There’s something comforting about a hearty dish of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes—its creamy goodness and cheesy aroma evoke warmth and love. This delightful side dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, and it’s easy to make with just a few simple steps. With tender layers of potatoes enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, every bite is a luscious experience. Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this flavorful dish tonight!
What Is Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort food that combines thinly sliced potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. While traditional recipes often use the oven, making it in a slow cooker or crockpot brings a whole new level of convenience. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is absolutely divine.
Often found on holiday tables, this dish has roots in French cuisine and is a beloved accompaniment to many main courses. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or a simple family meal, these potatoes are sure to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Convenience: Perfect for busy cooks, as you can set it and forget it in a slow cooker!
- Flavor: Rich, creamy, and cheesy—packed full of comforting flavors.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Budget-friendly: Made with basic ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at gatherings—everyone loves cheesy potatoes!
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Quick Overview
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe walks you through creating a creamy, cheesy side dish with minimal effort. Just layer your ingredients in a slow cooker, set it to cook, and get ready for a deliciously comforting treat!
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, thinly sliced)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion (finely diced; optional for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced; optional for an extra kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Butter (for greasing the slow cooker)
Directions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used—aim for at least three layers.
- Mix the Cream: In a bowl, combine heavy cream and milk, then pour over the layered potatoes.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finish Up: Once cooked, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve: Dish up portions and enjoy the creamy goodness!
What to Serve With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors.
- Grilled Steaks: The creaminess of the potatoes balances nicely with the savory meat.
- Steamed Veggies: Light, fresh vegetables add a nice contrast.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad can lighten the meal and provide a refreshing bite.
- Red or White Wine: Choose your favorite variety to enhance the dining experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Potato Selection: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a flavor kick.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store your leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorites. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses might alter the flavor profile.
How spicy can I make it?
If you like it spicy, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the layers.
Can I prep these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the potatoes and prepare the layers the night before, but store them in water to prevent browning.
What’s the cooking time variation if I double the recipe?
If you double the recipe, be prepared to add about 30-60 minutes to the cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s size and efficiency.
Conclusion
You and your family are going to love this decadent Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Trust me—you’ll be going back for seconds! Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter to prevent sticking.
- Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used—aim for at least three layers.
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream and milk, then pour over the layered potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once cooked, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Dish up portions and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter to prevent sticking.
- Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used—aim for at least three layers.
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream and milk, then pour over the layered potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once cooked, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Dish up portions and enjoy the creamy goodness!