This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker August Cookout Crispy Edge Cheese Potato Casserole is the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that disappears fast at a backyard gathering. Cubed Carola potatoes hold their shape beautifully while turning tender inside, and the slow cooker makes the whole dish convenient for cookouts, potlucks, and busy weekends. A final blast of heat helps create those irresistible browned, crispy edges that make this casserole especially memorable.
Serve this casserole alongside grilled burgers, bratwurst, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or smoky ribs for a classic late-summer cookout plate. It also pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, grilled corn, baked beans, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker August Cookout Crispy Edge Cheese Potato Casserole using Cubed Carola Potatoes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds Carola potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Directions
1. Lightly butter or spray the inside of a white oval slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the cubed Carola potatoes, condensed cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar. Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated.
2. Transfer the potato mixture to the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top during the last 20 minutes of cooking. If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking to brown the top and develop crisp edges; otherwise, transfer the casserole to a broiler-safe baking dish first. Watch closely so the cheese browns without burning.
4. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly. Spoon out generous portions, making sure to scoop up some of the crispy browned edges from the sides and corners.
Variations & Tips
For extra crisp edges: After slow cooking, spreading the hot casserole into a slightly shallower broiler-safe dish will give you more surface area and more browned corners. This is especially useful if you are making it for people who always go after the crispy bits first.
Cheese swap: Sharp cheddar gives this casserole a classic cookout flavor, but Colby jack or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack also melts well and gives a slightly milder finish.
Make-ahead tip: You can cube the potatoes and mix the casserole ingredients a few hours ahead, then refrigerate the filled slow cooker insert if your model allows it. Let it sit at room temperature briefly before starting so the insert does not go from very cold to hot too quickly.
Seasoning note: Even with just four main ingredients, a little black pepper, onion powder, or paprika can be added if you like. Since condensed soup and cheese already bring salt, taste before adding any extra.
