Description

Looking for an easy, hearty, and delicious dish that you can just dump into your slow cooker and forget about? This slow cooker cheesy potatoes recipe is the perfect choice. The blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and fragrant chives makes for a comforting side dish or even a main course. Let's dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients

• Before we begin, gather the following ingredients:
• 5 medium-sized potatoes: Choose firm, starchy varieties like russet or Yukon gold for the best texture.
• Salt and pepper: To season the potatoes to taste.
• 3 tablespoons of butter: Adds richness to the dish.
• 3 tablespoons of white flour: This helps create a creamy sauce.
• 1 clove of garlic (peeled and minced): For a subtle flavor boost.
• 1 onion (peeled and sliced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 cup of milk: This is the base of the creamy sauce that coats the potatoes.
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or mild cheddar for a creamier finish.
• Chives (as much as you like): These provide a fresh, slightly oniony flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and potatoes.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by peeling and slicing your potatoes into thin rounds. You want them to be about ¼ inch thick, so they cook evenly. Set the sliced potatoes aside.

Next, peel and mince the garlic, and peel and slice the onion into thin rounds. Set both aside for later.

2. Create the Sauce:
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and golden, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and about ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

3. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Now, it's time to start layering.

Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by a layer of onions. Pour some of the cheesy sauce over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce, until everything is layered in the slow cooker. Make sure the last layer is covered generously with sauce to ensure everything cooks evenly and absorbs the flavor.

4. Cook:
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your potato slices and the power of your slow cooker, so start checking around the 4-hour mark. If you're in a hurry, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2-3 hours, but the potatoes may not be as tender.

5. Add the Cheese and Chives:
Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Right before serving, sprinkle as many chopped chives as you like on top. If you're like me and love chives, don't be shy – the fresh flavor really enhances the dish.

6. Serve:
Once the cheese has melted and the chives are sprinkled on top, your cheesy potatoes are ready to serve! These potatoes are the perfect side dish for a roast, chicken, or even a steak. But they're also hearty enough to stand alone as a main course, especially when paired with a fresh green salad.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese works great in this recipe, you can experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses will give you a unique flavor profile.
Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent version, cook some crispy bacon and sprinkle it on top of the cheese in the final step. Bacon and cheese are always a winning combo!
Use a Mandoline: If you want your potato slices to be uniformly thin, using a mandoline slicer can make the process faster and more precise.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The taste and texture will still be creamy and delicious.

This slow cooker cheesy potatoes recipe is a delicious, low-effort dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something comforting and hearty. With minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to make but packs a punch of flavor. Whether you're serving it as a side at a family dinner or enjoying it as a main dish, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit. Plus, with the option to customize the recipe with different cheeses, meats, or toppings, you can make this dish your own.