Oh, the humble potato! It’s a true kitchen chameleon, isn’t it? And when it comes to comforting side dishes, few things warm the soul quite like creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes. This dish, with its tender slices of potato enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, slow-cooked to perfection, transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical – a hearty, satisfying accompaniment that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fastest at any family gathering.
I remember countless childhood afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, watching her layer potatoes and cheese, the anticipation building with every sprinkle of seasoning. While her oven-baked version was legendary, my own journey through the kitchen led me to discover the sheer brilliance of bringing that same nostalgic comfort to the crockpot. It’s a game-changer, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully without constant fuss.
This recipe for creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes is not only incredibly easy to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining, but it’s also a guaranteed family favorite. It allows you to create a delightful side with minimal effort, freeing you up to enjoy those precious moments around the dinner table. My top tip? Always use good quality cheese – it truly makes all the difference!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting the perfect creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking about humble russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, a rich blend of milk, heavy cream, and butter, and of course, plenty of delicious shredded cheese to make that sauce wonderfully decadent. These components come together beautifully to create a side dish that’s both comforting and special, and you’ll find the full list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make crockpot scalloped potatoes
Making these delicious crockpot scalloped potatoes is a breeze, leaving you more time to savor the aromas wafting from your kitchen. You’ll start by prepping your potatoes into thin, uniform slices, then whisk together a simple, savory cheese sauce. Next, layer everything into your slow cooker, allowing the low, slow heat to transform humble ingredients into a tender, creamy side dish that practically cooks itself.
Creamy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the potatoes and slice them evenly into 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer works best for consistent thickness, which ensures even cooking. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken and simmer, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Lightly grease the inside of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
- Arrange about one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it to cover. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbly. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model and potato thickness.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This crockpot scalloped potatoes
Achieving perfectly tender and creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes is easier than you think with a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. First, ensure your potatoes are sliced as evenly as possible, ideally using a mandoline, to guarantee they cook at the same rate and result in that wonderful uniform texture. This prevents some slices from being too firm while others are mushy.
When making your creamy cheese sauce, take your time to build flavor. Sautéing a little extra onion or a touch of garlic before adding the liquids can elevate the depth of your dish, making your crockpot scalloped potatoes truly stand out. Remember, a good roux is key for a smooth, lump-free sauce, so whisk constantly as you incorporate the flour.
My Secret Trick: I always like to warm my milk and cream slightly before adding it to the roux for the sauce. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a super silky, smooth texture that coats every potato slice beautifully. It’s a little step that makes a big difference in the final creaminess of these wonderful crockpot scalloped potatoes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese blend! While cheddar is a classic, combining it with a bit of Gruyere or even a sharp white cheddar can add incredible complexity and a richer flavor profile to your finished dish. A good quality cheese melts beautifully and contributes significantly to the irresistible creaminess.
Fun Variations for crockpot scalloped potatoes
One of the joys of cooking at home is making a beloved recipe your own, and these crockpot scalloped potatoes are wonderfully versatile! If you’re anything like my sister, who loves a little bit of everything, you might enjoy adding some savory twists.
Adding Meaty Morsels
Consider stirring in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham into the layers for a heartier, more substantial side that could almost be a meal on its own. A friend of mine always asks me to add pre-cooked sausage for a Sunday brunch version of crockpot scalloped potatoes!
Cheesy Choices
While a sharp cheddar is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of Gruyere and Parmesan can lend a sophisticated, nutty flavor, or a touch of smoked gouda could add an unexpected depth that’s absolutely divine.
Herbaceous Twists
Fresh herbs can truly brighten up this dish. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary layered between the potatoes will infuse the entire pot with an aromatic fragrance. I often chop a mix of chives and parsley and stir them into the sauce just before assembling for a vibrant, fresh note.
What to Serve With crockpot scalloped potatoes
These creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect companion to a wide array of main courses. Their rich, comforting nature makes them a superb partner for many family meals, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads.
I love serving these decadent potatoes alongside a beautifully roasted chicken or a tender pork loin. The savory, herbaceous notes of the meat are wonderfully complemented by the creamy texture and cheesy flavor of the scalloped potatoes. For a lighter, yet equally satisfying pairing, consider grilled steak or a simple baked fish. My mom always served her scalloped potatoes with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, which is a fantastic idea I’ve adopted myself. And for a quicker serving idea, these crockpot scalloped potatoes are absolutely divine with a simple pan-seared chicken breast and steamed green beans.
How to Store crockpot scalloped potatoes
Knowing how to properly store your delicious crockpot scalloped potatoes ensures that every last bit of their comforting goodness can be enjoyed later. It’s a practical tip that helps extend the life of your homemade creations!
Refrigerator Storage
Once your crockpot scalloped potatoes have cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is perfect for enjoying them throughout the week as an easy side dish!
Freezer Tips
While fresh is always best, you can freeze individual portions of crockpot scalloped potatoes. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly softer after thawing and reheating due to the dairy in the sauce.
Reheating for Best Results
When reheating, whether from the fridge or freezer (thawed first), I always recommend warming them gently. For smaller portions, the microwave works, but for larger amounts, a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) covered with foil, until heated through, helps maintain that creamy texture. My personal tip? A light dusting of fresh parsley or a quick swirl of milk stirred in after reheating can bring them back to life, making your crockpot scalloped potatoes taste almost as fresh as the day you made them!
Nutritional Benefits
While creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes are undeniably a comforting indulgence, they also offer some simple nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a great source of potassium and Vitamin C, providing a good base. Coupled with the calcium from the milk and cheese, this dish, made with simple ingredients, offers a treat that’s both satisfying and offers some wholesome goodness in every delicious bite.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal for their starch content, you can use other waxy potatoes. Just ensure they are sliced uniformly thin so your crockpot scalloped potatoes cook evenly to a tender perfection.
Faq 2
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
You can certainly prep your potatoes by slicing them a day in advance and storing them in cold water in the fridge to prevent browning. The sauce can also be made a day ahead, making assembling your crockpot scalloped potatoes even quicker.
Faq 3
How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
To avoid watery crockpot scalloped potatoes, ensure your sauce is adequately thickened with flour before adding the potatoes. Also, don’t overcrowd your slow cooker, as this can release too much moisture during the cooking process.
Faq 4
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding cooked, diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded chicken transforms your crockpot scalloped potatoes into a heartier, more complete meal. Just stir it into the layers before cooking for a delicious variation.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about creating homemade dishes that bring warmth and comfort to your table, and these creamy crockpot scalloped potatoes are a shining example. They embody the heart of home baking – taking simple, honest ingredients and, with a little love and patience, transforming them into a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to make. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of the slow cooker, and create a side dish that’s sure to become a cherished memory around your own family table. Happy baking, sweet friends!