Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes | Cheesy Potato Side Dish

If you're a fan of creamy, cheesy potatoes layered to perfection, then you're in for a treat! This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe makes it easy to enjoy a classic, comforting side dish without all the fuss. Just set up your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on other dishes!

Why You'll Love This Spectacular Side Dish

• Hands-Off Cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up oven space.
• Rich and Creamy. Layers of tender potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Perfect for Gatherings. Ideal for holiday meals or family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients. Just a few pantry staples are needed.

These Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food side dish - creamy, flavorful, and easy to make!

What Do Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Taste Like?

Scalloped potatoes have a rich, creamy, and comforting taste with soft, tender layers of potatoes.

The dish is savory, with subtle hints of garlic, onion, or herbs in the sauce, depending on the recipe. The sauce, made from milk or cream and sometimes thickened with a bit of butter and flour, adds a smooth, velvety texture that coats the potatoes in every bite.

What Is The Difference Between Au Gratin Potatoes And Scalloped Potatoes?

In short, au gratin potatoes are cheesy and often have a crispy topping, while scalloped potatoes are usually creamier and cheeseless, focusing more on the flavor of the cream sauce and potatoes.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes- These varieties hold their shape well and make creamy layers.
• Butter- Adds richness to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour- Helps thicken the sauce for perfect texture.
• Milk or Heavy Cream- For a rich, creamy sauce.
• Garlic Powder- Adds a hint of savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper- Essential seasonings for flavor balance.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese- Melts perfectly for a cheesy, creamy finish.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley- For garnish, adding color and a fresh touch.

How To Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

1. Prepare the Sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer the Potatoes. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.
3. Cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Bake (optional). Transfer the cooked scalloped potatoes into a baking dish. Place them in the oven at 400F for 10 minutes to allow the top layer to brown.
5. Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes!

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly every time:

• Slice Evenly. Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer works great for thin, uniform slices.
• Thicken the Sauce. Cooking the flour and butter before adding the milk helps thicken the sauce, preventing watery scalloped potatoes.
• Avoid Overcooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can make the potatoes too soft.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

Variations

Once you've tried the classic recipe, here are some delicious variations:

• Bacon- Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the potato layers for a smoky flavor.
• Herb & Garlic- Add fresh rosemary and thyme for extra depth of flavor.
• Four Cheese- Use a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar, for a rich flavor profile.
• Loaded- Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese for a loaded baked potato vibe.

What To Eat With Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Roast Beef or Chicken- Complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes with a savory main.
• Ham- A classic pairing for holiday meals like Easter or Christmas.
• Green Beans or Asparagus- Adds a refreshing vegetable side.
• Salad- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness.

How Long Do They Last?

Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes, though the texture may change slightly.

Let the scalloped potatoes cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a bit of milk or cream if needed.
Frozen scalloped potatoes can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. They're perfect for meal prep and busy holiday seasons.

More Perfect Potato Recipes

• Ham and Potato Casserole
• Cheesy Potatoes
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Colcannon
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Pin It!

If you love this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.