Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender — these Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are the effortless side dish that turns any meal into a comforting feast.

Introduction

There’s something magical about scalloped potatoes — the way thinly sliced layers melt together with creamy sauce and bubbling cheese.
This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe captures that same irresistible flavor and texture with minimal effort.
Instead of hovering over the oven, you simply layer the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
Hours later, you’re rewarded with a rich, savory, golden dish that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or even weeknight meals.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking.
The potatoes become fork-tender as they soak up a seasoned cream sauce, while the cheeses melt into each layer, creating a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.
Whether served with roast beef, baked ham, or grilled chicken, these scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these creamy, dreamy potatoes. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)	1.5 kg (about 3 lbs)	The star of the dish. Thin slices ensure even cooking and a silky, layered texture.
Heavy cream	1 cup	Creates the luxurious base of the sauce for that signature creamy texture.
Milk	1 cup	Lightens the cream, giving the sauce a perfect balance of richness and smoothness.
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	Helps thicken the sauce so it coats each slice beautifully without becoming runny.
Salt	1 teaspoon	Brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes and balances the creaminess.
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Adds subtle spice and warmth that enhances every bite.
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon	Infuses a mild garlicky flavor that blends perfectly with the cheese and cream.
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon	Adds depth and a hint of savory sweetness to the sauce.
Paprika	1/4 teaspoon	Gives a subtle smoky note and a warm color to the finished dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup	Melts into a creamy layer that brings richness and bold, cheesy flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup	Adds a touch of saltiness and nutty complexity that elevates the sauce.
Unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)	1 stick (about 1/2 cup)	Dots the top for added richness and a silky finish as it melts through the layers.

Pro Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin potato slices. Consistent thickness helps them cook evenly and prevents mushy spots.

How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Making these Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes couldn’t be easier. With only a few simple steps, you’ll create layers of tender potatoes
bathed in creamy sauce and melted cheese. Follow these detailed instructions to get it right every time:

Step 1: Grease and Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier once the potatoes are done.
Step 2: Whisk the Savory Cream Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons flour,
1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and
½ teaspoon onion powder until smooth.
This creates the rich, seasoned sauce that coats every slice of potato.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Cheeses
Start by placing a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour a portion of the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle some cheddar cheese
and Parmesan on top.
Repeat this process—potatoes, cream, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
Step 4: Add Butter for Extra Creaminess
Dot the top layer with small pieces of unsalted butter.
As the dish cooks, the butter melts through the layers, creating a luscious, velvety texture that makes these scalloped potatoes unforgettable.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours,
until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
The slow cooking allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the cream, spices, and cheese, resulting in a truly decadent dish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the scalloped potatoes sit for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
This resting time helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to scoop perfect portions.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency.
They hold their shape yet blend beautifully into the sauce.
Don’t skip the flour. It’s essential for thickening the sauce so that it clings to the potatoes instead of pooling at the bottom.
Layer evenly. Thin, uniform slices of potato ensure even cooking throughout.
Let it rest before serving. Just 10 minutes can make the difference between soupy potatoes and perfectly layered goodness.

The slow cooker does all the hard work here, allowing you to focus on your main course or simply relax while your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of buttery, cheesy potatoes.

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes is their versatility.
While the classic version is irresistibly creamy and comforting, you can easily customize it
to suit your taste or to match your main course. Here are a few popular twists:

Cheesy Bacon Scalloped Potatoes: Add ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon
between the layers for an extra smoky and savory flavor.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ham and Potato Casserole: Mix in 1 cup of diced cooked ham to turn this
into a hearty one-pot meal. Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham.
Garlic Herb Version: Add minced garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme,
rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant and gourmet twist.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: After cooking, top with extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits,
sour cream, and chopped green onions for a “loaded baked potato” feel.
Extra Creamy Variation: Substitute part of the milk with cream cheese or evaporated milk
for a richer, silkier sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These slow cooker scalloped potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main dish.
They’re ideal for Sunday dinners, holidays, or whenever you crave something warm and hearty.
Here are some favorite pairings:

Serve alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak for a complete comfort meal.
Pair with BBQ ribs or pulled pork for a Southern-style feast.
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
For a vegetarian spread, serve it as the star dish with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you — these potatoes taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

The magic of Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes lies in its simplicity and flavor.
The slow cooking process ensures every potato slice becomes tender while soaking up the rich, creamy sauce.
The blend of cheddar and Parmesan melts into a golden, gooey topping that feels like pure comfort in every bite.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish always earns rave reviews.

What truly makes it special is the effortless preparation.
There’s no need to babysit the oven — just layer the ingredients, set your slow cooker,
and let it do all the work. By dinnertime, your kitchen smells heavenly, and you have a dish that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
With simple pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying in every way.
It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you crave something warm and homemade.

Whether served as a side or a main dish, one thing’s for sure —
your guests will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Try this easy version today and taste why it’s a timeless favorite across generations.