Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Potatoes
This is a decadent, creamy, and utterly comforting side dish inspired by the classic flavors of Southern “funeral potatoes” or Kentucky Potatoes. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings, it cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
· 2 lbs (about 900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
· 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 2 cups (about 8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· ½ tsp paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional topping: 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 4-6 quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the Potatoes & Onions
· Place a single, even layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
· Scatter some of the sliced onions and a handful of cheese over the potatoes.
· Repeat the layers (potatoes, onions, cheese) until all are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. Reserve about ½ cup of cheese for the final topping.
- Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine & Cook
· Pour the sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, gently shaking the slow cooker or using a spatula to help the sauce seep down.
· Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly.
· Important: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the reserved cheese (and the optional buttery cornflake topping, if using) over the top. Re-cover and let it finish cooking/melting.
- Serve
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to set slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
· Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or food processor for uniformly thin slices, which ensures even cooking.
· Don’t Skip the Broth: It provides necessary liquid for steaming the potatoes and prevents dryness.
· Check for Doneness: Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and potato thickness.
· Make it Your Own: Add diced ham or cooked, crumbled bacon for a hearty main dish. For a tangy twist, stir ½ cup of ranch dressing into the sauce.
· Crispy Topping Alternative: For extra crunch, transfer the finished dish to a baking sheet, add the buttered topping, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
This rich, cheesy, and satisfying potato casserole is the ultimate hands-off comfort food. Enjoy! 🥔🧀