Introduction:
Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, made incredibly easy and hands-off in your slow cooker. This recipe transforms the classic scalloped potatoes into a cheesy, creamy, and effortlessly delicious side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
Imagine tender slices of potato, layered in a rich and cheesy sauce, slowly cooked to creamy perfection without any stovetop fuss. The slow cooker gently melds the flavors together, creating a dish that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully convenient. The cheesy element elevates the classic scalloped potato, making it even more irresistible.
Whether you’re looking to simplify your holiday meal prep or just want a comforting side dish without spending hours in the kitchen, Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the answer. Their ease and deliciousness will make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and hassle-free side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe for its sheer simplicity and incredible flavor. The slow cooker is the star here, doing almost all the work. Just layer the ingredients, set it, and forget it – perfect for busy days or when you have multiple dishes to prepare.
The flavor is undeniably comforting and crowd-pleasing. The creamy cheese sauce blankets tender potatoes, creating a rich and savory dish that everyone will enjoy. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop or in the oven without constant attention.
Beyond being easy and delicious, this recipe is also remarkably versatile. You can customize it with different types of cheese, add-ins like ham or bacon, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. It’s a flexible recipe that can easily become a signature side dish tailored to your tastes. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen for its convenience, flavor, and adaptability.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the creamy texture and irresistible cheesy taste of this classic side dish. Let’s explore each ingredient and its contribution to the final recipe.
The foundation of this dish is potatoes. Russet potatoes are highly recommended for scalloped potatoes because of their high starch content. This starch helps to thicken the sauce as they cook and gives the dish a creamy texture. You’ll need to thinly slice the potatoes, ideally using a mandoline or a sharp knife, to ensure even cooking and the classic scalloped appearance.
For the creamy and cheesy sauce, you will need heavy cream and milk. Heavy cream is essential for richness and creaminess, providing a luxurious texture to the sauce. Whole milk thins out the heavy cream slightly while still contributing to the overall creaminess and flavor. Using a combination of both creates a perfectly balanced sauce.
Cheese is, of course, a star ingredient. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for cheesy scalloped potatoes, offering a sharp and savory flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce. Sharp or medium cheddar works best to ensure the cheesy flavor comes through. You can also use a blend of cheeses for more complexity.
Aromatics and seasonings are crucial for building flavor. Yellow onion adds a mild sweetness and savory depth to the dish. Thinly sliced onion complements the potato slices and infuses the sauce with flavor. Garlic cloves, minced, provide a pungent and savory base note that enhances the overall richness of the dish. Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the scalloped potatoes.
Finally, for a touch of richness and browning, you’ll need unsalted butter. Butter not only adds flavor but also helps to prevent the potatoes from drying out during slow cooking and contributes to a slightly golden top. It’s used to grease the slow cooker and can also be dotted on top for extra flavor.
Optional additions include fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic herb note that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese. Nutmeg, ground, a pinch, adds a warm spice undertone that subtly enhances the creamy and cheesy flavors.
HOW TO MAKE “Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes”:
Making Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is an incredibly straightforward and rewarding process. It primarily involves layering ingredients in your slow cooker and letting time and gentle heat do the rest. Let’s outline the method to ensure your success in creating this comforting side dish.
First, you will prepare your ingredients. This includes slicing the potatoes and onion, mincing the garlic, shredding the cheese, and cooking the optional thyme sprigs in butter for added flavor infusion. Having these steps done beforehand makes the layering process quick and efficient.
Next, you will layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Begin by greasing the slow cooker. Then, layer the sliced potatoes and onions in the slow cooker, alternating and slightly overlapping the slices to create the scalloped effect.
Pour the cream sauce over the layered potatoes and onions. The cream sauce, made with heavy cream, milk, cheese, and seasonings, is poured evenly over the layers, ensuring all potatoes are coated.
Slow cook the potatoes. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. The slow cooking process is crucial for achieving the creamy texture and melding of flavors.
