Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
No Comments Nov 05, 2025
Updated Nov 17, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are a cheese lover’s dream. Very easy to make in the slow cooker and keep warm for dinner or a potluck.
These Cheesy Potatoes were one of the first side dishes I ever shared on the website, and they’re still one of my favorites today. The creamy texture and sharp cheddar flavor make them a go-to for any meal. I love that they cook right in the slow cooker, especially when the stovetop is full during the holidays.
Key Ingredients
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are an affordable, reliable choice that mash up light and fluffy, making them perfect for this smooth, cheddar-loaded side dish.
Chicken Bouillon Cubes: Two chicken bouillon cubes are added to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. You will never use plain water again after trying this trick.
Mix-ins: A perfect amount of butter, Sour Cream, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese are measured and blended into the potatoes. A touch of chives are the perfect garnish to add texture.
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes
- Cook potatoes with bouillon and butter until tender.
- Mash with sour cream, salt, and cheddar.
- Top with more cheese, melt, and finish with chives.
Sarah’s Tips & Variations
- Why dirty a strainer? Wearing oven mitts, hold the slow cooker insert with the lid opened a crack and pour the water down the sink drain.
- Mixing Tip: Be careful not to scrape the beaters against the ceramic slow cooker insert as much as possible.
- Keep warm: After melting the cheese, keep the slow cooker on “warm” until serving.
- Loaded: Add Bacon to make these loaded mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder while mashing.
What to Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Mains: We love to make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken, Slow Cooker Ribs, or Slow Cooker Meatloaf in another slow cooker, perfect choices for an easy dinner or entertaining.
Other Sides: To round out the meal, try my Green Bean Casserole, Honey Garlic Carrots, or Slow Cooker Creamed Corn.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
How to Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled, cubed
- water, (to cover potatoes while cooking)
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
Add these things after cooking time is done:
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ cup salted butter, room temperature
- 16 oz. sour cream, room temperure
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
Optional Garnish
- sliced chives or green onion
Instructions
- Place the peeled and diced potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken bouillon cubes and water to cover the potatoes completely.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours.
- When done, drain the potatoes.
- Add the salt, butter, sour cream, and 1 cup cheese to the potatoes.
- Using a hand-mixer, blend everything until smooth, being careful not to over mix.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese atop the now mashed potatoes.
- Replace the lid and give the cheese should take about 10 minutes to melt. (You can turn the slow cooker to high to speed up the process.)
- Top the potatoes with optional chives or green onions if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More potato side dishes you will love:
Lipton Onion Potatoes and Cajun Potato Wedges bring bold, seasoned flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, and perfect for pairing with any main dish.
Crockpot Potatoes, Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes, and Party Potatoes are cheesy, crowd-pleasing sides ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
