The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy & Effortless

When it comes to preparing truly heartwarming and satisfying side dishes, our easy slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe stands out as a timeless classic. This incredibly convenient and delicious dish brings together layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, aromatic onions, and a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. It’s a comfort food masterpiece guaranteed to delight everyone at the table, even the most discerning palates.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe for creamy scalloped potatoes is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have your guests asking for seconds. The beauty of using a slow cooker is its unparalleled convenience. It transforms what can sometimes be a labor-intensive dish into an effortless culinary experience, making it a perfect choice for those busy days when you crave a homemade, hearty meal without spending endless hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

One of the most remarkable aspects of this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is its incredible versatility. Beyond its inherent deliciousness, it serves as a fantastic foundation for culinary creativity. You can easily customize it to match your personal taste preferences or adapt it for various occasions. Imagine enhancing this already delightful dish by adding hearty ingredients like diced ham, thinly sliced steak, or even tender pork chops. This transforms a simple side into a complete, protein-packed meal that is truly your own creation.

The combination of perfectly tender potatoes, generously gooey melted cheese, and a harmonious blend of flavorful seasonings makes this dish a vegetarian standout. It’s not just a side; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to any gathering. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey together and explore the simple steps to create this mouthwatering, cheesy crockpot potatoes sensation that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the essential ingredients ready to create this spectacular slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe. Using fresh, quality ingredients will ensure the best possible flavor and texture for your dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for scalloped potatoes as their starch content helps absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully tender texture. Make sure to slice them thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
• 1 Medium Onion: Finely chopped, the onion adds a savory depth and aromatic sweetness that complements the potatoes and cheese.
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides that classic, robust cheesy flavor.
• 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella contributes to the irresistible gooey, stretchy texture that makes this dish so appealing.
• 1 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream: The cornerstone of our rich, luxurious sauce, heavy cream ensures ultimate creaminess without curdling.
• 1/4 Cup (4 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Essential for building the roux that thickens our sauce and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
• 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Used to create the roux, which provides structure and body to the creamy sauce.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: A staple seasoning that infuses the sauce with a warm, savory garlic aroma.
• 1 tsp Salt: To enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: A touch of pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish with color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Now that your ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s walk through the incredibly simple steps to assemble and cook this delectable slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe. The beauty of this method lies in its set-it-and-forget-it approach, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Rich Cream Sauce Base. Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth, pale golden roux. This forms the thickening agent for your sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. It’s crucial to add the cream gradually for a silky-smooth result. Once combined, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a pourable consistency.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with butter or cooking spray. Start building your masterpiece by arranging a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom. Follow this with a scattering of finely chopped onions, and then generously sprinkle a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat these layers until all your potatoes, onions, and cheeses are used up, ensuring you end with a good layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Pour Over the Creamy Indulgence. Once your layers are meticulously arranged, carefully pour the warm, creamy sauce evenly over the entire stack. Make sure the sauce permeates through all the layers and covers the surface of the potatoes and cheese as much as possible. This ensures every bite will be infused with rich flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Set the appliance to cook on the LOW setting for 6–7 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can cook it on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and how thinly your potatoes are sliced. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Just before serving, for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese over the top (if desired) and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a vibrant hint of color but also a fresh, herbaceous aroma. Allow the dish to rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Your incredible slow cooker scalloped potatoes are now ready to be enjoyed as a comforting side or a main course!

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Oven Version)

While the slow cooker offers unmatched convenience, some traditionalists might prefer the classic oven-baked approach for a slightly different texture profile. If you prefer using an oven instead of a slow cooker, here’s a traditional scalloped potatoes recipe version that yields a firmer bite and often a crispier, golden-brown top:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Follow the exact same steps for preparing the creamy sauce as outlined in Step 1 of the slow cooker method.
3. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes, chopped onions, and cheeses in a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layers.
4. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. The foil helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they become tender.
5. Remove the foil, add any extra cheese you wish to sprinkle on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.

The choice between oven and slow cooker largely comes down to preference: the oven version tends to give you a firmer bite with a delightful crispy top, whereas the slow cooker method excels at creating an incredibly soft, uniformly tender, and ultra-creamy dish with minimal supervision.

Delicious Variations & Creative Add-Ins for Your Scalloped Potatoes

The beauty of this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe lies in its adaptability. There are endless possibilities to elevate this dish and turn it into a truly memorable culinary experience. Experimenting with different ingredients can transform it into something uniquely yours. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Bacon Bits and Chives: If you’re a fan of the rich flavors of a loaded baked potato, this variation is a must-try. Fry 4–5 slices of bacon until they are perfectly golden and crispy. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it generously between the potato layers, or reserve some to scatter over the top just before serving. For a burst of fresh, mild oniony flavor, toss in a handful of fresh chopped chives. The smoky notes of bacon combined with the creamy cheese evoke that ultimate comfort-food experience.

Sliced Mushrooms: For an earthy depth that beautifully complements the richness of the cream, consider adding 1 to 1½ cups of thinly sliced button, baby bella (cremini), or even shiitake mushrooms. Lightly sauté them in a little butter with a pinch of salt before layering them into the slow cooker. As they cook down, they release their savory juices, creating a sophisticated undernote in the sauce that tastes like something from a gourmet restaurant.

Cream of Soup for Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier, thicker, and more robust sauce, stir one can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile) into your prepared sauce before pouring it over the potatoes. This addition adds significant body, a pleasant saltiness, and a certain savory depth that pushes the dish into heartier, casserole-like territories.

