5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Hash Brown Casserole

If you need an easy, cheesy side dish that can feed a crowd, this 5-ingredient slow cooker hash brown casserole is a perfect choice. Creamy, comforting, and loaded with shredded cheddar cheese, it combines frozen Potatoes O’Brien with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and butter for a rich potato casserole that practically cooks itself.

Whether you’re preparing a summer cookout, potluck, family dinner, holiday buffet, or weekend brunch, this crockpot hash brown casserole is an easy side dish everyone can enjoy. The slow cooker keeps it warm for serving, while a quick broil at the end can give the cheesy top an extra golden finish.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hash Brown Casserole

• Only 5 main ingredients — simple and budget-friendly.
• Easy slow cooker recipe — most of the cooking is hands-off.
• Perfect for crowds — makes about 10 servings.
• Creamy and cheesy — sour cream, cheddar, and condensed soup create a rich texture.
• Great make-ahead side dish — convenient for parties and busy family meals.
• Perfect for potlucks and cookouts — the slow cooker makes serving easy.
• Family-friendly comfort food — a classic cheesy potato dish with minimal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (30 ounces) frozen shredded Potatoes O’Brien
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Slow Cooker Hash Brown Casserole

1. Prepare the creamy mixture

Lightly grease your slow cooker. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.

2. Add the potatoes and cheese

Add the frozen shredded Potatoes O’Brien and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

3. Transfer to the slow cooker

Spoon the mixture into the prepared slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

4. Slow cook until hot and creamy

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the casserole is hot and set around the edges.

For a more golden top, and only if your slow cooker insert is specifically oven-safe, transfer it under the broiler for about 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

5. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Scoop it onto plates and enjoy while warm.

What to Serve With Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

This easy potato casserole works beautifully alongside:

• Grilled burgers
• Hot dogs
• Barbecue chicken
• Ribs
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Fresh garden tomatoes
• Green salad
• Fresh fruit

It’s especially useful when you need a make-ahead cookout side dish that can stay warm in the slow cooker.

Variations and Tips

For extra crispy edges: If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, broil the finished casserole briefly for a golden, lightly crisped cheese topping.

Using regular hash browns: If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute plain frozen shredded hash browns for Potatoes O’Brien.

Make it extra cheesy: Add a little more shredded cheddar or substitute part of the cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.

Try another creamy soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup can be used instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor.

Make ahead: Prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it if your slow cooker manufacturer’s instructions allow the insert to be refrigerated. Follow safe food-handling practices and don’t leave the casserole sitting at room temperature for an extended period.

For parties: Once fully cooked, the casserole can be kept warm using the slow cooker’s WARM setting according to the appliance’s instructions.