There’s something so comforting about a bubbling slow cooker on the counter, especially when it’s filled with cheesy, hearty goodness. I still remember the first time I brought these creamy crockpot cheesy potatoes to our church picnic. I watched as grown men went back for seconds and kids traded their cookies just to get another scoop. That’s when I knew — this wasn’t just any side dish. It was the kind that brings people together.
Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd aren’t just about saving oven space or keeping things warm. They’re about ease, flavor, and that hands-off magic that lets you mingle with guests or wrangle the kids while the meal takes care of itself. Whether you’re feeding your Bible study group, hosting a holiday buffet, or planning a laid-back backyard gathering, this cheesy potato recipe checks every box.
Let’s make memories one bite at a time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to prep — just dump, stir, and cook.
This dish is warm, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy — a guaranteed favorite.
Perfect for holidays, game days, or Sunday dinners with extended family.
Free up your oven and hands — slow cooker magic at its finest.
Make-ahead friendly and super forgiving — ideal for beginner cooks too.
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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are one of those comforting, no-fail crockpot side dishes for a crowd that always disappears fast. Creamy, buttery, and bubbling with cheddar, they’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or laid-back dinners when you want hands-off cooking and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Combine the Ingredients: In the crockpot, mix the frozen potatoes, diced onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, melted butter, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. Avoid removing the lid during this time for even cooking.
- Add Remaining Cheese: After 4 hours, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for 15 more minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Serve Hot: Stir gently if desired or serve straight from the crockpot with a garnish of chopped parsley or chives.
Notes
Perfect for holidays or potlucks, these Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd can be doubled in an 8-quart slow cooker. You can also substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version or toss in cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Overview
It’s incredibly easy to prep — just dump, stir, and cook.
This dish is warm, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy — a guaranteed favorite.
Perfect for holidays, game days, or Sunday dinners with extended family.
Free up your oven and hands — slow cooker magic at its finest.
Make-ahead friendly and super forgiving — ideal for beginner cooks too.
Step-by-step Instructions
Creating rich and creamy Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd like these cheesy potatoes is as easy as combining, covering, and letting time do its delicious work. Follow these simple steps and let your slow cooker shine.
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a disposable liner. This ensures cleanup is easy and that nothing sticks — especially important when making cheesy Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd.
Step 2: Mix Everything In
Add frozen diced potatoes, diced onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, melted butter, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese directly into the crock. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Tip: If your cheese clumps a bit, don’t worry — it’ll melt down beautifully during the cook time.
Step 3: Set and Forget
Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking, as it can slow down the heat build-up that’s crucial for perfect Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Once 4 hours have passed, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top. Replace the lid and let it cook for another 15 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Watch It Disappear
Stir gently if desired or serve as-is to showcase that beautiful cheesy layer. These Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd serve about six hearty portions but stretch easily at potlucks when paired with other dishes.
Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!
Pro Tips
When it comes to making flawless Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd, a few kitchen-tested tips go a long way.
Use freshly shredded cheese if possible. Pre-shredded bags are convenient, but they often contain anti-caking agents that can keep cheese from melting smoothly — which matters for ultra-creamy Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd like this one.
Don’t skip the butter. That touch of melted butter helps meld everything together, delivering that rich mouthfeel folks rave about at gatherings.
Stir once halfway through — carefully. If your crockpot runs hot, give the mix a gentle stir halfway through the cooking process. This keeps the edges from browning too early and ensures even cooking across all your Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd.
Keep it warm for serving. Flip your crockpot to the “keep warm” setting once the cheese has melted. This is perfect for buffets or church suppers where dishes need to stay hot but hands-off.
For another crowd-favorite dish made in the slow cooker, check out our Crockpot Recipes Chicken Pot Pie — perfect for when you want something cozy and satisfying alongside your sides.
Variations
There’s no shortage of ways to adapt these Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd to your taste or dietary needs.
Make it meatier. Add crumbled cooked bacon or cubed ham for a hearty twist that’ll satisfy meat lovers and stretch your servings.
Spice it up. Want a little kick? Stir in a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne for zesty Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd that wake up the table.
Go vegetarian-friendly. Sub the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for a fresh veggie-forward spin.
Try alternative cheeses. Mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamier, spicier option.
And if you’re craving more bold crockpot flavors that wow at big gatherings, don’t miss our savory Crockpot Dishes Bourbon Chicken. It’s a total showstopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good side dish for a crowd?
Cheesy potatoes are always a winner. They’re easy to make, transport well, and please both kids and adults — exactly what you want in Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd.
What to make in a slow cooker for a party?
Slow cookers are perfect for hands-off party cooking. Besides cheesy potatoes, try slow-cooked dips, baked beans, or mac and cheese.
What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
"Crockpot" is a brand name, while "slow cooker" refers to the appliance type. All Crockpots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are Crockpots. Either one works great for side dishes!
What size slow cooker for 10 people?
You’ll want at least a 6 to 8-quart model when making Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd. This ensures enough servings and space for bubbling ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These rich and creamy Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd pair beautifully with everything from glazed ham to BBQ pulled pork. I often serve them alongside roast chicken or ribs at our family get-togethers. They’re also a cozy addition to holiday tables, especially when you want to keep your oven free for that perfect roast. A crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls round out the meal with freshness and crunch.
If you’re planning a cozy fall gathering or potluck, these slow-cooked cheesy potatoes would shine next to something from our Fall Dinner Party Menu Ideas, like cider-braised meats or spiced squash dishes. The best part? They keep warm in the crock, making them ideal for buffet-style entertaining.
Conclusion
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. These Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd are proof that simple pantry ingredients can create a dish that steals the show. Whether you’re cooking for church, family, friends, or a tailgate crowd, there’s something joyful about letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you focus on making memories.
From weeknight meals to festive spreads, there’s no wrong time to serve this recipe. And if you’re hosting game day or just need more ideas for slow-cooked crowd-pleasers, pop over to our roundup of Football Appetizers for more cozy inspiration.
Gather your ingredients, plug in that slow cooker, and give it a go! I’d love to hear how your Crockpot Side Dishes For A Crowd turn out — leave a comment below or share your creation on Pinterest or Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us!
From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!
Let’s keep the fun going — follow along on Pinterest for more cozy recipes and seasonal ideas!
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