Name: Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489830H15M20S
Total time: PT-489830H15M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 3-4 potatoes, depending on size), sliced 1/4″ thick; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (can use salted); 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried parsley for garnish

If you’re craving that ultra-creamy, cheesy comfort food without heating up your oven, you are going to love this Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely adore how effortlessly it comes together and how the slow cooker makes those potatoes perfectly tender with a rich, garlicky sauce. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep it as a go-to side for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a little taste of cozy happiness!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: This slow cooker recipe lets you prep and forget it until the cheesy magic happens.
Simple Ingredients: Classic pantry staples come together to create deep, comforting flavors.
Perfectly Tender Potatoes: Slow-cooking ensures every forkful melts in your mouth.
Family Favorite: My crew can’t get enough of these cheesy scalloped potatoes, and yours will too!

A close-up of a slow cooker full of a layered potato and cheese dish, with several layers of thin, round potato slices visible, each layer topped with melted golden-yellow cheese that has bubbly, slightly browned spots. The potatoes have crispy, light brown edges and are sprinkled with small green herb flakes and black pepper throughout. A silver spoon scoops a portion from the middle, lifting stacked slices of potatoes with melted cheese dripping between them. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe lies in using simple, quality ingredients that meld into indulgent layers. I always recommend fresh garlic and good sharp cheddar cheese for that punch of flavor.

Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for creamy scalloped dishes; I like to slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds rich, velvety body to the sauce—don’t skimp on it!
Low-sodium chicken broth: Balances the creaminess with a hint of savory depth without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: I use unsalted to control seasoning but salted works fine if that’s what you have.
Garlic cloves: Mince fresh for the best flavor punch; garlic powder just doesn’t compare here.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential seasonings—don’t underestimate their role!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar really brings the classic tang and gooey texture.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and depth to the cheese blend.
Dried parsley (optional): For a touch of color and mild herbal freshness when serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this recipe is so approachable that you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or what you have on hand. Play with cheeses or herbs — that’s the fun part!

Cheese Swap: I sometimes blend Monterey Jack or Gruyère with cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor that my family adores.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary during layering adds an amazing aroma and elegance.
Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative can make this allergy-friendly without sacrificing creaminess, though I haven’t personally tried this yet.
Make it Extra Garlicky: If you’re a garlic lover like me, upping the garlic cloves to 7 makes the dish sing.

How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Just Right

Start by washing and peeling your russet potatoes if you prefer (I sometimes leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients). Then slice them evenly about 1/4 inch thick—this thickness lets them cook through without turning to mush. A mandoline slicer is a lifesaver here—quick and uniform slices every time. Once sliced, set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and butter with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter fully melts and the mixture is fragrant and well blended. This is the magic that coats every slice in luscious flavor, so don’t rush it! You can also whisk it together in the microwave in short bursts—just be sure it doesn’t boil.

Step 3: Layer Everything into Your Crock Pot

Now for the fun part—layering! Add about one-third of the potato slices in an even layer in the slow cooker. Pour roughly half a cup of that creamy sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat those layers two more times until all ingredients are used. This layering helps the flavors meld and the cheese create that divine crust and melt inside.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow or High and Quick

Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I love the low setting because it gives the potatoes extra time to soak up all those flavors and become fork-tender without drying out. Keep an eye on it towards the end; if you notice a little too much liquid, you can remove the lid for the last 15-30 minutes to thicken everything up.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your potatoes are perfectly tender and the top is bubbly and golden, sprinkle a teaspoon of dried parsley for a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Uniform Slicing: I learned the hard way that uneven potato slices cook unevenly, so take a little extra time on this.
Avoid Watery Sauce: Don’t boil the cream mixture—slow melting keeps it silky rather than separating.
Layer Cheese Last: Cheese on top ensures a melty, golden finish that’s irresistible.
Check Doneness Early: Potatoes can cook faster depending on thickness and slow cooker model; start testing with a fork 30 minutes before minimum cook time.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

This dish shows several layers of thin potato slices, browned on the edges, stacked inside a dark pot. Each layer is covered with melted yellow cheese that has a slightly shiny and bubbly texture, with specks of black pepper and green herbs scattered on top. The spoon is lifting some of the cheesy potato slices, showing their soft texture and the creamy sauce underneath, which is light yellow and smooth. The overall look is warm and cheesy with a mix of yellow, brown, and green colors throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of dried parsley—adds that bright contrast in color—and sometimes a small handful of chopped fresh chives for a mild oniony pop. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving goes a long way too!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a green veggie like sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli. It’s such a rich, cheesy side that something fresh and crisp balances the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when I’m feeling festive, I’ll spoon this into individual ramekins to serve as personal portions—makes it feel extra special. You can also layer the potatoes with thin slices of ham or bacon for a hearty twist that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. I find they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Reheated gently, they taste almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture holds up well, but the sauce can thicken — just stir gently when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings; add a sprinkle of water if it seems dry to recover that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness and ability to absorb flavors, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier and buttery texture. Just be aware they may hold their shape more and need a bit longer to cook.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. I sometimes leave the skin on for added nutrients and rustic texture, but if you prefer smooth scalloped potatoes, go ahead and peel them. Just wash well if you keep the skins.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before cooking?

Yes! You can assemble the layers in the crock pot the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then just pop it in the slow cooker the next day. Cooking times may be slightly longer since ingredients start cold.
What’s the best way to prevent the potatoes from drying out?

Make sure to include the butter and cream mixture generously, and cook covered to trap steam. Avoid stirring during cooking as it can break up potatoes and release more starch.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind most crock pots are smaller, so you may need to cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the extra layers.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s become my secret weapon for busy weeknights or when I want a comforting, decadent side dish with minimal effort. Once I discovered how slow cooking these potatoes keeps them creamy and flavorful without constant babysitting, I never looked back. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker turn into something downright magical. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds, guaranteed!