Description
Creamy slow cooker scalloped potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Rich layers of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory cream promise a delightful side dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or red-skinned potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
- ½ large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¾ teaspoon salt (divided, or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Caramelize onions in a skillet with melted butter, gently cooking until they turn translucent and develop a soft, golden edge, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Craft a velvety cheese sauce by whisking together cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
- Prepare the slow cooker by generously coating the interior with non-stick spray, then create the first potato layer, carefully arranging half of the sliced potatoes and seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt.
- Distribute the sautéed onions evenly across the potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage, then generously drench the layer with half of the prepared cheese sauce.
- Construct the second potato tier by laying the remaining slices atop the first layer, seasoning again with salt, and thoroughly drenching with the remaining cheese sauce and an additional stream of heavy cream.
- Strategically place paper towels across the slow cooker’s surface to capture excess moisture, preventing watery potatoes while maintaining optimal cooking conditions.
- Select your preferred cooking tempo: high heat for 4-5 hours or low heat for 7-8 hours, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld.
- Approximately midway through cooking, crown the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Confirm doneness by testing potato tenderness and ensuring the cheese has transformed into a luxurious, molten blanket.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Slice potatoes and chop onions in advance to reduce day-of cooking time and make the process smoother.
- Moisture Management: Paper towels under the lid are crucial for preventing watery potatoes by absorbing excess condensation during slow cooking.
- Cheese Strategy: Add extra cheese halfway through cooking to ensure a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping without overcooking.
- Seasoning Tip: Layering salt between potato layers helps distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Flexibility Factor: This recipe adapts well to low or high slow cooker settings, making it convenient for different schedules and meal planning.
- Creamy Texture Secret: The combination of heavy cream and cheese sauce creates a rich, luxurious consistency that makes these scalloped potatoes irresistibly good.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 548mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 89mg