Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a warm, creamy comfort food that’s easy to put together, you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect dish to prep ahead and come home to, filling your kitchen with that irresistible cheesy aroma that just says “cozy dinner time.” Trust me, once you try this slow cooker version, you’ll never look back at the oven method again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that rich cheesy sauce and tender potatoes you’re craving. Use the freshest you can find for the best flavor, and keep your cheese shredded in advance to save time.

• Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for creamy scalloped potatoes and holds up well during slow cooking.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and creaminess that makes this dish so indulgent.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Balances the cream with a touch of savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sauce for that luscious mouthfeel—salted butter works too if that’s what you have.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant flavor that infuses perfectly through the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star cheese here—sharp and melty perfection.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that complements the cheddar beautifully.
• Dried Parsley (Optional): For a little color and mild fresh herb flavor to top it off.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak things based on what I have or what my family’s mood calls for—feel free to make it your own!

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce for flavor.
• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary go wonderfully with the creamy potatoes; just sprinkle a bit between layers.
• Spicy kick: If you like heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños adds a nice surprise.
• Cheese swaps: Gouda or Gruyère work beautifully if you want to experiment beyond cheddar and Parmesan.

How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Slice Your Potatoes Thinly and Evenly

Whether you use a sharp knife or a mandolin, getting 1/4-inch thick slices is key to having them cook evenly and melding beautifully in your final dish. I discovered this trick after fumbling with thick slices that ended up undercooked in the middle.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Gently warm your heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small pot over low heat. Stir often until the butter’s melted and the garlic gets fragrant, about 5 minutes. You can microwave this mixture as well, just be sure not to let it boil—slow and steady wins the race here.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese in the Crock Pot

Start with about a third of the potato slices in the bottom of your slow cooker, then pour over half a cup of that luscious sauce, followed by a third of both the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat that layering two more times until all ingredients are used up.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender and Gorgeous

Cover your crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. You’re aiming for tender potatoes that can be pierced easily with a fork and a bubbly cheesy top. Resist the urge to stir; it’s best left layered for that perfect scalloped structure.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle a teaspoon of dried parsley (if you like) for a pop of color and freshness, and serve straight from the crock pot. I love how easy cleanup is after this one!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually opt for a light sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh chopped chives to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle fresh contrast to the rich cheese.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a juicy steak, and I always add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to transfer the scalloped potatoes into a decorative casserole dish after cooking, then top with extra cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden crust. It adds that “wow” factor without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep nicely for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep things fresh.

Freezing

Freezing scalloped potatoes can be a bit tricky because the texture changes, but I’ve had success freezing individual portions wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Whenever I reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream, then warm gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that creamy texture without drying it out—it works like a charm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has been a total game changer for me, especially on busy weeknights when I want something warm and satisfying without fuss. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and the result is this dreamy, cheesy dish that feels special but is so simple to make. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite side dish that becomes a family staple, like it did in my kitchen!

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