Finally, check for doneness and serve. Check that the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. If tender, the dish is ready to serve. Optionally, you can broil briefly to brown the top for a more golden appearance. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into a more detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing your Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Following these instructions closely will lead you to a culinary success, creating a creamy and flavorful side dish with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients.
Peel 3 pounds of russet potatoes and thinly slice them using a mandoline or sharp knife to about ⅛ inch thick. Thin, even slices ensure they cook uniformly in the slow cooker. Peel and thinly slice 1 medium yellow onion, about ⅛ inch thick. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Shred 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Having all ingredients prepped beforehand streamlines the layering process. If using fresh thyme, remove leaves from sprigs.
Step 2: Infuse Butter with Thyme (Optional).
In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add fresh thyme sprigs (if using) to the melted butter and let them steep for about 5 minutes to infuse the butter with thyme flavor. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. This step is optional but adds a subtle herb note to the dish.
Step 3: Grease Slow Cooker.
Grease the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and sides during slow cooking.
Step 4: Layer Potatoes and Onions.
Begin layering the sliced potatoes and onions in the greased slow cooker. Start with a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom. Then, add a layer of onion slices over the potatoes. Repeat layering potatoes and onions, alternating between them, until all are used, slightly overlapping each slice. Layering ensures even distribution and creates the classic scalloped potato texture. Sprinkle each layer lightly with salt and black pepper as you go to season throughout.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Sauce.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, 1 ½ cups of whole milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until cheese is mostly incorporated and seasonings are well combined. This mixture forms the creamy and cheesy sauce for the scalloped potatoes.
Step 6: Pour Cream Sauce Over Potatoes.
Pour the prepared cream sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and onions in the slow cooker. Ensure the sauce is distributed over all the potato layers, penetrating down through the layers. If using thyme-infused butter, drizzle the melted thyme butter evenly over the top of the cream sauce.
Step 7: Slow Cook the Scalloped Potatoes.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce is bubbly. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and potato slice thickness. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
Step 8: Broil for Browning (Optional).
If desired, for a golden brown top, carefully remove the slow cooker insert (if oven-safe, check manufacturer’s instructions) or transfer potatoes to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned, watching closely to prevent burning. This step is optional but enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Step 9: Serve.
Let the Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley (optional). Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting side dish.
USEFUL TIPS:
To ensure your Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are consistently perfect, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions cover various aspects of the recipe, from ingredient preparation to cooking techniques, designed to enhance your scalloped potato-making skills.
Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for even cooking. Thin, uniform slices ensure that the potatoes cook at the same rate in the slow cooker, preventing some slices from being undercooked while others are overcooked. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife and consistent slicing technique.
Don’t rinse the sliced potatoes. Unlike some potato dishes where rinsing is recommended to remove excess starch, for scalloped potatoes, the starch is beneficial. It helps to thicken the cream sauce naturally as the potatoes cook, contributing to the creamy texture.
Layer potatoes and onions tightly in the slow cooker. Tightly layering the potato and onion slices helps them to cook more evenly and prevents them from drying out. Overlapping the slices slightly as you layer ensures a compact and creamy casserole.
Use full-fat heavy cream and whole milk for the richest, creamiest sauce. Using full-fat dairy products is key to achieving the signature rich and creamy sauce of scalloped potatoes. Lower-fat versions may result in a thinner sauce and less decadent texture.
Don’t overcook the scalloped potatoes. Overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes and a separated sauce. Cook until the potatoes are just fork-tender and the sauce is bubbly. The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape.
If you want to add ham or bacon, layer cooked, diced ham or crumbled bacon between the potato layers. Adding ham or bacon can transform this side dish into a heartier, main-dish style casserole. Cook the ham or bacon beforehand and incorporate it during the layering process.
For extra cheesy flavor, use a blend of cheeses. Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan, along with cheddar for a more complex and nuanced cheesy flavor profile. A mix of cheeses can add depth and richness.
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used. If using dried thyme, add about ½ teaspoon to the cream sauce mixture instead of fresh thyme sprigs infused in butter. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less compared to fresh.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the specific details of this Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. Understanding these details will help you plan your cooking process and appreciate the elements that contribute to the dish’s overall success and comforting qualities.
