🥔🌭 Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potatoes
Introduction
If you love creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and lots of melted cheese, this Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! 🧀🌭🥔
Tender diced potatoes and smoky kielbasa are slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, then finished with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese.
It’s hearty, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, this is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
—🛒 Ingredients
For the Sausage & Potatoes
1 package (14 oz) smoked kielbasa,
sliced1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ cup cooked bacon bits,
optional—👩🍳
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potatoes
1. Prepare the SausageSlice the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds.
For extra flavor, you can quickly brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Add the PotatoesPlace the frozen diced hash brown potatoes into the slow cooker.Spread them evenly across the bottom.
3. Add the SausageAdd the sliced kielbasa over the potatoes.Spread it evenly so every serving gets plenty of sausage.
4. Season EverythingSprinkle over the:Garlic powderOnion powderPaprikaBlack pepperSaltDried parsley
5. Add the CreamPour the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth over the potatoes and sausage.
Gently stir everything together.6. Slow CookCover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through.
Avoid lifting the lid too often because this can increase the cooking time.
7. Add the CheeseAbout 20–30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
For an extra-cheesy result, add another handful of cheddar during the final few minutes.
8. ServeOnce the cheese is melted and everything is hot and creamy, gently stir and serve immediately.
Top with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley if desired.
🥓🧀🌿—🔥 Pro Tips
Use Frozen Hash BrownsFrozen diced hash browns make this recipe incredibly convenient.
There’s no need to peel and dice fresh potatoes.
Brown the Kielbasa FirstThis step is optional, but browning the sausage gives it a deeper, richer flavor and slightly crisp edges.
Don’t Add All the Cheese Too EarlyAdding the cheddar near the end helps prevent the cheese from becoming oily or disappearing into the sauce.
Make It Extra CheesyFor an even richer version, use a combination of:CheddarMonterey JackColby JackPepper Jack
—🧀 Easy VariationsBacon Cheesy Sausage Potatoes
Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon during the final 20–30 minutes.
Spicy Version
🌶️Use spicy smoked sausage and add:
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakesDiced jalapeñosPepper Jack cheeseRanch Version
Add 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix for a creamy ranch-style flavor.
Loaded Potato VersionTop the finished dish with:
Crispy baconGreen onionsExtra cheddarSour cream
—-🍽️ How to ServeThese cheesy sausage potatoes are filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
They also pair nicely with:
🥗 Green salad
🥦 Steamed broccoli
🌽 Corn on the cob
🥖 Garlic bread
🥒 Pickles
🥕 Roasted vegetables
—❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work well.
Cut them into small, evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly.
Can I use another sausage?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage, kielbasa, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or andouille sausage can all work.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce will be lighter and less rich, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, although the cheese is what gives this recipe its signature creamy, cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can slice the sausage and measure the seasonings ahead of time.
Store everything separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
—📋 Recipe DetailsPrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3 hours on
HIGHTotal Time: About 5 hours 10 minutes–6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8Course:
Main CourseCuisine: AmericanMethod:
Slow Cooker
—❤️ Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potatoes is everything you want in a comfort-food dinner:
creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly easy!
🥔🌭🧀Smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheddar come together in one slow cooker for a meal the whole family will love.
Easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights!