Indulge in Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa – A Cozy Delight!

Imagine a cozy, comforting dish that combines the heartiness of tender potatoes, the smoky flavor of kielbasa sausage, and the melty goodness of gooey cheddar cheese – that’s the delightful Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa! This easy-to-make, one-pot meal is a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. The slow-cooked potatoes soak up all the savory flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and downright irresistible.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

To make this mouthwatering recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 3 medium russet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and diced – Russet potatoes are the perfect choice for their fluffy texture, which will soak up all the delicious flavors.
• 12 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced – The smoky, savory kielbasa adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This creamy soup acts as the base, binding all the ingredients together.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 200g) – The melty cheddar cheese takes this dish to the next level of cheesy goodness.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Sautéed onions add a lovely aromatic and flavor component.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – This simple seasoning enhances the overall savory profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients

Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes, slicing the kielbasa, and chopping the onion. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the assembly process a breeze.

Layer in Crockpot

Start by adding the diced potatoes, sliced kielbasa, and chopped onion to your slow cooker. Arrange the ingredients in an even layer.

Add Soup & Seasoning

Next, pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the potatoes, kielbasa, and onions. Sprinkle the garlic powder over the mixture and stir everything together until well combined.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Add Cheese

About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt into the creamy, potato-sausage mixture.

Serve Warm

Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, give the dish one final stir. Serve the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa hot, allowing the cheesy goodness to ooze out with each delectable bite.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

Here are a few tips to ensure your Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa turn out perfectly every time:

• Potato Variations: While russet potatoes are the classic choice, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
• Sausage Swaps: If you’re not a fan of kielbasa, feel free to substitute your favorite smoked or cooked sausage, such as Italian or bratwurst.
• Veggie Add-Ins: For extra nutrition and color, consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli florets to the crockpot.
• Cheese Options: Cheddar is the go-to cheese, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
• Garnishes: Top the finished dish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra flavor boost and appealing presentation.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa dish contains approximately:

• Calories: 470
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 37g

Variations of Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

While the classic Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or create new flavor combinations:

• Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa: Wrap the kielbasa slices in bacon before adding them to the crockpot for an extra indulgent twist.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish for a zesty kick.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top the finished dish with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded baked potato-inspired flavor.
• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the crockpot for an earthy, umami-rich variation.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
• Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potato Bake
• One-Pan Honey Garlic Beef Cheesy Potatoes

FAQs About Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

How long can you put potatoes in the crockpot?

Potatoes can safely be cooked in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on the high setting. This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe calls for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, which allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.

Can you put together cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely assemble the Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa ahead of time. Simply prepare all the ingredients, layer them in the crockpot, and refrigerate until ready to cook. When you’re ready to serve, just turn on the slow cooker and let it do its magic!

How long can you leave mashed potatoes in a crockpot?

While this recipe uses diced potatoes rather than mashed, the general rule for leaving mashed potatoes in a crockpot is 2-4 hours on the warm or low setting. Anything longer and the potatoes may start to dry out or develop an undesirable texture.

Will potatoes cook in a slow cooker without liquid?

Potatoes do require some liquid to cook properly in a slow cooker. In this recipe, the cream of mushroom soup provides the necessary moisture for the potatoes to become tender and fully cooked through. Without any added liquid, the potatoes would likely become dry and tough.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible combination of tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the magic happen – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

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