Effortless Slow Cooker Cheesy Onion Potatoes Recipe

My grandma’s secret slow cooker cheesy onion potatoes always spark conversation at family gatherings.

Comfort arrives in unexpected ways through humble ingredients.

Creamy melted cheese blankets tender potato slices with irresistible warmth.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with minimal effort.

Simple techniques guarantee restaurant-quality results you can master easily.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing side dish.

One bite transports you to a world of delicious possibilities that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Potatoes That Make A Perfect Side Dish Everyone Loves

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for busy families.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker does all the work, letting you walk away while potatoes slowly simmer into creamy, cheesy goodness without constant monitoring.
• Comfort Food Champion: Rich, gooey cheese and tender potatoes create a warm, satisfying dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Affordable pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and onions come together to make an impressive side dish that won't break the bank.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Onion Potatoes Ingredients You’ll Use

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides the main body of the dish, best when using waxy or all-purpose varieties.
• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness, white or yellow onions work great.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates the creamy, rich texture, freshly shredded recommended for best melting.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Milk: Helps bind the cheese sauce and creates a silky consistency.
• Butter: Enhances richness and provides additional flavor, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.

• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds color and mild onion flavor, optional but recommended.

• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Prevents potatoes from sticking to slow cooker surface.

Cheesy Onion Potato Instructions for Slow Cooker Success

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Surface

Coat the inside of your slow cooker with a light layer of non-stick spray or spread butter evenly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Potato and Onion Base

Spread a generous layer of chopped potatoes and sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a delicious foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Blend

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently pour the creamy cheese mixture over the potato and onion layer.

Use a spatula to carefully distribute the sauce, ensuring every potato piece gets coated with cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the potatoes to simmer and become tender for 4-5 hours, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touch and Garnish

Once cooking is complete, give the potatoes a gentle stir.

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Dish out the hot, cheesy potatoes immediately.

Enjoy this comforting side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Slow Cooker Advice for Cheesy Onion Potatoes

• Generously grease your slow cooker to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Spread potatoes and onions evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
• Mix cheese sauce ingredients until completely smooth to avoid lumpy texture.
• Carefully fold cheese mixture into potatoes to maintain potato shape and prevent breaking.
• Swap cheddar for different cheeses like gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.

Reheat Slow Cooker Cheesy Onion Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
• Transfer potatoes to a baking dish, add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes with Cheesy Onion Potatoes

• Pair Savory Proteins: Grilled steak or roasted chicken complements the rich, cheesy potato dish perfectly, creating a balanced meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
• Sip Bold Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec match wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy potatoes, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, comforting potato side dish, adding brightness and nutritional balance.
• Add Tangy Condiments: Horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard can elevate the flavor profile, offering a zesty kick that enhances the creamy potato's taste and adds complexity to the meal.

Onion Potatoes with Cheesy Combinations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Swap sour cream for cashew cream to maintain creamy texture while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. Use full-fat Greek yogurt and reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill to the cheese mixture. Incorporate chopped fresh herbs for an elevated, aromatic flavor profile that complements the creamy potatoes.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and sprinkle smoked paprika. Top with crispy bacon bits or chorizo crumbles for a zesty, protein-packed variation that brings bold southwestern flair to the classic dish.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• Is it okay to substitute the cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack work great as alternatives to cheddar. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the morning. Just keep the potato and cheese mixture separate until you’re ready to cook.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the slow cooker?

Grease the slow cooker thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter before adding ingredients. You can also use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Onion Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker cheesy onion potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy cheese and caramelized onions meld perfectly with tender potatoes, creating a side dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes and Cheese:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) green onions, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create alternating layers of finely chopped potatoes and thinly sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
3. Whisk together shredded cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, creamy milk, melted butter, aromatic garlic powder, and seasoning until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce.
4. Gently cascade the cheese mixture over the potato and onion layers, using a soft spatula to delicately combine the ingredients without breaking the potato pieces.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the potatoes to slowly tenderize and absorb the rich, cheesy flavors for approximately 4-5 hours.
6. Once the potatoes reach a perfectly soft consistency, give the dish a gentle stir to redistribute the creamy sauce and release the enticing aromas.
7. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly sliced green onions across the top, adding a pop of color and a subtle, crisp flavor profile.
8. Transfer the steaming, golden-edged potatoes to a serving dish and present immediately while the cheese remains luxuriously melted and inviting.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Swap regular milk with buttermilk or heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious texture in the dish.
• Keep potatoes uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the slow cooker.
• Transform this side dish into a vegetarian main course by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and volume.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg