Slow Cooker Checkerboard Potato Melt
Looking for an easy cheesy potato casserole that melts in your mouth and takes almost no effort? This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Checkerboard Potato Melt is the ultimate comfort food recipe for busy nights. Layered like a cheese-stuffed checkerboard, it’s tender, creamy, and full of flavor perfect as a side dish or a main comfort meal.
This recipe is a hands-off slow cooker potato dish that combines thinly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet onions, and gooey American cheese in a simple 5-ingredient mix. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it also provides a warm, satisfying meal that feeds 4–6 people with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-off cooking Let your slow cooker do all the work.
Comfort food made easy Soft potatoes, melty cheese, and tender onions.
Customizable Add herbs, swap cheeses, or include protein for extra flavor.
Perfect side or main dish Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, salads, or steamed vegetables.
Great for meal prep Keeps well in the fridge for next-day meals.
Ingredients (5 Core Ingredients):
2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (~1/8 inch)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
8 slices American cheese, cut into quarters for small squares
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, optional
Instructions:
Lightly grease a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Peel potatoes if desired and slice thinly (1/8 inch) for even cooking. Slice onions thinly.
Toss the slices with melted butter, kosher salt, and optional black pepper for even flavor distribution.
Spread a thin layer of potatoes and onions in the slow cooker.
Arrange American cheese squares in a checkerboard pattern, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
Repeat layers, offsetting cheese squares to create cheesy pockets, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Cover and cook on HIGH 3–4 hours or LOW 6–7 hours, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let rest 10–15 minutes for easier slicing. Serve warm, ensuring each portion has both potatoes and melty cheese.
Tips & Variations:
Cheese swap: Use mild cheddar, Swiss, or gouda for different flavors.
Creamier version: Pour 1/2 cup milk or cream over layers before cooking for a gratin-like sauce.
Herb boost: Toss potatoes with thyme, oregano, or rosemary for extra aroma.
Crispy top: Transfer to a broiler-safe dish, add extra cheese, and broil 2–3 minutes for a golden finish.
Meal prep hack: Make ahead and refrigerate; reheat in the slow cooker or oven for a ready-to-go comfort meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with roasted chicken or steak for a classic comfort meal.
Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a lighter, balanced plate.
Add a crisp salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
