Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, easy-to-prepare side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, I absolutely adore sharing this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with you. It’s one of those slow-cooker gems that practically cooks itself and fills your home with the most irresistible aromas. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how creamy and cheesy the potatoes turned out without standing over the stove all day. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish your next go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Using red potatoes with their thin skins keeps the dish hearty, and the cheese blend ensures it’s decadently creamy.

• Red potatoes: I love using unpeeled red potatoes because their waxy texture holds up well after slow cooking and adds a nice color contrast.
• Butter: Melted butter gives the layers a silky richness, and don’t skimp on it for that perfect topping finish.
• All-purpose flour: It’s the secret behind thickening that luscious sauce you’re going to love.
• Chicken stock/broth: Adds savory depth—if you want it vegetarian, veggie broth works great too.
• Milk: It helps balance out the sauce and keeps the potatoes tender.
• Gruyere cheese: This is my favorite and adds that nutty, slightly sweet flavor which takes the dish next level.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings sharpness and umami—mixing it with Gruyere creates an irresistible combo.
• Yellow onion: Finely diced and mixed in for subtle sweetness and texture.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Aromatic and earthy, they give a lovely herbaceous punch.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to season each layer perfectly.

Variations

I’m all about putting your own twist on recipes, so feel free to experiment with this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. I often swap out cheeses depending on what’s on hand or toss in different herbs when thyme isn’t available.

• Cheese Swap: When I tried smoked cheddar instead of Gruyere, it gave the potatoes a bold smoky flavor that my family went crazy for.
• Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or sage can be fantastic substitutes for thyme and add autumnal warmth to the dish.
• For a Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock and your favorite cheese varieties.
• Garlic Lover’s Edition: Adding minced garlic to the cheese mixture is one of my favorite hacks for that extra punch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce and Cheese Mix

Start by whisking together the flour, chicken broth, and milk in a small bowl until perfectly smooth—no lumps! In another bowl, combine the grated Gruyere, Parmesan, diced onion, and fresh thyme. Having these ready before layering makes the assembly seamless. When I first made this, prepping everything upfront saved me from scrambling later.

Step 2: Grease and Layer

Grease your slow cooker with about half a tablespoon of melted butter spread with a paper towel to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Then lay down about a third of your potato slices. Top this layer with a third of your cheese and onion mixture and a third of your milk-flour mixture. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper! Repeat this layering process two more times. This method helps every bite get that perfect balance of potatoes, cheese, and sauce—trust me, it’s the trick I discovered to keep layers luscious and distinct.

Step 3: Finish and Cook

Drizzle the remaining melted butter on top, cover your slow cooker, and set it to high for 5 hours. Resist the temptation to lift the lid while it’s cooking—that steam is key to creamy potatoes. When done, uncover and let it rest for at least 15 minutes; this resting period lets the sauce thicken as it cools slightly, resulting in those perfect scalloped layers I love.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I also dust a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and intrigue. You’ll find these simple touches really elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or a juicy steak. On busy weeknights, I love serving it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve transferred the scalloped potatoes into a beautiful ceramic casserole dish after slow cooking, then topped it with some extra cheese and broiled for a few minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust. It always impresses guests and gives a nice contrast between the creamy layers and crispy top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Totally a win here. I store the potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reopen it, the dish is just as delicious, and sometimes even better after flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

I have frozen this recipe successfully—just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When thawed slowly in the fridge and reheated gently, the texture stays creamy without turning watery. Freezing is a great option when you want to prep ahead for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in, heating for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. It keeps the layers intact better than microwaving, which can sometimes make it a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. I love how it turns out: creamy, cheesy comfort without a lot of fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy side for dinner, you’ll find that making it in the slow cooker frees up your time and fills your home with tantalizing smells. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as my family does — so go on, give it a try, and make it your own culinary tradition!

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