![- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and peeled, then thinly sliced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional) For the best flavor, choose high-quality cheese. Fresh potatoes make a big difference too. Avoid any that have spots or soft areas. This ensures your dish stays creamy and luscious. You can add some extra flavor with these ingredients: - 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped - 1 cup diced bell peppers - 1 cup spinach, wilted If you have dietary needs, consider these swaps: - Use non-dairy cheese for a vegan option. - Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version. These additions and swaps can give your scalloped potatoes a unique twist. Feel free to get creative based on what you love! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by washing the russet potatoes under cool water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub them well. Once clean, peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler. To slice the potatoes, you can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Aim for thin, even slices about 1/8 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. If you have trouble slicing, try chilling the potatoes first. Cold potatoes are firmer and easier to cut. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Seasoning is key to adding depth. A good mix of salt and pepper enhances the flavors. You want each bite to taste rich and savory. Begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped onion over the potatoes. Follow this with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Now, pour half of the cream mixture over these layers. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese. Finish by drizzling the rest of the cream mixture on top. Even layers help the flavors mix better. Make sure every layer has some cream for a rich taste. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. Check for doneness by poking a potato slice with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s ready. About 30 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. This creates a delicious, cheesy crust. Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set. You can find the full recipe [here]. To make your scalloped potatoes shine, use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme adds a great taste. You can also try rosemary or parsley for more flavor. To prevent browning, soak potato slices in cold water. This keeps them crisp and fresh. Drain and dry them well before cooking. Watch for slices that are uneven. If they are too thick, some potatoes may not cook well. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even slices. Avoid adding too much liquid; it can make the dish runny. If your slow cooker is too full, it may not cook evenly. Leave some space for the heat to circulate. Scalloped potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or a fresh salad. They also work great alongside roasted veggies. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped chives or parsley. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for extra delight! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan or dairy-free. To do this, swap out dairy items. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the cream, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Instead of cheese, use vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you need gluten-free options, make sure to check your cream and cheese labels. Most brands are gluten-free, but it’s best to confirm. Layer the potatoes with gluten-free sauces or broth to enhance the flavor. Get creative with the cheese types! You can use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Gouda also adds a rich, smoky flavor. Try mixing cheeses for a unique taste. Add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for depth. You can also mix in unique ingredients. Adding crispy bacon bits gives a savory crunch. Spinach adds color and nutrition. These variations keep the dish fun and exciting! Feel free to explore and make it your own. For the full recipe, check the details above. To store leftovers, let the scalloped potatoes cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat them. If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely first. Then, cut it into servings. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps keep the texture and flavor intact. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes from the freezer! Slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container. If you freeze them, they can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Slice the potatoes and mix the cream mixture the night before. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge overnight. Just set the slow cooker to cook in the morning. This saves time and makes meal prep easy. Cheesy scalloped potatoes pair well with many main dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. They also go great with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The creamy potatoes complement meats nicely, adding rich flavor. If your scalloped potatoes are runny, there are easy fixes. First, you can mix a little cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce. Stir it into the dish and let it cook a bit longer. Alternatively, let the dish sit uncovered for a short time. This can help the sauce thicken. Absolutely! You can use many types of cheese in this recipe. Gouda gives a smoky flavor, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. If you want something sharper, try using Gruyère or blue cheese. Each cheese brings its own unique taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment! This article covered all the important steps to make perfect slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods. I shared useful tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. You also saw variations to fit different diets and ways to store leftovers safely. Now, you’re ready to create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy experimenting with flavors for your next meal!](https://tossedtastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e96cc5ac-a5c1-4e74-8c5f-990455bbf72a-300x300.webp)
Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe! Perfectly thin slices of russet potatoes layered with sharp cheddar, a creamy mixture of milk and spices, and topped with a golden Parmesan crust make this dish irresistibly delicious. This easy recipe requires minimal prep and slow cooking for rich, creamy flavors. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this hearty side dish for your next meal!