Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food
A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender potatoes layered with creamy cheese sauce and smoky bacon, perfect for easy family meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 200 g)
- 1½ cups heavy cream (360 ml)
- 1 cup milk, whole or 2% (240 ml)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (about 55 g)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Slice into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Set aside.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be silky and slightly thickened.
- Lightly spray or butter the slow cooker insert. Layer potatoes on the bottom, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle some crumbled bacon and shredded cheese over the potatoes. Pour a few spoonfuls of cream sauce to cover the layer gently.
- Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
- If sauce seems too thin near the end, uncover and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to settle.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or chives on top if desired before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. To get a golden top, finish under a broiler for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. Rotate slow cooker insert halfway through cooking for even heat. Pre-cook bacon until crispy to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 12
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, slow cooker, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, loaded potatoes, bacon, easy recipe, family meal