For picky eaters, you can peel the potatoes and skip the onion entirely or use dried minced onion for a milder flavor. If your family likes extra cheese, add another 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese, especially in the middle layers. To change up the flavor, swap the cheddar for colby-jack or a mild pepper jack for a little kick.
Plated cheesy potatoes with family-friendly side dishes
You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken if that’s what you have on hand or if you need to avoid poultry. For a heartier version, stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of diced ham or cooked crumbled bacon between the layers—kids tend to love the smoky bits, and it makes the dish feel more like a main course. If you need it a bit lighter, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, but keep in mind it may not be quite as creamy.
Food safety tips: Always keep the potatoes refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and assemble. Use clean utensils and a clean cutting board, and wash your hands before handling ingredients. Make sure the slow cooker reaches a safe temperature; cook on HIGH or LOW for the full time until the potatoes are very tender and the center is hot and steamy. Once cooked, do not leave the slow cooker unplugged and sitting at room temperature at the potluck—keep it on the WARM setting so the potatoes stay above 140°F to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. If you transfer leftovers to another dish, cool them quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat leftovers thoroughly until steaming hot before serving.
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