If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food side dish or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition, I can’t recommend this Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s cozy, creamy, loaded with flavor, and seriously effortless—perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without fussing over the stove. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain potatoes before!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Just throw everything in your Crock Pot and walk away—no stirring or babysitting required.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: French onion dip, cheddar cheese, and cream of cheddar soup create a rich, savory blend that’s downright addictive.
- Perfect Potluck or Family Meal Side: It’s hearty enough to be a main event for potato lovers, yet a crowd-pleasing side that complements almost any entree.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance or easily reheat leftovers without losing that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines because the ingredients work together to build layers of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Using frozen diced potatoes saves prep time without sacrificing taste, and the French onion dip is a clever shortcut that adds depth and that beloved caramelized onion flavor.
- Frozen diced potatoes: Using frozen saves so much time, and they cook up super tender in the Crock Pot every time.
- French onion dip: This adds rich onion flavor and creaminess without extra chopping.
- Condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup: Brings cheesy, velvety texture to the mix.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps all those flavors meld beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Boosts the savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Balance and enhance the flavors.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I like slicing it into chunks to place on top—it melts wonderfully and creates pockets of cheesy goodness.
Variations
I love tweaking this Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. It’s a versatile base that welcomes little tweaks like adding meat or swapping cheeses, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- With ground beef or sausage: Adding cooked ground beef or sausage at the end turns this side into a hearty main dish—my family goes crazy for that twist on busy weeknights!
- Use different cheese: Try pepper jack for a little heat or smoked gouda for a smoky flavor to mix things up.
- Dairy-free version: Swap the cream of cheddar soup and cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free onion dip or sautéed onions for similar flavor.
- Extra veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions if you want to amp up the onion experience even more.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Grease Your Crock Pot for Easy Cleanup
Before adding anything, lightly grease the inside of your Crock Pot. I usually use a little butter or non-stick spray. This simple step keeps the cheesy mixture from sticking and makes cleaning up afterward much easier—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding the frozen diced potatoes into the Crock Pot. Then dollop on the French onion dip and pour in the condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Finally, add the butter in chunks atop everything—this will melt throughout the cooking for max creaminess. Don’t stir just yet!
Step 3: Add the Cheese Topping
Slice the sharp cheddar cheese into large chunks or thick slices and place them evenly on top of the mixture in the Crock Pot. This creates those delicious pockets of melted cheese you’ll swoon over when serving.
Step 4: Slow Cook on High for 3 Hours
Put the lid on and cook the whole thing on the high setting for 3 hours. It’s always so exciting when I lift the lid after that time—the cheesy aroma fills the kitchen and the potatoes are perfectly tender. After cooking, give everything a good stir to mix all those flavors and melted cheese together.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Use Frozen Diced Potatoes: I’ve learned this shortcut is a game-changer—it saves time and the potatoes cook evenly every time without any peeling or chopping stress.
- Don’t Skip Butter: Adding real butter gives this dish that indulgent, silky texture that makes it taste like comfort food heaven.
- Cheese Placement Matters: Placing solid slices or chunks of sharp cheddar on top rather than shredding helps create those gooey pockets, which makes every bite exciting.
- Avoid Over-Stirring During Cook: Resist the urge to peek and stir before the potatoes are done—this keeps the texture intact and flavors more pronounced.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this, I love sprinkling fresh chopped chives or green onions right on top for a pop of color and fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream on the side also amps up the creaminess and balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal. My family especially loves it alongside BBQ ribs—something about the cheesy potatoes cuts the tangy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes serve the potatoes in small ramekins or individual Crock Pot liners—makes the dish feel extra festive. You can even sprinkle a little crispy fried onion on top for a crunchy contrast that everyone asks about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The potatoes hold up really well for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Freezing
Speaking from experience, this recipe freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Just cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F to keep the texture creamy without drying out. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh diced potatoes, but you’ll want to parboil them first or increase the cooking time since fresh potatoes take longer to become tender. Using frozen diced potatoes is a convenient shortcut I love because it eliminates extra prep and cooks evenly in the Crock Pot.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! As long as you stick to the base ingredients without adding meat, this Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check that the French onion dip and cheese you’re using do not contain animal-derived rennet if you’re strict about vegetarian choices.
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Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it the next day?
Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the Crock Pot insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just pop it into the Crock Pot and cook as directed—this makes morning prep a breeze.
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What meat options pair well if I want to add protein?
Ground beef and sausage work wonderfully stirred in after cooking—they add hearty flavor without overwhelming the potatoes. I sometimes brown them separately and mix in just before serving, but you can also add pre-cooked or leftover meats for convenience.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! The main ingredient to check is the condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup, as some brands contain gluten. Look for a gluten-free labeled soup or make your own cheese sauce from scratch for a completely gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe quickly became one of my family’s all-time favorite sides, and I bet it will be yours, too. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comfort food and a little bit of a treat all in one, and the fact that it’s so hands-off makes it even better. Give it a try next time you’re craving something cozy and cheesy—you’ll be so happy you did, and probably asked for seconds!
Print
Crock Pot Cheesy French Onion Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting casserole featuring frozen diced potatoes cooked in a creamy blend of French onion dip, cheddar cheese soup, and sharp cheddar, all slow-cooked in a Crock Pot for a hands-off, cheesy side dish or main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounce bag frozen diced potatoes
- 16 ounces French onion dip
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 8 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the inside of your Crock Pot with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Potatoes: Place the frozen diced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the Crock Pot, creating a base layer for the casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the French onion dip, condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and butter. Stir well to create a smooth and flavorful mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes in the Crock Pot, spreading evenly to coat all the potatoes.
- Add Cheese Topping: Slice the sharp cheddar cheese into large chunks or slices and place them on top of the potato mixture.
- Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on the high heat setting for 3 hours until potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and melded into the dish.
- Serve: After cooking, stir the casserole gently to combine the melted cheese and creamy potatoes. Optionally, add cooked ground beef or sausage at this point and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is approximate and does not include any optional ground beef or sausage additions.
- For a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef or sausage before serving.
- You can adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a stronger garlic flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
