Oooh yes—comfort food incoming 🥔🧀
Here’s a full, cozy, no-fail recipe for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or peak couch-and-blanket season.
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy, cheesy potatoes loaded with bacon, sour cream, and green onions—basically a baked potato, but upgraded and effortless.
🕒 Time
- Prep: 15–20 minutes
- Cook: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Serves: 6–8
🛒 Ingredients
Base
- 3 lbs russet potatoes (about 5–6 medium), peeled and diced (½–¾ inch cubes)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Loaded toppings
- 1½ cups cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)
🔪 Prep Tips (worth it)
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Russets give the creamiest texture, but Yukon Golds work too
- Lightly grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking
🍲 Instructions
- Add potatoes
Place diced potatoes in the slow cooker. - Mix the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:- Sour cream
- Milk/cream
- Melted butter
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Combine
Pour mixture over potatoes. Stir to coat evenly. - Cook
- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Potatoes should be fork-tender.
- Make it loaded
Stir in:- Shredded cheddar
- Most of the bacon (save some for topping)
- Final melt
Cover and cook an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is fully melted. - Finish & serve
Top with remaining bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if you’re feeling bold.
🔥 Optional Upgrades
- Extra creamy: Mash half the potatoes before adding cheese
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne
- Protein boost: Stir in diced ham or cooked sausage
- Ranch vibes: Swap half the sour cream for ranch dressing
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat gently (microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk)
- Not ideal for freezing (texture gets grainy)
🥄 Serving Ideas
- As a side with grilled chicken or steak
- As a main dish with a simple salad
- Topped with a fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner energy
If you want, I can:
- Convert this for Instant Pot
- Make a vegetarian or lighter version
- Scale it for a crowd or potluck
Just say the word 😄
