Key Ingredients for Flavorful Scalloped Potatoes

Crafting the perfect crockpot scalloped potatoes starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and creamy texture that define this comforting dish.

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for scalloped dishes as they soften beautifully and absorb the creamy sauce, contributing to a wonderfully rich texture. You have the option to leave the peels on for a more rustic look and added fiber, or peel them for a smoother finish. Other varieties like red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes can also be used, though they may hold their shape a bit more and offer a slightly different texture.
• Chicken Broth: This liquid forms the base of our savory sauce, infusing the potatoes with depth of flavor. For those seeking a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can be easily substituted without compromising the delicious outcome.
• Sour Cream: A crucial ingredient for achieving an incredibly creamy and tangy sauce. Sour cream not only adds a luxurious mouthfeel but also a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the cheeses. Full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, though low-fat varieties can be used with slight adjustments to the final creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: We use shredded cheddar cheese, or a cheddar cheese blend, for its sharp, familiar flavor and excellent melting properties. It creates that beloved cheesy pull and a golden top layer. Freshly shredded cheese is always preferred as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adding freshly shredded or grated Parmesan cheese introduces a complex, salty, and umami-rich flavor that elevates the overall profile of the dish. Its distinct taste complements the cheddar beautifully, adding an extra layer of gourmet appeal.
• Seasoning: Our blend includes garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. This trio provides a foundational savory taste. Feel free to adjust these to your personal preference, perhaps adding a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth or a touch more garlic for intensity.
• Thyme: If possible, utilizing fresh thyme is strongly encouraged. Its earthy, slightly floral notes impart an aromatic freshness that canned ingredients simply cannot replicate. Fresh rosemary also makes a wonderful alternative, offering a robust piney aroma that pairs exceptionally well with potatoes and cheese.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in a Crockpot: A Simple Guide

Making these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes in your slow cooker is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious side dish.

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly rinsing your Russet potatoes under cool water. Once clean, slice the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch rounds. Consistency in thickness is key to ensuring even cooking, so a mandoline slicer can be a great tool here if you have one. Place the thinly sliced potatoes directly into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Combine the Ingredients for the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserving the other half for later), the Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, onion powder, fresh minced thyme, and black pepper. Pour this rich cream mixture over the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker. Gently mix the potatoes with the sauce, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes, forming a delicious crust.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the scalloped potatoes on the LOW setting for approximately 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the wattage of your slow cooker and the thickness of your potato slices. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and the creamy sauce has thickened beautifully and is bubbling around the edges.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, your Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes are ready to be served immediately. If you’re not quite ready to eat, you can switch your slow cooker to the “Warm” setting to keep them at an ideal temperature without overcooking. Ladle out generous portions and savor the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

How long does it take scalloped potatoes to cook in a crock pot?

The cooking time for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes can vary depending on several factors: the specific type of potato used, how thinly they are sliced, and even the model and efficiency of your individual crockpot. Generally, you can expect them to cook for about 4-6 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on the high setting. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the sauce should be wonderfully creamy and thick when done.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians, simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of good quality vegetable broth. The other ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly, ensuring a delicious meat-free side dish.

What’s the best way to clean a crockpot after making scalloped potatoes?

Cleaning a crockpot, especially after a cheesy dish, can sometimes be a chore. Here’s a simple trick: fill your crockpot with hot water and add a dryer sheet (yes, a dryer sheet!). Let it soak for a few hours or even overnight. The dryer sheet helps to soften baked-on food and cheese, making it much easier to wipe clean with minimal scrubbing in the morning.

How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?

To prevent watery scalloped potatoes, ensure your potato slices are consistently thin (1/4 inch is ideal). Starchy potatoes like Russets also help absorb moisture. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, prolonging cooking time and potentially thinning the sauce. The sour cream and cheeses naturally thicken the sauce as they cook.

Can I add other ingredients to my crockpot scalloped potatoes?

Yes, this recipe is very forgiving and adaptable! You can easily enhance it with various add-ins. Cooked, diced ham or crispy bacon bits are popular choices that turn it into a more substantial meal. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely diced bell peppers can also be folded in for added flavor and nutrition.

Storing and Reheating Your Scalloped Potatoes

Having leftovers of these delicious scalloped potatoes is a treat! Here’s how to properly store and reheat them to maintain their delicious flavor and creamy texture.

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container or cover the crockpot insert tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Oven Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the dish is coming directly from the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and reheat for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are thoroughly warmed through and the sauce is bubbling.
• Microwave Reheating: For individual portions or a quicker reheat, transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe dish. Reheat on high for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the potatoes tough.
• Freezing Scalloped Potatoes: While not ideal due to the dairy content which can sometimes separate, you can freeze cooked scalloped potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven (covered) until warmed through.

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Recipe Details

• Author: The Carefree Kitchen
• Yields: 8 people
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 4-6 hrs (Low) / 3-4 hrs (High)
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hrs 10 mins to 6 hrs 10 mins
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Russet potatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Thoroughly rinse the Russet potatoes. Slice them thinly into uniform 1/4-inch rounds. For the most consistent results and even cooking, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. Carefully place the sliced potatoes directly into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, or directly in the slow cooker over the potatoes, combine the chicken broth, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the other half for topping), the shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, onion powder, fresh minced thyme, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all potato slices are well coated with this creamy mixture. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Securely cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The scalloped potatoes are perfectly cooked when they are fork-tender and the sauce is thick, creamy, and bubbly. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific slow cooker and the exact thickness of your potato slices.
4. Serve Warm: Once cooked, serve your delicious Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes immediately. If you’re not quite ready to serve, you can keep the slow cooker on its “Warm” setting until mealtime. Enjoy this rich, comforting, and incredibly cheesy side dish!

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• To Peel or Not to Peel: While the recipe works beautifully with unpeeled Russets for a rustic charm, you can certainly peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Cheese Swaps: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs truly elevate this dish. If using dried thyme, remember to use about half the amount suggested for fresh.
• Crispy Topping: For an extra special touch and a golden-brown crispy top, transfer the cooked potatoes to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the sauce mixture before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the garlic salt, onion powder, or pepper to suit your preference.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 883mg
• Potassium: 780mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Vitamin A: 355 IU
• Vitamin C: 21.9mg
• Calcium: 236mg
• Iron: 5.7mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimated using a third-party tool and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary.