Meals

26-Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage is the kind of cozy, no-fail comfort food recipe that never goes out of style. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage and tender potatoes that soak up all the flavor while slowly cooking to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this slow cooker recipe checks every box: easy, affordable, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

What makes this dish so special is how effortlessly it comes together. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, your crockpot does all the work, transforming humble potatoes and sausage into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. It’s perfect for cold nights, game days, holidays, or anytime you want a hearty meal without standing over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This (Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage)

  • Ultra-creamy and loaded with cheesy goodness

  • Hands-off slow cooker recipe

  • Budget-friendly ingredients

  • Feeds a crowd easily

  • Customizable with different sausages and cheeses

  • Comfort food that both kids and adults love

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you love recipes that are simple but deliver big flavor, Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s ideal for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or stress-free entertaining. This dish requires very little prep, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers consistent results every single time. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, peeled and diced)

  • Smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)

  • Sour cream

  • Butter

  • Onion, finely diced

  • Garlic, minced

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Paprika (optional)

  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage 

  1. Prepare the potatoes
    Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly in the crockpot.

  2. Slice the sausage
    Cut the sausage into bite-size rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.

  3. Layer the ingredients
    Lightly grease the crockpot. Add the potatoes first, followed by the sliced sausage, onion, and garlic.

  4. Mix the creamy base
    In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.

  5. Pour and mix
    Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes and sausage. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.

  6. Cook low and slow
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  7. Add the cheese
    About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.

  8. Finish and serve
    Stir gently, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 420–480

  • Protein: 14–18g

  • Carbohydrates: 35–40g

  • Fat: 28–32g

  • Fiber: 3–4g

  • Sodium: Moderate to high (depends on sausage and cheese used)

 Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage 

  1. Use Yukon gold potatoes for extra creaminess

  2. Dice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking

  3. Cook on LOW for the best texture

  4. Don’t over-stir during cooking

  5. Brown sausage first for deeper flavor (optional)

  6. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting

  7. Avoid adding cheese too early

  8. Season lightly at first; adjust at the end

  9. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick

  10. Use liners for easy cleanup

  11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving

  12. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

  13. Add garlic powder for extra depth

  14. Mix cheeses for complex flavor

  15. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot

  16. Stir gently to keep potatoes intact

  17. Add herbs at the end for freshness

  18. Avoid high heat for long periods

  19. Use smoked sausage for bold flavor

  20. Serve immediately for best texture

 Variations & Substitutions

  1. Swap sausage for chicken sausage

  2. Use cream of mushroom instead of chicken

  3. Add bell peppers for color

  4. Mix cheddar and mozzarella

  5. Use red potatoes with skin on

  6. Add bacon bits

  7. Make it spicy with jalapeños

  8. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives

  9. Add broccoli or cauliflower

  10. Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt

 What to Serve with Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage

  1. Green salad

  2. Steamed broccoli

  3. Roasted green beans

  4. Garlic bread

  5. Coleslaw

  6. Cornbread

  7. Pickled vegetables

  8. Sautéed spinach

  9. Grilled chicken

  10. Simple tomato salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cutting potatoes too large

  • Cooking too long on HIGH

  • Adding cheese at the beginning

  • Using pre-shredded cheese only

  • Over-salting early

  • Skipping greasing the crockpot

  • Not checking doneness before serving

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  1. Cool completely before storing

  2. Store in airtight containers

  3. Refrigerate up to 4 days

  4. Reheat slowly for best texture

  5. Add milk when reheating

  6. Stir gently after reheating

  7. Avoid freezing for long periods

  8. Freeze only if necessary

  9. Label containers with date

  10. Use microwave or stovetop

  11. Don’t reheat multiple times

  12. Store in single-serve portions

  13. Keep tightly sealed

  14. Avoid high heat reheating

  15. Stir halfway through reheating

  16. Add cheese after reheating if needed

  17. Keep refrigerated under 40°F

  18. Discard if smell changes

  19. Avoid storing uncovered

  20. Consume within recommended time

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage is the definition of easy comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s a dependable recipe that fits busy schedules and hungry families alike. With endless variations and minimal effort, this dish proves that slow cooker meals can be both simple and incredibly satisfying.

General Information

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW)

  • Total Time: About 7 hours

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I use frozen potatoes in Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage?
Yes, frozen diced or hash brown potatoes work well. No need to thaw—just extend cooking time slightly if needed.

2. What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa works best because it adds deep, savory flavor and holds its texture during slow cooking.

3. Do I need to brown the sausage first?
It’s optional. Browning adds extra flavor, but the sausage will cook fully in the crockpot without pre-cooking.

4. Can I make Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

5. How long should I cook this recipe?
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Why are my potatoes still hard?
They may be cut too large or need more cooking time. Stir gently and continue cooking on LOW for 30–60 minutes.

7. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend all work well.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check sausage ingredients.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes. Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or corn are great additions.

10. How do I make it creamier?
Add extra sour cream, a splash of milk, or cream cheese near the end of cooking.

11. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Use spicy sausage, add red pepper flakes, or mix in diced jalapeños.

12. Should I peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, especially with Yukon gold or red potatoes.

13. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough and not filled more than ¾ full.

14. Can I use milk instead of sour cream?
You can, but the dish will be less rich. Sour cream gives the best creamy texture.

15. When should I add the cheese?
Add cheese during the last 20–30 minutes to prevent curdling and ensure smooth melting.

16. Does Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage reheat well?
Yes. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

17. Can I freeze leftovers?
You can, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

18. How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

19. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and makes filling portions for lunches or dinners.

20. Is Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Sausage kid-friendly?
Very much so. It’s mild, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for picky eaters.