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time needed to peel and slice potatoes and onions, mince garlic, shred cheese, and prepare the optional thyme-infused butter. Efficient preparation makes the slow cooking process even more convenient.
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low heat in the slow cooker. The long cooking time is essential for the potatoes to become tender and for the creamy sauce to develop fully. Slow cooking ensures gentle and even cooking, resulting in a creamy and flavorful dish.
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes (including prep). This represents the combined prep and slow cooking times, providing a clear picture of the total time investment for making this recipe from start to finish. It’s primarily hands-off cooking, ideal for set-and-forget meals.
Yield: 6-8 servings. This recipe is designed to comfortably serve 6 to 8 people as a side dish. Serving sizes can be adjusted based on individual appetites and any accompanying main courses or other side dishes. It’s perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
Category: Side Dish, Potatoes, Comfort Food, Holiday. Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes fall into the category of side dishes and are quintessential comfort food, especially popular for holiday meals and special occasions.
Method: Slow Cooking. The primary cooking method for this recipe is slow cooking in a crock pot or slow cooker. Slow cooking is ideal for scalloped potatoes as it gently cooks the potatoes in the creamy sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food. Scalloped potatoes are a classic American comfort food dish, beloved for their creamy texture and cheesy flavor. This slow cooker version enhances the ease of preparation while maintaining the traditional comforting taste.
Diet: Not specified. This recipe is generally suitable for a balanced diet as a side dish but is rich due to the heavy cream and cheese. For a slightly lighter version, you could use reduced-fat milk (though heavy cream is crucial for richness) or reduce the amount of cheese, although this may alter the texture and flavor.
NOTES:
Consider these additional notes for making your Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes even more personalized and successful. These insights provide flexibility and address potential variations, ingredient substitutions, and important considerations for different preferences and situations.
For a lighter version, while maintaining richness is key to scalloped potatoes, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half, but avoid using milk alone in place of heavy cream as it will significantly reduce the creaminess.
If you want to make this dish ahead, you can assemble the scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker insert up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the insert into the slow cooker and add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. Starting with cold ingredients may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure potatoes are tender.
For a richer flavor, consider using aged cheddar cheese or a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere. Aged cheddar provides a more pronounced sharp flavor, while Gruyere adds a nutty and slightly sweet dimension to the cheese profile. Experimenting with cheese types can significantly alter the flavor.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the cream sauce mixture in place of minced fresh garlic. While fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor, garlic powder is a convenient pantry staple alternative.
To prevent the edges from browning too much during broiling (if using), you can cover the edges of the slow cooker insert or baking dish loosely with aluminum foil while broiling. This protects the edges from burning while still allowing the top to brown nicely.
For a vegetarian version, ensure all cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly (some cheddar cheeses use animal rennet). The recipe is naturally vegetarian as it is composed of potatoes, dairy, and vegetables.
If you find the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it slightly by removing about 1 cup of the hot sauce from the slow cooker, whisking it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, and then stirring it back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Cornstarch slurry is an effective way to thicken sauces.
To add a smoky flavor, consider adding a layer of cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta between the potato layers. Smoky bacon or pancetta complements the creamy and cheesy flavors beautifully and adds textural contrast.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about making Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. These answers are designed to provide clarity and solutions to common queries, ensuring a smooth and successful cooking experience.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese, or is it better to shred my own?
A: It is generally recommended to shred your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can sometimes affect how smoothly it melts into sauces and may result in a slightly grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts more uniformly into the cream sauce for a smoother result.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While you can use all milk to reduce the richness, the result will be significantly less creamy. Heavy cream is crucial for the signature creamy texture of scalloped potatoes. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half, but using only milk will yield a thinner sauce that may not coat the potatoes as richly.
Q: My potatoes are still firm after 6 hours on low. What should I do?
