve 12-15 people.
Can this be cooked in a crockpot casserole 9×13 ?
Yes, that would work great.
Did you try it in a 9 x 13 crockpot? If so, any suggestions on time!
I have and it takes about the same amount of tie. Just watch it carefully
Can I use onion powder vs chopped onion? If so, how much onion powder would you use?
Planning on making this for Christmas dinner to go with our ham! Thank you for the easy crockpot recipe when oven space is at a minimum!
I think 2 teaspoons Onion Powder will work great in this recipe. I hope you enjoy it and Merry Christmas!
Can I make this ahead ( but Not cook) and put in fridge then cook the next day?
Yes, you can. Just make sure that the ingredients come to room temperature before cooking the next day. I hope you enjoy these potatoes!
What size crockpot if I tripled it? How long do you think it would take to cook? Thank you
Use an 8 quart crock pot if you are tripling this recipe and it will likely need to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to make sure that the entire batch gets cooks all the way through.
Great recipes!!! Thank u??
Great recipe when feeding a crowd. I doubled the recipe, increased cooking time to 6 hours on low. Crowd pleaser.
I made this but baked it in the oven in my crockpot dish. Once it was done I toasted the cheese on top. Then I put it back into the Crockpot to keep warm. It was a crowd pleaser for sure ?
Sounds delicious! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it!
Could I add chicken to this or a crunchy topping?? Thank you.
Yes, I have a recipe similar to that already. You should try my Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe!
What would be the cooking time if I double the recipe?
When doubling the recipe, add 1 hour of cooking time if cooking on low or 30 minutes if cooking on high. Thanks!
Hi just clarifying, the recipe says that that it makes 12 servings, but in the comments you’ve mentioned that it only makes nine. Just wondering how you’re figuring serving sizes and which is more accurate? I need to make for a wedding luncheon and need to correctly calibrate for the amount that I need
Sorry for the confusion. This recipe serves 9.
Making it for supper tonight.
I hope you enjoy it!
Do you think this recipe would work if I doubled it?
I have not tested this yet but I think it would work great as long as all the ingredients fit in your crock pot. You may have to cook it for an extra hour on low to ensure that the middle gets cooked through completely. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. I hope you enjoy it!
Will this recipe work if I use regular potatoes that I shred myself?
Yes it will.
I have now made this for 3 different holiday pot luck parties and it has been a hit each time!!
I’m so glad you love it! It is one of our favorites.
If I double this recipe, would it fit in a large crockpot?
Yes, I think it will fit.
Can I skip the cream of chicken soup? Have a vegetarian. Thank you!
Cream of Celery soup is a great alternative and will still give the potatoes the creamy sauce it needs.
Should the frozen hash browns be thawed or not?
It doesn’t matter. I have cooked them both ways and it turns out amazing every time.
These are very yummy!! Thank you for this recipe, I have made them 3 times and it is the only way I will make these cheesy potatoes from now on!!
Is the cook time the same if I double the recipe?
I would add an extra hour to the cook time.
This really is the EASIEST cheesy potatoes and oh so good!! A hit at holidays, potlucks or just as a side dish with dinner. Winner!!
This really is the EASIEST cheesy potatoes and oh so good!! A hit at holidays, potlucks or just as a side dish with dinner. Winner!!
My family loves these potatoes and I make them a lot. It’s a very easy recipe for make.
In the nutrition facts, how much is one serving size? One cup? I am diabetic.
The entire recipe serves 9, so each serving is 1/9 of the entire pan. It’s hard to put an exact size on it as each batch is different. Thank you!
How many does this serve?
I made it with cream of mushroom soup and then doubled the recipe for a church potluck today. It turned out great. Even brought some home for leftovers. Tasted great.
Hi- Can you bake this in the oven? If so, how long and at what temperature?
Can I use frozen fries instead of hash browns?
I’m not sure. I haven’t tried that before. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out. Thank you!
Can you use the hash browns that aren’t frozen
Yes, that would work fine. I would reduce the cook time by 1 hour. Thank you!
Can you make this in the Instant Pot? If so, how long do you cook it?
Andi – I haven’t tried that yet so I’m not sure if it would work. You would only need to cook it on high pressure for 2-3 minutes with a quick release. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out. Thank you!
Can I bake this in the oven?
Yes, here is a recipe for oven baked cheesy potato casserole – https://www.eatingonadime.com/cheesy-potato-casserole/
The oven-baked version of this recipe requires butter. Is there a reason you didn’t use it in your crockpot version?
Here is a link to my oven baked version of this casserole – https://www.eatingonadime.com/cheesy-potato-casserole/. I don’t use butter in either of them. I don’t think it’s needed with the milk and cream of chicken soup. Thank you.
I’d love to try this but it’s to much for one person. How can I cut it in half.
Yes, you can reduce all the ingredients in half and it should work great. Thank you!
How much salt and pepper do I use?
Salt and pepper to taste. Sometime I don’t even add any if it tastes great without it. Thanks.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, I think that the left overs would freeze great!
Can you just dice up potatoes and use those instead of the frozen hash browns?
Yes, definitely!
How big is your crock pot/how many quarts does it hold?
This casserole crock pot that I use is 3.5 quarts. Thank you!
We are making this tonite, we added peppers and onions with ground beef, and are cooking it in the oven, so cheese gets crispy.
Do u have to use sour cream or can u leave it out.. I cant eat it so im wondering if its the same
I haven’t tried leaving it out but I definitely think you can and it would still taste great. Let me know how it turns out!
I would add some left over ham.
Yes! That would be awesome!
Do you think it would work just as well if I doubled the recipe? Thanks!
Yes, I think it would still work fine.
What size bag of hashbrowns?
Karen – I use a 2 pound bag.
Can’t this be made in a regular, oval shaped slow cooker?
Sure , that would work as well. thanks