Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food, and when made in the slow cooker, they’re even more convenient and delicious. This recipe allows you to prepare the dish ahead of time, letting the slow cooker do all the work for you, while infusing the potatoes with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or as a cozy side dish to any meal, these slow cooker scalloped potatoes are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 6-8 medium potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 3 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and Gruyère for a richer flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little color and extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme (optional, for added herby depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (4-6 quarts)
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer is a great way to ensure uniform slices, but a sharp knife works as well.
• If you’re using onion, slice it thinly as well.

2. Layer the Ingredients:

• Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
• Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic.
• Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/4 cup).
• If you’re using onions, sprinkle a few slices of onion on top of the potatoes.
• Repeat these layers until all the potatoes are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream (or half-and-half), Parmesan cheese, remaining salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (if using). Stir until well combined.
• Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes in the slow cooker.
• Dot the top of the dish with small pieces of butter.

4. Cook the Scalloped Potatoes:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The edges of the dish should be bubbly, and the cheese should be melted and golden.
• If you like a crispy top, you can uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to brown a little more. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

5. Finishing Touches:

• Once the potatoes are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan if desired for added color and flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your creamy, cheesy slow cooker scalloped potatoes as a side dish with your favorite main course. They’re perfect alongside roasted meats, baked chicken, ham, or even grilled vegetables.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes:

1. Hands-Off Cooking: With the slow cooker doing the work for you, you don’t have to hover over the stove. Just assemble the ingredients, let it cook, and come back to a delicious dish.
2. Ultra-Creamy Texture: The potatoes soak up the creamy sauce and cheese, becoming soft, tender, and full of flavor. The slow cooking process ensures that the sauce thickens beautifully and coats every slice of potato.
3. Perfect for Entertaining: This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks. It makes a big batch, so it’s great for serving a crowd and can be kept warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve.
4. Customize the Flavor: You can adjust the types of cheese, herbs, or even add-ins (like crispy bacon, mushrooms, or fresh garlic) to suit your taste. Want it a little more garlicky? Add extra minced garlic to the cream mixture. For a different cheese profile, try Gruyère, gouda, or mozzarella.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is great for prepping ahead of time. You can layer the potatoes and cheese in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate it, and then start cooking the next day.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes:

1. Use Starchy Potatoes: For the best texture, stick to russet potatoes. They are starchy, which helps thicken the sauce and gives the dish that perfect creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes (like red potatoes), as they won’t break down in the same way.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure the potatoes are spread in a single layer when you add them. Layering is key to allowing the sauce to fully penetrate the potatoes. If needed, you can spread the potatoes and cream mixture across the top in a few layers.
3. Make It Extra Cheesy: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra layers of cheese between the potatoes as you build the layers. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack all work wonderfully. You can even use a mixture of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
4. Thickening the Sauce: If you find that your sauce is too runny at the end of cooking, you can thicken it by uncovering the slow cooker for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. The liquid will evaporate, leaving you with a creamier consistency.
5. Crispier Top: For a crispy, golden top, you can briefly place the slow cooker insert under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of cooking. Watch it closely, as the cheese can burn quickly.
6. Layer and Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and set, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors meld together.

Variations to Try:

1. Garlic & Herb Scalloped Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cream mixture for a burst of flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even fresh chopped garlic will also enhance the dish.
2. Bacon and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes: Add crisped bacon pieces to the layers for extra flavor. You can even sprinkle some cooked crispy bacon bits on top just before serving for added crunch and savoriness.
3. Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Take these scalloped potatoes to the next level by adding sour cream, chopped green onions, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese as a topping. This version is perfect for a more indulgent treat.
4. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes: Use plant-based milk (like coconut or almond milk) and a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free version. You can also replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 320-350 kcal
• Protein: 7-9 g
• Fat: 25-28 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Sugar: 3-5 g

In Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are a fantastic way to make a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the potatoes with flavor while you focus on other aspects of your meal. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or an easy weeknight side, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility, easy prep, and delicious results make it an indispensable recipe to keep in your back pocket.