The ultimate side dish is here, and it’s bubbling with golden, cheesy goodness. These Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are rich, velvety, and comforting – a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Layered potatoes are slowly simmered in a luscious, garlicky cheese sauce until perfectly tender, making them the star of any dinner table.
Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, Sunday supper, or just a cozy night in, this dish adds warmth and satisfaction to any occasion. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on the rest of your meal (or relax). These scalloped potatoes are destined to become a household favorite – no oven required!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup chicken broth
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2 cups half and half
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter.
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Layer half of the sliced potatoes and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
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Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and combined.
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Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layered potatoes in the slow cooker.
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Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.
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Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours, until potatoes are tender.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes deliver the same creamy, savory satisfaction as scalloped potatoes. But when you combine the convenience of a slow cooker with rich layers of cheese, tender potatoes, and fragrant spices, you get a side dish that’s not only indulgent but also effortless. Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser — whether you’re feeding a holiday gathering, prepping for a potluck, or simply craving something hearty and cozy for dinner.
These potatoes offer a rustic, homey flavor while still looking elegant enough to appear on any festive table. What makes this dish so special isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the method. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while freeing up your oven for other dishes. The result is a velvety, golden masterpiece layered with melted cheddar and subtle seasonings in every bite.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Scalloped Potatoes?
One of the best reasons to use a slow cooker for scalloped potatoes is practicality. During busy holidays or weeknight dinners, oven space is often limited. With a slow cooker, you don’t have to juggle multiple dishes or worry about timing everything to finish baking at once. Simply layer your ingredients, set the heat, and forget it until it’s time to serve.
Slow cooking also ensures a gentler heat, which means the potatoes have time to slowly soften and absorb all the creamy, cheesy goodness. This method prevents the common problem of undercooked centers or over-browned tops that you sometimes encounter with oven-baked versions.
Another bonus? Minimal hands-on time. Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, the slow cooker takes over. No babysitting required — which is ideal when you’re busy entertaining or managing multiple kitchen tasks.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Savory
The flavor of Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is the kind that instantly takes you back to childhood dinners and festive holiday gatherings. A silky cheese sauce infused with garlic and onion powder delivers deep, comforting notes that enhance the earthiness of the potatoes. The rich, buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the tender slices, creating layers of taste in every forkful.
Cheddar cheese offers a bold tang and excellent melting quality, while Parmesan brings a touch of saltiness and depth. Combined, they create a sauce that clings perfectly to each potato layer, delivering full-bodied flavor without being overly heavy.
Adding onions to the mix brings in mild sweetness and complexity, while fresh parsley as a garnish offers brightness and a pop of color that livens up the dish visually and taste-wise.
What Makes This Dish So Versatile?
Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are wonderfully adaptable. While they’re a classic side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, they’re just as welcome at casual cookouts, family dinners, or Sunday brunches. Their creamy, satisfying quality pairs well with everything from roast turkey to ham, grilled chicken, steak, or even veggie mains like roasted mushrooms or lentil loaf.
You can easily customize this dish to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Try using different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a more unique twist. Add thinly sliced ham or bacon for a meaty upgrade, or fold in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to sneak in more vegetables.
You can also make this dish gluten-free by swapping the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This recipe isn’t just delicious fresh out of the slow cooker — it also reheats beautifully. In fact, some say scalloped potatoes taste even better the next day, after the flavors have had more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
You can also prepare the dish the night before by assembling the layers and storing the slow cooker insert in the fridge (if your model allows for that). Simply pop it into the cooker in the morning and set the timer.
This makes it a great meal prep option for busy households, especially when paired with a simple protein and salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Tips for Success
Even though the slow cooker makes this dish low-effort, a few helpful tips can elevate your results:
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Use a mandoline or food processor for uniform potato slices. This ensures even cooking and a professional appearance.
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Grease the slow cooker insert well to avoid sticking, especially if you’re cooking on the high setting.
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Layer ingredients evenly. This helps the cheese sauce distribute properly and ensures consistent texture.
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Avoid overcooking. While slow cookers are forgiving, too much time on high heat can lead to mushy potatoes and greasy cheese. Stick to the recommended cook times for best results.
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Let it rest. Like many casseroles, this dish firms up a bit as it cools, making it easier to serve and even more delicious.
Pairing Suggestions
Because Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are rich and indulgent, they pair wonderfully with proteins and vegetables that offer contrast in texture and flavor. Here are a few pairing ideas:
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Meats: Glazed ham, roasted turkey, grilled chicken thighs, beef tenderloin, meatloaf
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Vegetarian mains: Lentil loaf, roasted cauliflower steaks, portobello mushrooms
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Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, crisp garden salad
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Breads: Buttery dinner rolls, cornbread, garlic bread
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness, while sparkling water with lemon or a light cider adds a refreshing contrast.
A Family Favorite That Never Gets Old
What’s truly magical about Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is their universal appeal. Kids and adults alike gravitate toward that gooey, creamy texture. There’s a nostalgic quality to every bite — a reminder of holiday meals, comforting Sunday dinners, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
It’s the kind of dish that becomes a tradition in its own right. Once you introduce it to your table, it will likely be requested again and again. And with how easy it is to prepare, you’ll be happy to oblige.
Conclusion: Why You Need This Dish in Your Recipe Collection
If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious, and hands-off side dish that satisfies every time, Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a must. Their creamy, comforting layers bring elegance and warmth to any meal, and the ease of slow cooking means you get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a satisfying weeknight dish, this recipe delivers. It’s rich but balanced, classic yet customizable, and perfect for making memories around the table. Add it to your go-to recipe list, and you’ll always have a winner on hand — no oven required.