Description
Creamy slow cooker scalloped potatoes combine layers of tender potatoes with rich cheese and herbs. Hearty side dishes rarely reach such comforting depths of flavor and simplicity for home cooks who appreciate classic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon gold potatoes or red-skinned potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 10.5 oz (298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Onion Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet and caramelize onions until translucent and golden, developing rich flavor and soft texture.
- Cheese Sauce Creation: Whisk together cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Slow Cooker Foundation: Thoroughly spray slow cooker with non-stick spray, then layer half the potato slices, seasoning lightly with salt and creating an even base.
- Initial Layer Assembly: Distribute sautéed onions across potato foundation, then pour half the cheese sauce evenly, ensuring complete coverage and flavor integration.
- Final Layer Construction: Add remaining potato slices, season with salt, then completely cover with remaining cheese sauce and an additional cream drizzle for enhanced richness.
- Moisture Management: Place paper towels across slow cooker surface to absorb excess liquid and maintain ideal cooking environment.
- Cooking Process: Select cooking method – high heat for 4-5 hours or low heat for 7-8 hours, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to harmonize.
- Final Cheese Topping: Midway through cooking, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, bubbling crust that adds visual and flavor complexity.
- Completion Check: Verify doneness by testing potato tenderness and ensuring cheese has melted into a luxurious, appetizing covering.
Notes
- Prevent Watery Potatoes: Place paper towels under the lid to absorb excess moisture, ensuring a creamy, thick texture.
- Onion Caramelization Tip: Take time to slowly cook onions until golden, enhancing the dish’s deep, rich flavor profile.
- Cheese Sauce Strategy: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats potatoes evenly and adds creamy richness.
- Optimal Cooking Flexibility: Choose between high (4-5 hours) or low (7-8 hours) heat settings to accommodate your schedule while achieving perfectly tender potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 427
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 705 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg