Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly delicious meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This Cheesy Potatoes in Crock Pot recipe is your answer. Forget about slaving over a hot stove; your slow cooker will do all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful potatoes perfectly seasoned and melted with cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply satisfying your craving for a hearty and healthy meal. It's one of those easy recipes that's always a crowd-pleaser, delivering a delicious dish without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Make sure they're relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine everything.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your potato cubes.
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Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and create a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your cheesy potatoes hot. They're delicious as a side dish or a hearty main course.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture. However, you can experiment with other potato varieties like russet potatoes, but they might require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker isn't overcrowded. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent them from steaming rather than cooking in the liquid.
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of your favorite cheeses will create a unique flavor profile. Consider adding some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Variations:
- Bacon Cheesy Potatoes: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor and texture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or oregano.
- Spicy Cheesy Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for a more nutritious and flavorful dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy and delicious Cheesy Potatoes in Crock Pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and homemade cooking. Enjoy!