Garlic Lovers’ Upgrade: If you believe there’s no such thing as too much garlic, this variation is for you. Double the garlic powder to 2 teaspoons, or for an intensely rich flavor, stir a couple of tablespoons of roasted garlic paste directly into your cream sauce. The slow cooking process mellows the raw garlic bite, resulting in a luscious, nutty garlic flavor that permeates every tender potato layer. You can even tuck minced roasted garlic cloves between the layers for an extra powerful punch.

Cheesy Upgrade: Feeling indulgent? Take your cheese blend to the next level by combining cheddar with other complementary cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked Gouda. These combinations will deepen the overall flavor profile. For a gloriously gooey and golden crust, sprinkle an extra layer of your favorite shredded cheese over the top during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking (if using the oven method), or simply let it melt and bubble in the slow cooker.

Veggie Lovers’ Twist: Introduce vibrant color and a touch of sweetness by stirring in thinly sliced fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped kale, or a cup of frozen corn kernels. These vegetables hold their shape well in the slow cooker and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes, making the dish even more appealing.

Herb Infusion: Herbs can dramatically alter the mood and flavor of this dish. For a more rustic, aromatic profile, stir ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary into the cream sauce. For a lighter, fresher presentation and taste, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley or dill just before serving.

Protein Boost (All-in-One Meal): To transform your scalloped potatoes from a side dish into a complete, satisfying meal, add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage between the potato layers. These meats will absorb the delectable creamy sauce, making every forkful a flavorful combination of tender potatoes and savory protein.

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes vs. Au Gratin: What’s the Difference?

Often, people use the terms “scalloped potatoes” and “au gratin potatoes” interchangeably, but there’s a subtle yet distinct difference rooted in culinary tradition. Understanding this distinction can help you appreciate the nuances of each dish.

The term “au gratin” is French, meaning “with a crust.” Historically, au gratin dishes were prepared with cheese (often Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan) mixed into the creamy sauce or generously sprinkled between layers. Crucially, they typically feature a topping of breadcrumbs that, when baked, forms a crisp, golden-brown crust. This browned crust is the signature characteristic of an au gratin dish.

So what’s the bottom line?

• Scalloped Potatoes: Traditionally, these are prepared with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a simple, creamy sauce made with milk or cream, often seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of nutmeg. They are characteristically cheese-free, focusing purely on the tender potatoes and rich sauce.
• Au Gratin Potatoes: These are creamy and cheesy, featuring a significant amount of cheese either within the sauce, layered throughout, or on top. The defining feature is the crunchy, browned crust, often achieved with breadcrumbs, that forms during baking.

Our slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe skillfully blends the best elements of both worlds. It delivers the creamy, tender texture of classic scalloped potatoes but incorporates the irresistible cheesiness often associated with au gratin, all without the need for an oven or the fuss of monitoring a crust. It’s truly melt-in-your-mouth layers of pure comfort, simplified for modern cooking.

FAQs About This Easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and enjoying slow cooker scalloped potatoes:

• What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

  Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are made with a creamy milk or cream sauce and typically don’t contain cheese. Au gratin potatoes, on the other hand, always include cheese (often with breadcrumbs) to form a golden, crusty top when baked. Our slow cooker recipe offers the best of both: the classic creaminess of scalloped potatoes with the irresistible cheesiness of au gratin.

• Can I add ham to my slow cooker scalloped potatoes?

  Absolutely! Adding diced, cooked ham between the potato layers before cooking is a fantastic idea. It transforms a simple side dish into a hearty, satisfying ham and scalloped potatoes recipe, perfect for a robust family dinner or a holiday meal. The ham’s savory flavor complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.

• What kind of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

  Russet potatoes are highly recommended because their high starch content helps them absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully, resulting in a soft, tender texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice; they offer a slightly firmer bite and a naturally buttery flavor, contributing to an even creamier final dish.

• Can I make scalloped potatoes without cheese?

  Yes, you certainly can! If you prefer a dairy-free option or just a simpler flavor, simply skip the cheese. To compensate for the richness, you might add an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce. You can also enhance the flavor with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of smoked paprika for a cozy, homemade taste.

• What temperature should scalloped potatoes cook at in a slow cooker?

  For best results, cook your scalloped potatoes on the LOW setting for 6–7 hours (which is typically around 200–210°F or 93-99°C). If you’re pressed for time, you can cook them on HIGH for 3–4 hours (around 300°F or 149°C). The steady, gentle heat of the slow cooker is key to allowing the cream and butter to meld perfectly without separating, resulting in a consistently smooth sauce.

• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?

  Yes, this is a great shortcut! You can replace the thinly sliced fresh potatoes with a 32-ounce bag of thawed shredded hash browns. If using hash browns, the cooking time will be shorter; typically, cook on LOW for 4–5 hours. This variation results in an even softer, creamier texture and is fantastic for breakfast casseroles or potlucks.

• What meats go well with scalloped potatoes?

  Scalloped potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, including baked ham, succulent pork chops, tender steak, roasted chicken, or even a classic meatloaf. The rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor profile balances the savoriness of most meats beautifully.

• Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

  Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, including layering the potatoes, onions, cheese, and pouring over the sauce, up to a day in advance. Cover your slow cooker crock tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just place the crock back into the slow cooker and cook as directed until it’s hot, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.

• How do I store and reheat leftovers?

  Store any leftover slow cooker scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Adding a splash of extra cream or milk before reheating can help refresh the sauce and maintain its creamy consistency.

• Can I double this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe?

  Yes, if you’re catering to a large crowd, this recipe can be doubled! Just ensure you use a larger slow cooker, typically a 6- to 7-quart capacity. You will also need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time to ensure all the additional layers cook evenly and reach that perfect tender consistency.