Ultimate Cheesy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes: An Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. This easy crockpot scalloped potatoes recipe delivers just that – layers of perfectly cooked potatoes and an irresistible cheesy sauce, transforming simple ingredients into the most comforting and flavorful side dish you’ll ever make. Say goodbye to oven-hogging casseroles and hello to hands-off perfection!
Why Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Are a Game-Changer
Easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, these slow cooker scalloped potatoes are a revelation. If you haven’t yet explored the magic of making this classic side dish in your crockpot, prepare to be amazed. This method seriously simplifies your meal prep, especially during busy holidays or large family gatherings.
One of the biggest advantages of preparing scalloped potatoes in a slow cooker is the invaluable oven space it frees up. No more juggling multiple dishes or worrying about inconsistent baking times in a crowded oven. You can easily prepare this dish earlier in the day, layer everything into the slow cooker, and let it slowly cook to perfection while you focus on other tasks. This hands-off approach ensures your potatoes are always tender and infused with flavor, leaving you with more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Plus, once you taste the homemade difference, you’ll never go back to a box mix!
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Slow Cooker Potatoes
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create this incredible side dish. You’ll find a complete list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Tips
- POTATOES – Russet potatoes are the star here. Their high starch content is crucial as it naturally helps to thicken the creamy sauce, resulting in that perfectly comforting consistency. While Russets are ideal, you can also use other starchy varieties like Yukon gold. To ensure even cooking and a beautifully tender texture, slicing your potatoes thinly and uniformly is key. A mandolin slicer is highly recommended for achieving consistent 1/4-inch slices effortlessly, making your prep work much quicker.
- CHEESE – For the best flavor and smoothest texture in your cheese sauce, always opt to shred your own cheese from a block using a box grater. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy and prevent the cheese from melting as beautifully. We use a combination of cheddar and parmesan for a rich, savory depth, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM & CHICKEN BASE – Heavy whipping cream forms the luxurious base of our sauce, providing unparalleled richness and a silky texture. The chicken base, such as Better Than Bouillon, adds a concentrated savory flavor that elevates the entire dish. If you don’t have chicken base, you can substitute it with chicken broth, just be mindful of adjusting the water content slightly or adding a touch more seasoning to taste.
- SEASONING – Simple garlic salt and black pepper are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese. You can also add a pinch of onion powder, a dash of paprika, or even a tiny hint of nutmeg for a more complex, warming spice note.
How to Make Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Potatoes: First, peel your Russet potatoes and slice them uniformly to about 1/4-inch thick. A mandolin will make this task quick and ensure consistent thickness, which is vital for even cooking. Immediately after slicing, submerge the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Start the Sauce Base: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water and chicken base, whisking until the base is fully dissolved. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream. This creates a flavorful and rich liquid for your cheese sauce.
- Incorporate the Cheese: As the mixture heats up, gradually sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Finish the Cheese Sauce: Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until it’s fully melted and incorporated. The mixture should be simmering gently by now. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 2 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Potatoes: Drain the sliced potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry if needed. Arrange a single, even layer of potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot. Season this layer generously with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Sprinkle a generous layer of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the seasoned potatoes. Then, ladle a portion of the prepared creamy cheese sauce over the cheese, ensuring the potato layer is completely covered.
- Repeat and Cook: Continue layering potatoes, shredded cheese, and cheese sauce two more times, ensuring the top layer is finished with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on High for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. Cooking times can vary, so check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark.
CHEF TIP – As the potatoes cook, a good amount of steam will be generated, which might lead to some extra liquid on top. If desired, you can carefully skim off any excess liquid before serving for a thicker, richer consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Traditionally, the main distinction between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes is the presence of cheese. Scalloped potatoes typically feature thin potato slices baked in a cream sauce, while au gratin potatoes include cheese (often Parmesan or Gruyère) and are often topped with breadcrumbs. However, modern recipes, like this one, frequently incorporate cheese into scalloped potatoes, blurring the lines and giving you the best of both worlds!
Absolutely! To save even more time on the day of serving, you can slice the potatoes and store them submerged in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This helps prevent them from browning. You can also prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, reheating gently before layering. This makes assembly on cooking day a breeze.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave for individual servings or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating can help maintain moisture.
Slow cooker cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific model and the thickness of your potato slices. If your potatoes aren’t fork-tender, simply continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes on high, checking periodically. Ensure your potato slices are consistently thin for the best results.
Yes! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or caramelized onions for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley before serving also adds a lovely fresh touch and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pairing
The beauty of these cheesy crockpot scalloped potatoes lies in their versatility. They are truly the ultimate comfort food side dish, complementing almost any main course. Pair them with a juicy steak, a roasted pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or baked ham for a satisfying meal. These creamy, cheesy potatoes are also a beloved addition to holiday dinner spreads, bringing joy to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
More Delightful Crockpot Recipes to Try
If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooker meals, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic crockpot recipes:
- Crockpot Lasagna: Layered pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese, all cooked effortlessly.
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes without the stovetop hassle.
- Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, made easy in your slow cooker.
- Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole: A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for busy evenings.
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Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
7 servings
614
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes
- garlic salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon chicken base
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Equipment You’ll Need
-
Mandolin
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Large mixing bowl
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Saucepan
-
Whisk
-
Non stick cooking spray
-
5-6 qt Crockpot
Before You Begin
- Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative. For uniform, quick cooking, slice potatoes 1/4-inch thick using a mandolin.
- Always shred your own cheese from a block using a box grater. This prevents a grainy sauce and ensures superior melting compared to pre-shredded cheeses that contain anti-caking agents.
- We prefer a concentrated bouillon base (like Better Than Bouillon) for deep, savory flavor, which is easily reconstituted with water. You can certainly use an equivalent amount of chicken broth or stock if preferred.
Instructions
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Peel potatoes and slice 1/4-inch thick with a mandolin or chef’s knife for consistent results.
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Cover sliced potatoes with cold water in a large bowl to prevent oxidation while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce
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In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add water and chicken base. Whisk thoroughly until dissolved, then whisk in the heavy whipping cream.
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Once the mixture is hot, gradually sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese while whisking constantly until smooth.
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Add half of the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, whisking continuously until fully melted. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn heat down to low and simmer for 2 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble and Cook
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Spray the crock of your slow cooker generously with non-stick cooking spray.
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Drain the sliced potatoes well. Add a single, even layer of potatoes to the bottom of the crock pot. Season lightly with garlic salt and pepper.
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Add a layer of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
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Ladle a layer of the prepared cheese sauce on top, ensuring it covers the potatoes thoroughly.
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Repeat these layers (potatoes, cheese, sauce) two more times, ending with a final layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
TIP – If excessive liquid forms during cooking due to steam, you can carefully skim some off the top before serving for a denser result.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store any leftover crockpot scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- For even creamier results, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce when melting the cheddar.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking and proper heat circulation.
Nutrition Information
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.