Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole
This recipe delivers a hearty and comforting cheesy potato casserole made effortlessly in a slow cooker. It combines thawed diced potatoes with Cheddar soup, evaporated milk, and French fried onions, resulting in a creamy, savory side dish perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal hands-on time.
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker A large capacity slow cooker (e.g., 6-quart or larger) is ideal for this casserole.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For thoroughly combining all ingredients before cooking.
- 1 Can Opener To open the soup and evaporated milk cans.
- 1 Spatula or Large Spoon For mixing ingredients and serving.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate seasoning and portioning, though most ingredients are pre-measured.
Ingredients
Main
- 32 oz bag of frozen diced potatoes thawed
- 21 oz Cheddar Soup 2 - 10.5 oz cans
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions divided
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen diced potatoes completely before starting to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed potatoes, both cans of Cheddar soup, the evaporated milk, and 1 cup of the French fried onions.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste, then mix all ingredients thoroughly until the potatoes are well coated.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker insert to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Transfer the entire potato mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Re-cover and continue cooking until the French fried onions are warmed through and slightly crisp (you may partially vent the lid for extra crispness).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the lid and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes to allow it to set before serving.
- Serve the Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Ensure the frozen diced potatoes are completely thawed and drained to prevent a watery casserole. For an elevated flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the potato mixture. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can gently toast the remaining French fried onions in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker during the final stage. Alternatively, for the crispiest topping, transfer the cooked casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a vibrant finish.