Indulge in Creamy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Tonight!

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – tender layers of potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This easy-to-prepare dish is the perfect side for any weeknight dinner or holiday gathering. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy deliciously cheesy scalloped potatoes with minimal effort. Get ready to dive into a cozy, satisfying casserole that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds!

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The History and Appeal of Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes have been a beloved side dish for generations, with origins dating back to the 1800s. This classic casserole was likely inspired by the French gratin, a baked dish with layers of sliced potatoes and a creamy béchamel or cheese sauce. Over time, the recipe evolved, and scalloped potatoes became a staple in American home cooking. Today, they’re a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

The appeal of Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes lies in their simplicity and convenience. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can achieve perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes without the hassle of babysitting a dish in the oven. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to get deliciously gooey and melty.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

To make this creamy, cheesy slow cooker dish, you’ll need just 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

The key to this dish is using Yukon Gold or Red potatoes, which have a creamy, buttery texture that holds up well to the slow cooking process. The sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, flavorful punch, while the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream create a luscious, velvety sauce.

Sautéing the onions in butter before adding them to the slow cooker adds a lovely caramelized sweetness that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Preparing Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Let’s dive into the easy steps to make this comforting slow cooker dish:

Sauté the Onion

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

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 ingredients are well incorporated.

Layer the Ingredients

Grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, seasoning each layer with a pinch of salt. Add all the sautéed onions on top of the potatoes. 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 top of the dish.

Cooking 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.

It’s important to allow the dish to rest with the lid off for about 15 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken up for a deliciously creamy consistency.

Serving Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Garnish the Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve as a comforting side dish. These cheesy, creamy potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or any main course that could use a hearty, satisfying accompaniment.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent dish, with each serving providing a generous amount of calories and fat due to the cream and cheese. However, the potatoes themselves are a nutrient-dense carbohydrate source, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

For a lighter version, you can experiment with using a lower-fat milk or milk alternative in place of the heavy cream. Additionally, reducing the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat cheese variety can help lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes the night before and cook them in the morning?

Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes the night before to save time in the morning. To do this, slice the potatoes and prepare the sauce as per the recipe. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and switch on the slow cooker. Just be mindful that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the ingredients are cold from the fridge.

How can I prevent the potatoes from browning if I need to prepare them in advance?

To prevent the potatoes from browning, you can soak them in a mixture of cold water and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before cooking. This will help keep them from oxidizing. Alternatively, you can slice the potatoes just before layering them in the slow cooker. If you are preparing them in advance, make sure to store them submerged in water until you are ready to use them, and drain them before adding to your dish.

What is the best way to achieve a crispy top layer on Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes?

While slow cookers typically do not create a crispy top layer due to their steaming cooking method, you can achieve a crispy finish by transferring the scalloped potatoes to an oven-safe dish after cooking. Preheat your oven to broil, then place the dish under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. This step adds a delightful texture contrast to your creamy potatoes.

Can I make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes without using heavy cream?

Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes without heavy cream by substituting it with alternatives like half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can also add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little cold water) to your milk substitute before incorporating it into the dish. Just keep in mind that using lighter alternatives may slightly alter the creaminess and richness of the final dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Potato Gratin
• Cheesy Potato Casserole
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These similar recipes, using potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauces, are sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are a classic, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy this creamy, cheesy casserole any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main event, these Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, get ready to dive into a cozy, satisfying plate of potato perfection!

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