A: Cooking times can vary depending on slow cooker model, potato slice thickness, and temperature calibration. If potatoes are still firm after 6 hours, continue cooking on low for another 1-2 hours, checking for tenderness every 30 minutes. Ensure potatoes are thinly sliced and evenly layered. If they are taking excessively long, ensure your slow cooker is functioning correctly and maintaining a low cooking temperature.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
A: Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are best served fresh for optimal texture, as reheating can sometimes slightly alter the creaminess and potato texture. However, leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered, until warmed through, to best maintain texture. Microwave reheating is quicker but may slightly alter the texture.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe to make it a main dish?
A: Yes, adding cooked ham, bacon, or cooked sausage can easily transform this into a heartier main dish. Layer cooked, diced ham or crumbled bacon between the potato layers. Cooked sausage, browned and crumbled, can also be added. Ensure any meat additions are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker, as the cooking time is primarily for tenderizing the potatoes, not cooking meat.
Q: Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
A: Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as an alternative to Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery and slightly less starchy texture. They will result in a creamier, but slightly less thick sauce, compared to Russets. Both types of potatoes work well; it’s a matter of personal preference for texture.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Follow these instructions to ensure your dish remains delicious and safe to eat even after being stored.
Refrigeration: Allow the Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to cool completely to room temperature after cooking. Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated scalloped potatoes will last for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, the oven is recommended for best texture. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the scalloped potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Microwave reheating is also possible for smaller portions, but may slightly alter the texture. Reheat in intervals on medium power until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Freezing (Not Recommended): Freezing scalloped potatoes is generally not recommended. Dairy-based sauces, especially those with cheese and cream, can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing, and potatoes can change texture. While technically safe to freeze, the quality and texture may be significantly compromised. For best quality and texture, it is recommended to consume scalloped potatoes fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed the creamy, cheesy comfort of Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll surely appreciate these other related potato and cheesy side dish recipes. These dishes offer similar comforting qualities, satisfying flavors, or use similar cooking methods, perfect for side dish enthusiasts.
Classic Scalloped Potatoes (Oven-Baked): For a traditional oven-baked version, try Classic Scalloped Potatoes. This recipe follows a more conventional baking method, resulting in beautifully browned and creamy scalloped potatoes. It’s a great option if you prefer oven-baked dishes or don’t have a slow cooker.
Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin: Explore a variation with breadcrumbs and Gruyere cheese with Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin. Potatoes au gratin typically feature a gratin topping, often with breadcrumbs and a more pronounced cheese crust. This recipe offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile from scalloped potatoes.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: For a garlic and Parmesan-infused potato dish, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a must-try. This recipe features potatoes in a creamy sauce flavored with garlic and Parmesan cheese, often baked or stovetop cooked. It’s a flavorful and aromatic potato side.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: If you love the convenience of slow cooking potatoes, try Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes made in a slow cooker are incredibly easy and come out wonderfully creamy. It’s a great way to simplify mashed potato preparation, especially for large gatherings.
Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Casserole: For a side dish that incorporates vegetables, Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Casserole is an excellent choice. This casserole combines potatoes and broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce, often with a crispy topping. It’s a comforting and family-friendly side that includes both potatoes and vegetables.
CONCLUSION
Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a bowl of pure comfort and ease, perfectly suited for modern kitchens and busy cooks. With their straightforward preparation in a slow cooker and undeniably delicious cheesy, creamy flavor, this recipe is perfect for simplifying meal times without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. The slow cooker method ensures tender potatoes and a sauce that’s rich and deeply infused with flavor, all with minimal hands-on effort.
This recipe provides a clear and detailed guide, ensuring that even novice cooks can confidently create this classic side dish with success. From the simple steps of slicing potatoes and layering ingredients to the set-and-forget convenience of slow cooking, each aspect is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment. Imagine the satisfaction of serving these warm, cheesy scalloped potatoes, the inviting aroma filling your kitchen, and the happy smiles as everyone enjoys this comforting and flavorful dish.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a potluck gathering, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner, Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite. They are versatile, wonderfully delicious, and remarkably easy to make – embodying all the qualities of perfect comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and embark on the delightful journey of making your own Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. You’re just moments away from creating a truly wonderful and comforting culinary experience that will be savored and appreciated by all.
