Tillie Doyle
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that can be made in a crock pot. They are easy to prepare and can be made with a handful of common ingredients. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with cheese and a creamy sauce, then cooked in the crock pot until tender and golden. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or bringing to a potluck. While boxed scalloped potatoes are convenient, making them from scratch in a crock pot ensures a creamy, delicious dish with minimal effort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of preparation | Easy to prepare, requiring very little work |
| Taste | Creamy, delicious, flavorful, and comforting |
| Ingredients | Potatoes, milk, cheese, onions, herbs, salt, pepper, garlic, mustard, cornstarch, spices, butter, chicken broth, cream of mushroom, heavy cream, thyme, paper towels, non-stick spray |
| Time | Can be cooked on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours |
| Cost | Budget-friendly |
| Transportability | Can be easily transported to parties or potlucks |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients
The ingredients for making scalloped potatoes in a crock pot include:
- Potatoes: It is recommended to use thin-skinned potatoes such as Yukon Gold, red, or yellow potatoes, which hold their shape and do not require peeling. However, you can also use Russet potatoes, although they should be peeled to maintain their shape.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, Asiago, or Jack.
- Milk: Evaporated milk or regular milk can be used.
- Spices and Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, or other spices of your choice.
- Onions: Thinly sliced onions add flavour to the dish.
- Other Ingredients: Some recipes suggest adding chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, butter, cornstarch, mustard, or even chopped ham (if precooked) for extra flavour and texture.
Remember, the beauty of cooking is that you can adjust the ingredients to your taste and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and additional ingredients to create your unique version of crockpot scalloped potatoes.
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Preparation
Ingredients
You can use boxed scalloped potatoes or make your own from scratch. If you are making it from scratch, the ingredients you will need are:
- Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes)
- Milk (evaporated milk works well)
- Cornstarch
- Mustard
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, etc.)
- Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, Colby, Swiss, Gruyere, etc.)
- Onion
- Butter
- Chicken broth
Equipment
- Crock pot/slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Mandoline (optional)
Method
First, grease your crock pot with oil, butter, or cooking spray. Then, layer the ingredients into the crock pot. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a drizzle of the cream mixture and a generous sprinkle of cheese. You can also add sliced onions if desired. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, creating layers of flavor.
If you are making the sauce on the stovetop, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add onions, cooking until slightly softened. Then, add the remaining sauce ingredients to the skillet and mix until combined.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. If desired, garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips
- To prevent the milk from curdling, make the sauce on the stovetop and then pour it over the potatoes in the crock pot.
- Place a layer of paper towels under the lid to absorb excess moisture and prevent the potatoes from becoming soupy.
- Use high heat to ensure the potatoes cook through and do not open the lid during the cooking process, as this can lead to undercooked potatoes.
- If you want to add meat to this dish, chopped ham can be added during the last half hour of cooking.
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Cooking
Crockpot scalloped potatoes are a quick and easy side dish to make from scratch with no boxed ingredients required. They are a great option for potlucks, holiday dinners, or family gatherings. The crockpot does all the hard work, leaving you with creamy, golden, and bubbly potato casserole.
Ingredients
Common ingredients required to make scalloped potatoes in a crockpot include:
- Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, red, or sweet potatoes)
- Milk (evaporated milk works well)
- Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, gouda, asiago, jack, or swiss)
- Onions
- Cornstarch
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
Preparation
- Grease the crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with oil, cooking spray, or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a drizzle of the cream mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this process, creating layers of flavor. You can also add onions to the layers for extra flavor.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender. If you prefer a crispier texture, cook on high for the last half hour.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with parsley for freshness and color. Serve the scalloped potatoes immediately while they are hot and cheesy.
Tips
- To prevent milk curdling, make the sauce on the stove first and then pour it over the potato slices in the crockpot.
- To avoid soupy potatoes, place a layer of paper towels under the lid to absorb excess moisture.
- Use high heat to ensure the potatoes cook through without becoming soupy.
- Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to prevent heat escape, which can lead to undercooked potatoes.
- Experiment with different types of potatoes and cheeses to find your preferred taste and texture.
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Serving
Once your scalloped potatoes are cooked, it's time to serve them. You can serve them as a side dish with grilled meat at a potluck or holiday dinner, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. They go well with oven-roasted turkey, baked ham, pork chops, steaks, classic meatloaf, BBQ meatballs, or baked chicken leg quarters. For a vegetarian option, scalloped potatoes can be served with corn off the cob or BBQ baked beans.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze scalloped potatoes for longer storage; they will last for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the top of your scalloped potatoes with paprika and/or shredded sharp cheese after cooking. If you want a toasted top, stick the dish under the broiler for a few minutes. However, dairy products can curdle in the crockpot, so be cautious if adding cheese.
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Storage
Leftover scalloped potatoes cooked in a crock pot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure that the container is airtight to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
For longer-term storage, scalloped potatoes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the potatoes in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer. To thaw, simply move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly.
When reheating scalloped potatoes, it is best to thaw them first if they have been frozen. Reheat the potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are heated through and reach a safe internal temperature. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are heated evenly and thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Additionally, scalloped potatoes can be stored in the crock pot itself if it has a warm setting. This can be convenient if you are serving the potatoes at a gathering and want to keep them warm for a longer period. Simply leave the potatoes in the crock pot on the warm setting, and they will stay at a safe temperature for several hours.
Proper storage of scalloped potatoes ensures food safety and maximizes their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish multiple times!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook boxed scalloped potatoes in a crock pot. However, many sources suggest making scalloped potatoes from scratch in a crock pot, which is easy and more flavorful.
Scalloped potatoes in a crock pot typically take 3-4 hours on high heat or 7-8 hours on low heat.
The ingredients needed are potatoes, milk or cream, cheese, onions, and spices. Some recipes also include chicken broth, garlic, and cornstarch or potato starch for the sauce.
