Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, this recipe is a slow cooked dream that’s perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or holiday tables. The cheddar melts beautifully into the rich cream, and the hint of thyme and paprika adds just the right touch of warmth.
This dish is not only easy to prepare thanks to the magic of a slow cooker but also incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, can be served as a main for vegetarians, or brought to a potluck as a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these cheesy scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to satisfy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup milk
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2 tbsp butter
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp dried thyme
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Grease the inside of your crock pot with butter or non-stick spray.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
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Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour over half of the cream mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) | Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of tender potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and the slow-cooked magic of a crock pot. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, preparing a cozy winter meal, or simply craving some classic comfort food, Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a dish that never goes out of style.
This time-honored favorite is a standout side dish that delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and hearty satisfaction with every bite. It’s no wonder scalloped potatoes are a go-to comfort food across generations. What makes this version even more enticing is the use of the slow cooker, which simplifies the cooking process and frees up valuable oven space perfect for holidays or busy weeknights.
The History and Origin of Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes have humble origins rooted in traditional European peasant cuisine, where potatoes were one of the most accessible and inexpensive ingredients. The word “scalloped” likely comes from the Old English word “collops,” meaning slices of meat. Over time, the term evolved in culinary usage to refer to foods baked in a creamy sauce, often layered and finished with cheese or breadcrumbs.
While traditional scalloped potatoes were typically baked in an oven, the modern version adapted to slow cookers speaks to today’s need for convenience without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over time, creating a dish that’s not only hands-off but deeply satisfying.
Why Use a Crock Pot?
Using a crock pot or slow cooker offers several benefits, especially when making scalloped potatoes:
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Convenience: Once the ingredients are layered and the crock pot is set, the dish practically cooks itself. This makes it ideal for busy weekdays or when you have multiple dishes to prepare.
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Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the cheese and cream to seep into each slice of potato, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor.
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Consistency: The even heat distribution of a slow cooker ensures that the potatoes cook uniformly, eliminating the risk of burnt edges or undercooked centers.
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Space Saving: During the holidays or large gatherings, oven space is often at a premium. Using a crock pot for your side dish frees up your oven for roasts, casseroles, or baked goods.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This recipe for Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes elevates the traditional version by layering tender slices of russet potatoes with a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of seasonings like thyme and paprika introduces a subtle depth of flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because their high starch content helps thicken the sauce naturally. Combined with heavy cream and cheese, the result is a decadent dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
The use of sharp cheddar cheese not only adds bold flavor but also melts beautifully into the sauce, creating an ooey-gooey texture that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. You can also experiment with different cheeses Gruyère for nuttiness, mozzarella for extra meltiness, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex profile.
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to customize your Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
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Add Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded chicken between the layers.
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Incorporate Vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even kale to increase the nutritional value and add interesting textures.
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Make It Spicy: For a kick, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Go Gourmet: Infuse the sauce with herbs like rosemary or sage, and top the finished dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist.
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Vegan or Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly option. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of main dishes. They’re especially delicious alongside:
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Roast beef or pork tenderloin
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Baked or fried chicken
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Grilled sausages or bratwurst
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Holiday mains like turkey or ham
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Meatloaf or vegetarian loafs
They can also be served as a standalone main dish, particularly when enhanced with protein or vegetables. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli on the side can help balance the richness of the dish.
For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness, while a light dusting of paprika gives it an appetizing finish. Serve straight from the crock pot or transfer to a serving dish for a more polished look.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers (if there are any!) store beautifully and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing.
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Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and heat at 350°F until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk or cream if it looks a bit dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate the crock insert (if removable). Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before starting the slow cooker to prevent cracking.
What type of potatoes works best?
Russet potatoes are the top choice due to their starch content and ability to absorb flavors. Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a creamier texture.
Can I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (like cheese and cream) are certified gluten-free. No flour or thickener is needed.
The Perfect Crowd-Pleaser
Few dishes are as universally beloved as cheesy potatoes. This crock pot version is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence, with every slice soaked in creamy, savory goodness. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or treating your family to a cozy weeknight meal.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or a potluck party, Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are bound to be the star side dish that everyone requests again and again. And with the ability to customize, scale, and prepare ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes combine everything we love about comfort food: rich flavor, simple preparation, and timeless appeal. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort because it did, but your crock pot did all the work for you.
The ease of making it, combined with the rich, melty layers of potatoes and cheese, make this a recipe worth bookmarking. It’s proof that with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can transform something as simple as potatoes into a deeply satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. Give this recipe a spot on your regular rotation and watch it become a family favorite.