Discover How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Today!

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food perfection. Tender slices of Yukon Gold or Red potatoes are layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and cooked to perfection in the convenience of your slow cooker. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering all the decadence of traditional scalloped potatoes with the ease of a hands-off cooking method. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, slow cooker scalloped potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

To create this delectable slow cooker dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Red potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ large onion, thinly sliced

Preparing the Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

To begin, you’ll want to sauté the onion to develop its flavors. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced onion. Cook until the onion is slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Next, prepare the creamy cheese sauce that will coat the potatoes. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Now, it’s time to assemble the slow cooker scalloped potatoes. Grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, seasoning each layer with a pinch of salt. Top the potatoes with all the sautéed onions, then pour half of the cheese sauce over the onions.

Repeat the layers, adding the remaining potato slices and pouring the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Finally, pour the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream evenly over the entire dish.

Cooking the Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Cover the slow cooker and cook the scalloped potatoes on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly. To ensure the perfect texture, allow the dish to rest with the lid off for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period will help the sauce thicken up nicely.

When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop out portions of the slow cooker scalloped potatoes and enjoy their creamy, cheesy goodness. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

To prevent your slow cooker scalloped potatoes from becoming watery, be sure to slice the potatoes evenly and salt the layers as you assemble the dish. This helps draw out excess moisture. Additionally, avoid overloading the slow cooker, as this can impede proper evaporation. If the sauce seems too thin, you can always let the dish rest a bit longer with the lid off to thicken it up.

While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can also experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may melt differently, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

If your potatoes are still undercooked after the recommended cooking time, simply extend the cooking time in 30-minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness. To prevent the cheese from browning too much, you can cover the top with a piece of aluminum foil.

For an extra flavor boost, consider sautéing the onions with garlic or incorporating additional seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or paprika. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your slow cooker scalloped potatoes!

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

A serving of slow cooker scalloped potatoes is a hearty and comforting side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Enjoy it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a vegetarian entrée like a portobello mushroom cap. The creamy, cheesy potatoes are also delicious on their own or as part of a larger spread at a potluck or holiday gathering.

It’s important to note that slow cooker scalloped potatoes are a rich and indulgent dish, so keep portion sizes in mind. A typical serving size is about 1 cup, which provides approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. For a healthier twist, you can experiment with reduced-fat cheeses or substitute some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes with Bacon
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Creamy Potato Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my slow cooker scalloped potatoes from becoming watery?

To prevent watery scalloped potatoes, it’s essential to minimize excess moisture. Start by slicing your potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking. You can also salt the layers lightly as you assemble the dish, which helps draw out moisture from the potatoes. Additionally, avoid overloading the slow cooker; follow the recommended capacity to ensure even cooking and proper evaporation. If using cream of chicken soup or heavy cream, consider reducing any additional liquid in the recipe. Lastly, allow the dish to rest for about 15 minutes after cooking; this will help thicken the sauce as it cools slightly.

Can I use a different type of cheese in my slow cooker scalloped potatoes?

Yes, you can definitely use different types of cheese to customize your scalloped potatoes! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a nutty taste, Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or even a combination of cheeses for added depth. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so choose ones that melt well for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also use reduced-fat cheeses, but be aware that they may not melt as smoothly.

What can I do if my scalloped potatoes are undercooked after the recommended cooking time?

If your scalloped potatoes are undercooked after the recommended cooking time, don’t worry! Simply cover the slow cooker and extend the cooking time in 30-minute increments. Check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender and easily pierced. Make sure the slow cooker is set to the appropriate temperature (high or low) based on your original cooking instructions. If you find the cheese is browning too much while waiting for the potatoes to cook through, you can cover the top with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

How can I enhance the flavor of my slow cooker scalloped potatoes beyond just cheese and cream?

To enhance the flavor of your slow cooker scalloped potatoes, consider adding a variety of seasonings and ingredients. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a fragrant touch, while spices like paprika or nutmeg can provide warmth and complexity. You can also sauté the onions with garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for a deeper flavor. For an umami boost, consider incorporating cooked bacon, ham, or even sautéed mushrooms. A splash of white wine or chicken broth can also add a layer of flavor without making the dish too liquidy.

Conclusion

When it comes to comforting, creamy side dishes, slow cooker scalloped potatoes reign supreme. With their tender potato slices, rich cheese sauce, and customizable flavor profile, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, these decadent scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of slow-cooked potato perfection?

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