Name: Best Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 2½ lb Yukon Gold or russet potatoes (thinly sliced); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small onion (finely diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional); 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)

Introduction

Best Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, tender, and effortlessly comforting—slow-cooked to perfection with thinly sliced potatoes and a rich, savory cream sauce. Using the crockpot allows the flavors to meld gently while the potatoes become soft and luscious without constant attention. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or hands-off family dinners, this recipe delivers classic scalloped potato comfort with minimal effort.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Hands-off slow cooker method
Ultra-creamy, tender potato layers
Perfect for holidays and gatherings
Easy to prep ahead
Frees up oven space

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

2½ lb Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker (crockpot)
Mandoline or sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Nonstick spray or butter

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Prepare the potatoes

Wash, peel if desired, and slice potatoes ⅛-inch thick. Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly in the crockpot.

2. Sauté aromatics

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

3. Mix the cream sauce

In a bowl, whisk heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic.

4. Layer the potatoes

Grease the crockpot insert. Add a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a small amount of cream sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

5. Slow cook gently

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is thickened. Avoid lifting the lid too often.

6. Rest before serving

Turn off the crockpot and let the scalloped potatoes rest 15–20 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the layers to set.

7. Serve

Spoon gently and serve warm as a side dish.

Mistakes to avoid

Slicing potatoes too thick — uneven cooking
Skipping the rest time — runny sauce
Overcrowding with too much cheese — greasy texture
Cooking on HIGH too long — scorched edges
Under-seasoning — bland potatoes

Variations of Best Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Deluxe — add extra cheese between layers
Garlic Parmesan — add Parmesan and extra garlic
Ham & Potato — add diced cooked ham
Herb-Infused — add thyme or rosemary
Lightened-Up — use half-and-half instead of cream

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Assemble ingredients the night before and refrigerate
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
Reheat gently in crockpot or oven
Freezing not recommended (cream sauce may split)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?
No. Thin slicing and long cooking time make them tender.

Which potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds are creamy; russets are fluffier.

Why is my sauce thin?
It needs resting time to fully thicken.

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes—traditional scalloped potatoes don’t require cheese.

Conclusion

Best Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes deliver classic comfort with modern convenience. Creamy, tender, and deeply satisfying, this slow cooker version simplifies a beloved side dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. Once you try it, it becomes a go-to recipe for stress-free entertaining and cozy meals.