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: Peel and slice potatoes into ¼ inch rounds. Peel and mince garlic, and slice onion into thin rounds. Set aside.

2. Create the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in garlic, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup cheese until melted.

3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Grease slow cooker. Layer sliced potatoes, onions, and cheesy sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce on top.

4. Cook: Set slow cooker to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender.

5. Add the Cheese and Chives: Once cooked, sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheese on top. Cover until melted, about 5-10 minutes. Add chopped chives before serving.

6. Serve: Once cheese is melted and chives are added, serve the cheesy potatoes as a side dish or main course.

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.