If you’re looking for that ultimate comfort side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and just plain irresistible, you’re gonna want to try my Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. This one’s a game-changer because it’s fuss-free yet bursting with flavor, perfect for when you want your potatoes tender and rich without babysitting the stove. I discovered this trick when I was craving something homey but didn’t want to heat up the oven—now it’s a family favorite I keep coming back to!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax or focus on other dishes.
Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: Layers of creamy sauce and two cheeses guarantee rich flavor every bite.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff—just pantry staples that blend perfectly for a fuss-free side dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holidays, these scalloped potatoes always impress.

A small white bowl filled with golden layered potato slices, each layer showing a soft, cooked texture with some crispy edges, sprinkled lightly with herbs, sits on a white marbled surface. Beside the bowl, two silver forks rest on a black and white checkered cloth. Part of a silver slow cooker filled with the same layered potato dish is visible in the top right corner, showing the potato slices inside with a creamy and tender appearance. A sprig of green parsley adds a fresh touch to the left side of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy potato side dish, creamy scalloped potatoes, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully to make a scalloped potato dish that’s rich but not overwhelming. Picking good russets and fresh garlic really amps up the flavor, and I always recommend fresh-shredded cheese over pre-shredded for that melty perfection.

Flat lay of peeled russet potatoes sliced into thin rounds, a small white bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl of shredded pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl each with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper placed symmetrically, all arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy potato side dish, creamy scalloped potatoes, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food ideas

Heavy whipping cream: This adds lush creaminess and keeps the potatoes moist during slow cooking.
Chicken broth: A splash of broth helps balance richness and infuses subtle savory depth.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is ideal for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Minced garlic: Garlic wakes up the dish with a mild punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
Shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty touch that elevates the overall taste.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star cheese that melts golden and gooey through the layers.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by tweaking the cheeses or adding extras. I often toss in some cooked bacon or sautéed onions to kick it up a notch when feeding a crowd!

Smoked Gouda instead of cheddar: Gives a slightly smoky, creamy flavor that my family can’t get enough of.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary: When I want a fragrant twist, just sprinkle herbs between the layers.
Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
Use sweet potatoes: For a sweeter, earthy alternative, just swap russets for thinly sliced sweet potatoes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Making this sauce first helps the flavors meld perfectly and ensures the garlic disperses evenly throughout your dish.

Step 2: Layer Your Potatoes and Cheeses

Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking (trust me, this makes cleanup way easier). Then, place a third of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Pour a third of your cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a third of both the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Repeat this layering two more times until all ingredients are used. This layering technique creates creamy, cheesy pockets in every bite.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. I always start checking around the 3-hour mark by poking the potatoes with a fork—they should be tender but not mushy. If you prefer them softer, just give it a little more time. Avoid opening the lid too often, though; the heat escapes and can throw off your cooking time.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for that perfect gooey cheese pull and creamy texture that I absolutely love!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Slice Evenly: I use a mandoline slicer to get perfect, thin 1/4-inch potato slices that cook evenly without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Spray: Spraying the slow cooker prevents sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze—something I learned after a messy first try!
Layer Flavor: Minced garlic mixed into the cream ensures every bite has a subtle garlic warmth instead of sharp chunks.
Watch Your Cook Time: Cooking too long can make potatoes mushy; checking at 3 hours usually gives me the best texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

A white bowl filled with a one-layer pile of golden brown potato slices, each slice showing a slight crisp edge and a soft, cooked center, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The bowl sits on a dark surface with a black-and-white checkered cloth and two silver forks placed beside it. The background includes part of a metallic slow cooker. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes, cheesy potato side dish, creamy scalloped potatoes, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food ideas

Garnishes

I usually top my scalloped potatoes with fresh parsley for a bright contrast, but chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika also work great for a little extra zing. These garnishes really help elevate the presentation, especially if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad if you want something lighter. For holiday dinners, I love serving it alongside ham and roasted Brussels sprouts—the comfort vibes are unbeatable!

Creative Ways to Present

One fun trick I use is layering in mini crock pots for individual servings at dinner parties—guests love the personal touch. You could also bake it a bit at the end to crisp up the top for a golden, bubbly finish if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These taste great reheated—just remember to cover them loosely to keep moisture in and avoid drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully a couple of times by letting it cool completely, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the texture stays surprisingly creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until just heated through. Adding a little splash of cream or milk before reheating helps restore that fresh-from-the-crockpot creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are classic for their starchy texture, Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes can work. Just note that waxy potatoes might not get as creamy, and sweet potatoes will change the flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?

I recommend peeling for the smoothest, most tender scalloped potatoes. The skin can add a bit of chewiness and may affect the classic creamy texture this recipe is known for.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it the day before, refrigerate, and cook it the next day—just add extra time since the ingredients will be cold when they go into the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have chicken broth—can I substitute?

Vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute and makes the dish vegetarian-friendly. You could also use water with a bit of seasoning in a pinch.
How can I prevent scalloped potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly and avoid overcooking by checking doneness early around 3 hours. Using russet potatoes helps too, as they hold their structure better during slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe has become one of my go-to side dishes that never fails to please. I love how effortlessly you can achieve that creamy indulgence without standing over the stove, and my family goes crazy for the cheesy layers. So next time you want to impress with minimal effort, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 96 reviews

Author: Jasmine
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender potatoes with minimal effort. Made with layers of russet potatoes, a savory cream and broth mixture, garlic, and a blend of parmesan and cheddar cheese, this comforting casserole is cooked slowly in a crock pot to develop rich flavors. It’s a simple, hands-off dish ideal for family dinners or holiday sides.

Ingredients

Liquid Mixture

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Potatoes and Cheese

3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced approximately 1/4″ thick
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your crock pot with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layer the Potatoes and Cheese: Start by placing one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the crock pot. Pour one-third of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle one-third of the cheddar cheese and one-third of the parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Cook the Potatoes: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Optional Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve the scalloped potatoes immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

This easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a great homemade alternative to store-bought packaged scalloped potatoes and offers superior flavor and texture.