When it comes to hearty and satisfying meals, a slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is a classic choice that never fails to impress. This traditional scalloped potatoes recipe combines layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you are preparing a family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe for scalloped potatoes is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The slow cooker method makes it a convenient option for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love!

One of the best things about this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding ingredients like ham, steak, or even pork chops to create a meal that is truly your own. The combination of tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings makes this vegetarian dish a standout favorite.

So, let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe and learn how to make this comforting dish in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Before we get started with the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we need to make this delicious slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Prepare Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delectable slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe:

Step 1: Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.

Step 2: In your slow cooker, start layering the thinly sliced potatoes, chopped onions, and a generous amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.

Step 3: Once the layers are complete, pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, ensuring that it covers the entire surface of the potatoes and cheese.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when done, and the cheese melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese and chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor and a hint of color. Your slow cooker scalloped potatoes are now ready to be enjoyed!

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (Oven Version)

Do you prefer using an oven instead of a slow cooker? Here’s a traditional scalloped potatoes recipe version:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Follow the same sauce steps.
3. Layer in a greased 9×13” baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake 50 minutes.
5. Uncover, add cheese, and bake 20 more minutes until golden.

Same ingredients, different texture—the oven gives you a firmer bite and crispier top, while the slow cooker keeps it soft and ultra-creamy.

Enhancing Your Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

There are endless possibilities to elevate your slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe and turn them into a truly memorable dish. Consider adding diced ham or steak between the layers for a protein-packed meal that is both comforting and satisfying.

If you’re seeking a lighter option, try incorporating hash browns into the recipe for a unique twist on the classic dish. The crispy texture of the hash browns adds a delightful crunch to every bite, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

For a more substantial meal, pair your scalloped potatoes with pork chops for a complete dinner that is sure to impress. Tender pork chops and creamy scalloped potatoes are an ideal pairing for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

And if you’re watching your dairy intake or simply prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can easily make scalloped potatoes without cheese. While cheese adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the recipe, the potatoes will still turn out delicious with the creamy sauce and flavorful seasonings.

Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make this slow cooker scalloped potato recipe your own, and enjoy the warm and comforting dish with your loved ones.

Variations & Add-Ins

Bacon Bits and Chives: If you love loaded baked potatoes, this variation will ensure your slow cooker scalloped potatoes are a showstopper. Fry 4–5 slices of bacon until golden and crispy, crumble them up and sprinkle them in between layers or over the top just before serving. Just before serving, toss in a handful of fresh chopped chives for some bright oniony freshness. The smoke of the bacon combined with the richness of the cheese makes each bite mildly reminiscent of that “loaded potato” comfort-food flavor.

Sliced Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a whisper of earthiness that tempers the richness of cream. Add 1 to 1½ cups of sliced button, baby bella or cremini mushrooms. Just give them a little sauté in some butter and a pinch of salt, then layer them in. The liquid cooks down really well in the slow cooker, providing a rich, savory undernote to the sauce that feels restaurant-ish.

Cream of Chicken Soup: For an even creamier, thicker sauce, add one can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup to the mix and stir through before pouring the whole lot over the spuds. It adds body, salt and a certain chicken-y savoriness that elevates the dish to heartier territories—not quite a creamy casserole, but close. You can also substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different taste.

Garlic Lovers’ Upgrade: If you never get enough garlic, this is your sauce, baby. Double the garlic powder and use 2 teaspoons, or go properly huge with a couple of tablespoons of roasted garlic paste stirred directly into the sauce. The slow cooking tempers its bite, so the garlic packs a luscious, nutty flavor that permeates every layer. You can add minced roasted garlic cloves between layers to ramp the flavor up even more.

Cheesy Upgrade: Feeling rich? Combine the cheeses—an earthy blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan will deepen the flavor. Sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese over the top and let it brown on the last 15 minutes if you like a gooey, golden crust.

Veggie Lovers’ Twist: For color and mild sweetness, stir in thinly sliced spinach leaves, kale or even a cup of corn kernels. They don’t lose their shape in the slow cooker, and they provide a good texture contrast to the creamy sauce.

Herb Infusion: Herbs can entirely change the mood of this dish. For a more rustic, aromatic flavor, stir ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary into the sauce. For a lighter, fresher look sprinkle with parsley or dill just before serving.

Protein Boost: For an all-in-one combo, add cooked shredded chicken (or diced ham or crumbled sausage) between the potatoes. The meats soak up the creamy sauce, transforming your side into a full-blown dinner.

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes vs. Au Gratin

“Au gratin” is a French term that means “with a crust.” This version adds cheese (often Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan) to the creamy sauce or sprinkles it between layers and sometimes adds breadcrumbs on top. The dish bakes until a crisp, golden-brown crust forms—that’s the signature au gratin texture.

So what’s the bottom line?

• Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, simple, and often cheese-free.
• Au Gratin Potatoes: Creamy and cheesy, finished with a browned top.

Using your slow cooker, as demonstrated in this recipe, allows you to achieve the perfect blend of creamy scalloped potatoes and cheesy au gratin, all while simplifying the process. No oven required, no crust to babysit, just melt-in-your-mouth layers of pure comfort.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

• What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are made with a creamy sauce of milk or cream, while au gratin potatoes include cheese and often breadcrumbs for a golden crust. This slow cooker recipe blends the best of both—creamy like scalloped and cheesy like au gratin.

• Can I add ham to my slow cooker scalloped potatoes?

Yes! Add diced cooked ham between the potato layers before cooking. It turns a simple side dish into a hearty ham and scalloped potatoes recipe that’s perfect for family dinners.

• What kind of potatoes work best for scalloped potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal—they absorb the sauce beautifully and become soft and tender. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a creamier, slightly firmer bite.

• Can I make scalloped potatoes without cheese?

Absolutely. Skip the cheese and add an extra tablespoon of butter for a smooth, rich flavor. You can also season with nutmeg or paprika to give it a cozy, homemade taste.

• What temperature should scalloped potatoes cook at in a slow cooker?

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (around 200–210°F) or HIGH for 3–4 hours (around 300°F). That steady, gentle heat helps the cream and butter blend perfectly without separating.

• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?

Yes! Replace the potatoes with a 32-ounce bag of thawed shredded hash browns. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours for a softer, creamy texture—great for breakfast or potlucks.

• What meats go well with scalloped potatoes?

They pair wonderfully with baked ham, pork chops, steak, or roast chicken. The creamy, cheesy flavor balances the savoriness of meats beautifully.

• Can I prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just cook as directed until hot and bubbly.

• How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

• Can I double this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe?

Yes, if you’re feeding a crowd! Use a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker and add an extra hour of cooking time to ensure every layer cooks evenly.