Marianne Martinez
Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side dish that can be easily prepared in a crock pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners, as it requires minimal preparation and can be cooked slowly, resulting in creamy and cheesy potatoes. The crock pot method also frees up your oven for preparing other dishes. This recipe can be made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, such as potatoes, cheese, cream, and seasonings. By layering the ingredients and cooking them slowly, you can achieve tender, flavourful scalloped potatoes that are sure to impress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side Dish |
| Ingredients | Potatoes, Cheese, Cream, Chicken Broth, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Butter, Onion, Meat (optional) |
| Cheese Options | Sharp Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, Gruyere |
| Meat Options | Chopped Ham, Fried Mushrooms, Leftover Ground Beef or Taco Meat, Bacon |
| Cook Time | 4-5 hours on high, 7-8 hours on low |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days |
| Freezing | Can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container |
| Dairy Alternatives | Use plant-based cream and cheese for a vegan version |
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What You'll Learn
Layering potatoes and cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start layering, gather and prepare your ingredients. For the potatoes, russet potatoes are a common choice, but you can use any variety you prefer. Thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking. For the cheese, cheddar is a classic option, and sharp cheddar or sharp white cheddar adds extra flavour. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, or Gruyere, a type of Swiss cheese with a nutty flavour.
Step 2: Layering Process
Start by layering the sliced potatoes in the crock pot. You can typically create about three layers of potatoes, depending on the size and depth of your crock pot. After adding the first layer of potatoes, drizzle or pour the cream mixture over them. You can use a simple mixture of cream, milk, or plant-based alternatives, seasoned with garlic and salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle your chosen cheese generously over this layer. Repeat this layering process, covering each layer of potatoes with the cream mixture and cheese.
Step 3: Cooking
Once you've completed the layering, cover the crock pot with its lid and begin the cooking process. The cooking time will depend on the heat setting you choose. Cook your scalloped potatoes on high heat for 3 to 5 hours or on low heat for 5 to 8 hours. They are ready when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Serving
When the potatoes are cooked, turn off the heat and let them rest for about 20 minutes before serving. This step helps set and thicken the creamy sauce. You can garnish the scalloped potatoes with parsley for added freshness and colour. Scalloped potatoes pair well with various main dishes, including meats like roast turkey, ham, or chicken. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes!
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Choosing the right cheese
Scalloped potatoes are traditionally baked in a milk or cream sauce without cheese. However, some recipes include cheese, which technically makes them au gratin potatoes. When choosing the cheese for scalloped potatoes, it's essential to consider the flavour profile you want to achieve and the melting properties of the cheese.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for scalloped potatoes as it adds a sharp, distinct flavour. Gruyere is another commonly used cheese that pairs well with cheddar or can be used on its own. Gruyere has a slightly nutty and sweet flavour and melts well, making it ideal for scalloped potatoes. Other cheese options include Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, or Provolone, which can add a salty and nutty flavour to the dish.
When selecting a cheese, it's also important to consider the quality and freshness of the product. Look for cheese that is firm, has a smooth texture, and is free from mould or discolouration. It's also essential to taste the cheese beforehand to ensure it complements the other flavours in your scalloped potato dish.
Additionally, you can experiment with different cheese combinations to find your preferred flavour profile. For example, combining Gruyere with Parmigiano-Reggiano can create a unique, flavourful dish. You can also try using plant-based cheese as a vegan alternative, which will have a slightly different flavour and texture than dairy cheese.
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Preparing the crock pot
Next, you'll want to prepare your ingredients. For scalloped potatoes, you'll need thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, or Gruyere. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can use plant-based cream and cheese. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, salt, and pepper, and onions for extra flavor.
Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start layering them in the crock pot. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a drizzle of the cream mixture and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, or until you've reached the top of your crock pot. You can typically do about three layers of potatoes.
After you've added your final layer of potatoes, pour the remaining cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with more cheese. You can also add any additional toppings or ingredients at this point, such as parsley or meat.
Now, your crock pot is almost ready to go! Simply cover it with the lid and set the temperature and timer according to your recipe. Scalloped potatoes typically cook on high for 3-5 hours or on low for 5-8 hours, depending on your preference.
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Reheating and storing
Reheating scalloped potatoes:
Scalloped potatoes can be reheated in the oven, in a slow cooker, or in the microwave. For individual portions, use the oven at 300–325 °F for 20–30 minutes, or the microwave at 50% power for 3–5 minutes. The oven yields the best results, but the microwave is faster. Larger portions can be reheated in the oven at 300–325 °F for 60–90 minutes, depending on size. If you're reheating a full cooked tray of scalloped potatoes, you can also use a slow cooker. It will take about 20–30 minutes to reheat the potatoes, but your turkey won't get cold in that time—it will just firm up and be easier to carve.
Storing scalloped potatoes:
Scalloped potatoes can be prepared a couple of days ahead of time. They will hold their heat for up to 45 minutes, so you can prepare them early if you need the oven space. Let them cool, covered, for at least 20 minutes before serving, as this will help the sauce thicken. They can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours, but any longer is risky as potatoes are a good medium for bacterial growth. After two hours, they should be refrigerated.
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Serving suggestions
Scalloped potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals and occasions. They are perfect for potlucks and holidays, especially when oven space is limited. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
Holidays and Special Occasions
Scalloped potatoes are an excellent side dish for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Serve them alongside oven-roasted turkey, baked ham, or other roasted meats. They are also a great option for Easter dinner, freeing up oven space for other dishes.
Meat Dishes
Scalloped potatoes pair well with various meat dishes. Serve them with grilled meat, pork chops, steaks, meatloaf, or BBQ meatballs. They are also a tasty side for baked chicken leg quarters or oven-baked chicken drumsticks. For a hearty meal, try scalloped potatoes with teriyaki pork tenderloin or a sizzling steak.
Casseroles and Comfort Food
Scalloped potatoes can be part of a comforting casserole-style meal. Try them with ham and au gratin potatoes or other cheesy dishes. They are also a great replacement for mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, providing a creamy and indulgent texture.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Scalloped potatoes are a convenient and tasty option for potlucks and gatherings. They can be made in advance and transported easily in portable cookware. Their creamy sauce and cheesy flavour make them a crowd-pleasing side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Weeknight Meals
Don't reserve scalloped potatoes just for special occasions—they are also perfect for busy weeknights. Prepare them in your slow cooker while you focus on other dishes. Their simplicity and versatility make them a convenient side dish for any family dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
Scalloped potatoes will cook in 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for scalloped potatoes. Its sharpness provides the perfect bite and it melts beautifully.
You can typically do about 3 layers of thinly sliced potatoes.
Scalloped potatoes are traditionally sliced potatoes layered with cream. Au gratin potatoes layer in lots of cheese as well as cream.
Leftover scalloped potatoes can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
