When I need a hands-off side dish that still feels comforting and hearty, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Waffle Day Potatoes recipe is exactly the kind of shortcut dinner win I lean on. Using frozen potatoes O'Brien keeps prep incredibly easy, while the slow cooker does all the work turning a handful of simple ingredients into creamy, cheesy potatoes that fit right in at breakfast-for-dinner, potlucks, holiday brunches, or busy weeknights.

These potatoes are great with waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon, ham, or even rotisserie chicken if you want to turn them into more of a full meal. I also like serving them with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness, and they pair especially well with a hot cup of coffee for brunch or iced tea with dinner.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Waffle Day Potatoes

Servings: 6

Finished cheesy slow cooker potatoes
Finished cheesy slow cooker potatoes

Ingredients

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen potatoes O'Brien

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Add the frozen potatoes O'Brien to the crock.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

3. Spoon the mixture over the potatoes and stir gently until the potatoes are evenly coated.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the mixture is hot and bubbly.

5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top, cover for 10 more minutes until melted, then serve warm.

Variations & Tips

Make it extra cheesy: If your family loves a richer casserole-style potato dish, add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend also works well here.

Swap the soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken if that is what you already have in the pantry, and both still give the potatoes a creamy texture.

Add protein: To make this more of a main dish, stir in cooked diced ham, crumbled bacon, or browned breakfast sausage during the last hour of cooking. It is a great way to stretch the recipe for a busy night.

Plan ahead: This recipe is ideal for busy mornings or holiday meals because you can mix everything right in the slow cooker insert, cover, and let it cook while you handle the rest of your day. If the potatoes seem a little thick by the end, stir in a splash of milk before serving.