Anastasia Rice December 20, 2025

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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

Name: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes, diced; 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can cream of potato soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chives for garnish

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There is something utterly homey about a slow cooker filling the house with the smell of melting cheese and spiced sausage, the scent promising a dinner that soothes and satisfies. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa turns everyday ingredients into a dish that feels celebratory and simple at once, perfect for chilly weeknights, potlucks, or a relaxed Sunday supper when you want comfort without fuss. While this version swaps traditional pork kielbasa for chicken sausage to keep things a bit leaner, it still delivers the smoky, savory notes that make the recipe sing, and it makes the whole house smell irresistible, like a warm blanket for the stomach. If you enjoy hearty one-pot meals, you might also love something equally comforting like Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter for another weeknight favorite.

Why This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Works

This recipe works because it balances creamy, salty, and slightly tangy flavors with satisfying textures. The potatoes become tender and soak up the savory sauce, while the sliced chicken sausage provides meaty bites with a touch of smokiness. The cheddar melts into a golden blanket that pulls everything together into spoonfuls that taste like comfort.

Reasons to love this dish

Hands-off cooking, let the slow cooker do the work
Crowd-pleasing, easy to stretch for family dinners or potlucks
Flexible, swap proteins or cheeses to match what you have
Satisfying, filling, and great for leftovers

The chicken sausage substitution keeps the spirit of kielbasa alive, while trimming some fat and making the dish a touch lighter. If you prefer a deeper beefy note, ground beef or chicken sausage both work well in the same slow cooker approach.

What You’ll Need

The ingredients here each play a role, from body and starch to creamy binder and melty finish. The soup and sour cream create a silky sauce, the cheese gives a salty tang and stretch, and the sausage lends savory, seasoned flavor. If you ever want to swap things, use Greek yogurt for part of the sour cream, or a different melting cheese like Monterey Jack.

Clean ingredient list

2 pounds potatoes, diced
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (swap traditional pork kielbasa for chicken sausage for a leaner option)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of potato soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chives for garnish

Tip, if your cream of potato soup is thick, stir in a little milk to loosen it before mixing. If you have turkey bacon on hand and want a smoky crunch, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch in a variation.

How to Cook Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

In a slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes and sliced kielbasa. Spread them evenly so the potatoes cook through and the sausage distributes its flavor, you will already begin to catch a peppery, savory scent.
In a bowl, mix the cream of potato soup, sour cream, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, the mixture should look creamy and slightly glossy.
Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes and kielbasa. The sauce should nestle into the nooks between potato cubes, coating them and promising a rich finish.
Stir gently to combine. Work carefully so you do not smash the potatoes, you want each piece coated yet intact.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender. You will know they are done when a fork slides through easily and the kitchen fills with an irresistible, savory aroma.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted. The cheese will turn glossy and stringy, bubbling slightly around the edges where it meets the sauce.
Serve warm, garnished with chives if desired. Scoop generous servings so each plate gets creamy sauce, tender potato, and browned sausage, the contrast of textures makes every bite satisfying.

Prep ~20 minutes, Cook ~6 to 8 hours on low, Total ~6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~500 per serving

Prepare in Advance

You can assemble most of this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa ahead of time to simplify dinner day. Dice the potatoes and chop the onion up to 24 hours before, store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Slice the chicken sausage early and keep it in the fridge as well. Combine the cream soup and sour cream mixture in a covered bowl, then keep chilled until ready to layer.

To finish later, layer the potatoes and sausage in the slow cooker, pour the chilled soup mixture over, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, set the slow cooker to low and expect an extra 30 to 60 minutes of cooking time because the contents will start colder. For potluck prep, you can fully cook the dish, cool it, and reheat when needed, adding the cheese just before serving for the freshest texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and store them in airtight containers. In the refrigerator, eat within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and safety. For longer storage, freeze in shallow containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, label with the date.

To reheat gently, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, reheat single portions in the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway so the sauce reheats evenly. A freshness cue is the aroma, if the dish retains its creamy, savory smell and the sauce looks glossy, it is still good; if there is any off or sour odor, discard.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Roasted Brussels sprouts for a caramelized, slightly bitter contrast
Crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce
Pickled vegetables or a sharp slaw to add a bright, acidic bite
Steamed green beans tossed with lemon and olive oil

If you prefer another hearty side, try pairing with skillet steak bites, such as a garlic butter steak and potatoes dish that echoes the richness while adding a seared surface and savory crust, like these garlic butter steak bites and potatoes.

Make It Your Own

Add smoky turkey bacon, crisped and stirred in at the end for an extra crunch and smoke note without pork.
Swap chicken sausage for a spicier chicken andouille style sausage to bump up heat, the dish will take on a gentle chile warmth.
Mix in a cup of frozen corn or peas during the last hour of cooking for sweet pops of texture and color.
Use a blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a creamier, more complex melt.
Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sour cream mixture to add a subtle tang and depth.
Make it cheesier by folding half the cheese into the sauce before cooking and saving the rest to melt on top for a golden crust.
For a lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt in place of half the sour cream, the tang will brighten the sauce and lower calories.
Add smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for smoky heat without changing the protein.

Each variation is designed to keep the spirit of Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa intact, while offering simple changes that shift flavor, texture, or nutrition.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Salt the potatoes lightly before cooking, but keep final seasoning flexible because the soup and cheese add sodium.
Space the potatoes evenly in the slow cooker so heat circulates, avoid overfilling which can slow cooking.
Use low and slow, cooking on low for the full 6 to 8 hours gives the best tender texture without breaking the potatoes apart.
If topping with cheese, add it during the last 30 minutes so it melts and browns lightly without separating.
Check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork, it should slide through with little resistance.
Let the finished dish rest 5 to 10 minutes after cooking, the sauce will thicken and serving is cleaner and easier.

Your Questions, Answered

What can I use if I cannot find cream of potato soup?
Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a one-to-one substitute, the texture will be similar and the flavor will still be rich and comforting. If you prefer to make it from scratch, a simple white sauce with simmered potato starch will work too.

Can I use frozen diced potatoes to save time?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well, they will shorten the necessary cook time and may release additional moisture, so check for tenderness earlier and reduce liquid if needed. Layer them from frozen and plan for 4 to 6 hours on low, depending on your slow cooker.

How do I keep the potatoes from turning mushy?
Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes and chop into consistent pieces, avoid overcooking by checking them toward the lower end of the time range, and stir gently to preserve structure. If potatoes seem to be breaking down, switch to cooking on low for a shorter time next time.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or oven?
Yes, in an Instant Pot use the sauté function to brown sausage if desired, then cook under high pressure for 8 to 10 minutes with a quick release, thickness of the sauce may vary. In the oven, bake covered at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour, then uncover, add cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly.

Is this dish freezer friendly and how should I reheat?
Yes, fully cooked or assembled and frozen works well. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through, adding cheese in the last 10 minutes for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is the kind of comforting, forgiving recipe that becomes a weeknight hero and a potluck favorite. It is easy to adapt, forgiving to timing, and richly satisfying, delivering creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory slices of sausage with minimal effort. Make a batch, enjoy the cozy aromas, and share generous helpings with friends or family, this dish invites lingering at the table and seconds for everyone.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 500 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender potatoes, chicken sausage, and melted cheese, perfect for chilly weeknights and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds potatoes, diced
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of potato soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chives for garnish

Instructions

In a slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes and sliced chicken sausage evenly.
In a bowl, mix the cream of potato soup, sour cream, chopped onion, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes and sausage, ensuring it coats the potatoes.
Gently stir to combine, being careful not to smash the potatoes.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted.
Serve warm, garnished with chives if desired.