Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes that cook while you chill? Yes, please. These slow cooker scalloped potatoes are creamy, cozy, and totally hands-off.

Layers of thin potatoes, rich cheese, and a creamy sauce that melts together slow and steady. It’s like comfort food on autopilot. So easy, so good.

Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or just because. No oven needed. Just your slow cooker doing all the magic.

Let’s plug it in and pile it up. These cheesy scalloped potatoes are ready to make your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low Effort, Big Reward: Just layer everything in the slow cooker and walk away. The magic happens while you go about your day.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the heavy cream and melty cheeses, every bite is ultra-satisfying.
• Perfect Side Dish: Pairs well with roasts, grilled meats, or a fresh green salad.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love these cheesy layers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in the morning, and it’s ready by dinner.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low
Total Time: About 5 hours 20 minutes

Servings: Serves 6–8 as a hearty side dish.
Difficulty: Easy – great for slow cooker beginners and busy cooks alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
• Mandoline or sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Garlic press or microplane
• Cheese grater

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to build rich flavor and a velvety cheese sauce. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Russet Potatoes – About 2 pounds, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch). These hold their shape well and soak up the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Adds a lush, indulgent base that doesn’t separate during long cooking.
• Minced Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves for deep savory flavor.
• Dried Thyme + Fresh Thyme Leaves – A subtle earthy note that elevates the cheese.
• Nutmeg (Just a Pinch) – Enhances the cream’s natural sweetness and warmth.
• Kosher Salt + Fresh Ground Black Pepper – Season every layer for best flavor.
• Gruyère Cheese (Shredded) – Melts beautifully and has a nutty richness.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated) – Adds salty sharpness and a golden top.

Variations for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Add Onions: Thinly slice a sweet onion and layer it between the potatoes for extra depth.
• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: For a buttery texture and slightly richer taste.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or a mix of mozzarella and fontina.
• Make It Meaty: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or thin strips of ham between the layers.
• Add Heat: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne gives it a kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into even 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Uniform slices help everything cook at the same rate. Rinse them briefly to remove excess starch, then pat dry.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, garlic, dried thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. This mixture will soak into the potatoes as they slow cook, creating a luscious sauce.

3. Layer in the Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of your slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray. Start with a single layer of potatoes, slightly overlapping the slices. Pour over a bit of the cream mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese sprinkled on top.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly. Avoid opening the lid too often—it lets out heat and slows cooking.

5. Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the lid and let the dish sit for 10–15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and set slightly for clean slices when serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This dish is creamy, savory, and deeply comforting—perfect for:

• Holiday Feasts: A standout on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner tables.
• Weeknight Dinners: Serve with baked chicken, meatloaf, or grilled pork chops.
• Brunch Buffets: Pairs beautifully with eggs, ham, or roasted vegetables.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Just bring the slow cooker—easy to transport and keeps warm!

Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for color and a fresh finish.

Storing & Reheating

• To Store: Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) at 325°F until heated through.
• To Freeze: These freeze decently but may change texture. For best results, freeze before cooking in a disposable foil tray. Thaw and slow cook as normal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Mandoline for Uniform Slices: Even slices cook evenly and layer better.
• Grease Your Slow Cooker Well: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t Overload: Stick to 2–2.5 pounds of potatoes for best slow cooker circulation.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allows the sauce to settle and makes slicing easier.
• Fresh Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture—grate your own if possible.

🥄 Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/8 of recipe)
Calories	310
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	2g
Protein	9g
Sodium	410mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

❓FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cook time if starting from cold.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and may separate slightly during cooking. Half-and-half is a better substitute if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if you have a large (6–8 quart) slow cooker. Increase cooking time by 1 hour and make sure the layers aren’t too thick.

Can I bake this instead?
Absolutely. Layer everything in a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Uncover and bake 15–20 more minutes to brown the top.

🥔 Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, cheesy side dish that practically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a no-brainer. They deliver creamy comfort with every bite, and they’ll make any meal feel like something special—even a weeknight dinner. Once you try this slow cooker version, you might never go back to the oven again.