Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, tender, and oh-so-cheesy! Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The best part? It frees up your oven space, making it a stress-free option for busy cooks.

SAVE THIS!SAVE THIS!

With thinly sliced russet potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-infused sauce, melted Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings indulgence to every bite. It’s straightforward to prepare, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether served with roasted meats or as a standalone dish, it’s bound to impress.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 4-quart slow cooker: Ideal for even cooking and ensuring the potatoes are tender and creamy.
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife: Helps achieve consistent 1/8-inch slices, ensuring even cooking.
• Medium saucepan: Used for heating the cream and infusing it with garlic and thyme.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth and well-blended sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements of all ingredients.

Preparation Tips

1. Slice Potatoes Evenly: Consistency is key to avoid uneven cooking. If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, take your time with a sharp knife.
2. Choose Russet Potatoes: Their starchiness helps thicken the creamy sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes can work too for a firmer texture.
3. Grease Your Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the interior with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
4. Season Every Layer: Adding salt and pepper to each layer ensures every bite is flavorful.
5. Customize Your Cheese: Gruyere provides a nutty, rich flavor, but you can substitute it with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack based on your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Cream Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Heat over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture is warmed through and aromatic.

2. Layer the Potatoes

• Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of your greased slow cooker, slightly overlapping the edges to create a shingled effect.
• Lightly season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Add Sauce and Cheese

• Pour 1/3 cup of the cream mixture evenly over the first potato layer.
• Sprinkle Gruyere cheese on top, spreading it out to cover the potatoes.

4. Repeat Layers

• Repeat the process with more potatoes, cream sauce, and Gruyere cheese to create a total of three layers. Finish with a layer of Gruyere on top.

5. Cook in the Slow Cooker

• Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the layers are infused with creamy, cheesy goodness.

6. Add Parmesan for the Finishing Touch

• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the Parmesan is melted and slightly golden.

7. Let the Dish Rest

• Turn off the slow cooker and allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the sauce thicken and set, ensuring each scoop is perfectly creamy.

8. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for a fragrant garnish. Serve warm, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy, creamy side dish!

Serving Suggestions & Side Pairings

Serving Suggestions

These slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Whether it’s a festive holiday spread or a casual family dinner, their creamy and cheesy texture enhances any meal.

Perfect Pairings

• Holiday Classics: Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib for a show-stopping holiday table.
• Everyday Favorites: Pair with baked chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops for a hearty dinner.
• Vegetarian Meals: Add a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables for a balanced vegetarian feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Uneven Potato Slices
   • Ensure your slices are consistent at 1/8-inch thick. Uneven slices may result in undercooked or overcooked potatoes.
2. Skipping Greasing the Slow Cooker
   • Always grease the inside of the slow cooker to prevent the potatoes from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Overcooking the Potatoes
   • Check the potatoes after 4 hours. Overcooking can lead to mushy layers.
4. Not Seasoning the Layers
   • Season each layer of potatoes for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Skipping Rest Time
   • Let the dish sit for 15 minutes after cooking. This step allows the sauce to thicken for a creamy consistency.

Side Dish Recommendations

Enhance your meal with these complementary side dishes:

1. Green Bean Almondine

• Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds offer a crisp and fresh balance to the rich, cheesy potatoes.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots

• Sweet and savory, these carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to your plate.

3. Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce is the perfect foil for the creamy, cheesy potatoes, especially during holiday meals.

4. Fresh Garden Salad

• A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast. Top with a light vinaigrette.

5. Garlic Butter Rolls

• Soft, fluffy rolls with a buttery garlic finish are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from the potatoes.

6. Grilled Asparagus

• Smoky grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance and a healthy green element to your meal.

7. Sauteed Mushrooms

• Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter and herbs complement the cheesy richness of the potatoes.

8. Cornbread

• Sweet and crumbly cornbread is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with scalloped potatoes, especially for Southern-inspired meals.

Recipe Tips, Storage, and FAQs

Recipe Tips

• Pick the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their starchiness thickens the creamy sauce. For a firmer texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes.
• Layer for Even Cooking: Overlapping the potato slices slightly ensures even cooking and a balanced texture.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives between layers for extra depth of flavor.
• Cheese Substitutions: While Gruyere is perfect for its nutty richness, you can use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for variety.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of cooked potatoes can become grainy when reheated.

Reheating

• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of cream before reheating to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! While russets work best for a creamy texture, Yukon Golds provide a slightly firmer bite. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties, as they may not hold up well in this dish.

2. How can I prevent the potatoes from sticking?

Grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with butter or a nonstick cooking spray before adding the potatoes.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the layers in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as instructed.

4. Why are my potatoes undercooked?

Ensure the potato slices are uniform and thin (1/8 inch). Overlapping too much or using thick slices can cause uneven cooking.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the potatoes and sauce may change upon thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

These slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even weeknight dinners. Their creamy texture, cheesy layers, and ease of preparation make them a favorite for any gathering. Whether paired with a festive main course or enjoyed on their own, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, it’s time to try it out! Gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to impress your family and friends with these irresistibly cheesy scalloped potatoes. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments or tag us on social media. Happy cooking!