I can’t wait to share my slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe with you! This dish is one of those comforting meals that fills your home with a warm, cheesy aroma. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
Low-effort cleanup, hands-off cooking, and consistent creaminess solve busy weeknights by avoiding constant stirring, reducing oven use, and delivering comforting potatoes with minimal effort.
Sometimes, I struggle to find side dishes that are both easy and delicious, especially with my family’s dietary needs. This recipe solves that problem by using fresh ingredients instead of the typical boxed mixes. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so I can adjust it to suit everyone’s taste.
With this recipe, you’ll have creamy, cheesy, and buttery scalloped potatoes ready in just 3 to 4 hours. The best part? You can prep everything in about 15 minutes, pop it into the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you focus on other things. No need to worry about overcooking or using the oven!
If you want to try another great dish that’s just as easy, check out my French Dip Sandwiches. They’ll be a hit, too!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of heavy cream and cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily switch up the cheeses or add bacon for an extra savory kick. It’s always fun to make it your own.
- Convenient Cooking: Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making meal prep simpler. It’s great for busy days when you still want something nice.
- Leftover Friendly: You can store any leftovers in the fridge for a few days. Reheating is a breeze, so you can enjoy it again without fuss.
Easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: vegetarian
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy slow cooker dish made with layers of potatoes.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced approximately 1/4 inches thick
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Layer the Potatoes: Start by layering the sliced potatoes in your slow cooker. Alternate each layer with cheese and cream to keep everything creamy and delicious. You will know it is right when you see those layers shine with the cream. Be careful not to overfill the slow cooker, or it might not cook evenly.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth slowly along the sides so it seeps through the layers to help keep the potatoes moist while they cook. You should hear a gentle slosh as it mixes in. Be mindful, as too much liquid can lead to a soupy texture.
- Set the Temperature: Cook on low for about three to four hours until the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork. You will smell the creamy goodness wafting in the air. If you are unsure, check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking those layers.
- Add More Cheese: In the last half hour, sprinkle your favorite cheese on top to get it all melty and bubbly. Do not add it too soon, or you could end up with clumpy cheese instead of a smooth finish.
- Let it Rest: Once it is cooked, let the dish sit for about ten minutes before serving. This will help everything set and make for easier serving. You will notice a slight thickening as it cools. Skipping this step may make it a bit too runny, making it tricky to serve.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Expert Tips: Ensure potatoes are sliced evenly into 1/4-inch slices for uniform cooking. For an even creamier texture, adding the cheese to the cream at the beginning can help prevent clumping during cooking. If the potatoes are hard after cooking, confirm they are cut into even slices, and check tenderness throughout cooking. If the dish seems watery, consider cutting back on the chicken broth to one tablespoon or less for a thicker consistency. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring it retains its creamy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled meats for a complete meal. Pair with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Enjoy as a side dish during family gatherings.
- Recipe Variations: Add cooked ham or bacon for a heartier dish. Mix in sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor. Incorporate sautéed onions for added depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 542
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 843mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
Ingredient Notes
- Heavy whipping cream: This adds that creamy element to the dish. Look for fresh, high-fat cream for the best results.
- Chicken broth: It brings a nice depth of flavor to the potatoes. If you’re watching your diet, vegetable broth works just as well.
- Russet potatoes: They’re starchy and hold up beautifully when cooked slowly. Make sure to slice them evenly for even cooking.
- Minced garlic: It gives the dish a warm, savory kick. Fresh garlic is always great but jarred can save you time.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: It adds a nice sharpness and a slightly nutty taste. If you’re a fan of pecorino, that works too!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This is key for that classic cheesy texture and flavor. Feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Pepper: A basic spice that rounds out the flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper really gives a nice bite!
Recipe Tips
- If the potatoes aren’t cooking through, make sure they are cut into even 1/4-inch slices to help them cook uniformly.
- When the dish seems watery, consider cutting back on the chicken broth to one tablespoon or less for a thicker consistency.
- For an even creamier texture, adding the cheese to the cream at the beginning can help prevent clumping during cooking.
- If you’d like a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- When checking for doneness, use a fork around the 3-hour mark to see if the potatoes are tender enough and adjust if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slow cooker scalloped potatoes alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. Pair them with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
These potatoes work well as a side dish during family gatherings and potlucks. They also complement comfort food meals, such as casseroles or barbecued meats.
Top the scalloped potatoes with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor. A drizzle of olive oil also enhances the dish beautifully.
Recipe variations
- You can use Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets for a creamier and slightly sweeter flavor in your slow cooker scalloped potatoes.
- Add 1 tsp of smoked paprika or ½ tsp cayenne pepper for a kick of heat and depth in the overall taste.
- Either mix in cooked ham or crispy bacon for added protein, or replace with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- If you’re preparing for a smaller group, halve the recipe by using 1.5 lbs of potatoes and reduce cheese to 1.5 cups total.
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How to Store?
To keep your slow cooker scalloped potatoes fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezing: Wrap servings in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag. Keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Use the microwave or stovetop to reheat leftovers, ensuring they reach a safe temperature before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Slow-Cooker Ground Beef Recipe
- Beef Bourguignon Slow-Cooker
If you enjoyed this slow cooker scalloped potatoes or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
