Indulge in our creamy Crock Pot Au Gratin Potatoes with this easy recipe. Transforming simple ingredients into a delicious side dish, thinly sliced potatoes are layered with shredded cheese and seasoned heavy cream, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for both casual family dinners and more holiday gatherings.
This hearty comfort food is not only incredibly satisfying, but it is also remarkably simple to prepare. Our recipe was created with the comforting flavors that everyone loves without the hassle of traditional preparation methods.
You can plan to thinly slice the potatoes with a mandolin, food processor or by hand with a knife. Plus, included in the recipe, you can find helpful tips and variations to further customize this potato dish to your liking.
By layering the potatoes with a handful of kitchen staples and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly make this recipe during busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let the crockpot do the work while you enjoy spending time with friends and family!
These slow cooker au gratin potatoes offer a convenient yet irresistibly delicious way to elevate family meals or your guests’ experience.
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save/Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. Their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes sliced thinly
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ✅
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make Au Gratin Potatoes in Crock Pot
Add the cream, cornstarch, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a small mixing bowl. Blend well.
Use a fork, spoon or whisk to blend together the mixture until creamy. If you have a young chef helping in the kitchen, instruct them to hold on to the side of the bowl or handle to prevent spilling the ingredients.
Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This is key to prevent ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker insert. You can also use a crockpot liner if available.
Next, add 1/3 of the sliced potatoes, 1/3 of the cheese, then 1/3 of the cream mixture. Repeat twice. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
Set the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Choose Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold up well in the slow cooker while also resulting in a creamier texture compared to other potato varieties.
- Slice Evenly: Regardless of how you decide to slice the potatoes, aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. A mandolin is convenient to achieve uniformity but is not required.
- Peel or Not To Peel: It is a personal preference whether you want to spend the energy peeling the potatoes. If you have a young chef looking to learn how to peel potatoes safely, this can be a great learning experience. Otherwise, to save time, skip over peeling and slice the potatoes as is.
- Always Layer: Layer the ingredients to ensure every bite is filled with flavor as this helps to thoroughly cook the potatoes.
- Check for Doneness: Test the potatoes before turning off the slow cooker by inserting a knife or fork into the center. The potatoes should be tender but not falling apart or difficult to pierce.
- Garnish Before Serving: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and added freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper are also two delicious garnishes.
Variations
Loaded Crockpot Potatoes: Follow the recipe as written, but add crispy bacon crumbles and chopped green onions between each layer of potatoes. Once cooked, garnish with additional bacon bits, shredded cheese and dollops of sour cream.
Garlic Parmesan Au Gratin Potatoes: Replace the shredded cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan cheese while also tossing parmesan cheese into the cream mixture for more flavor.
Three Cheese Slow Cooker Potatoes: Instead of solely cooking with sharp cheddar cheese, use 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, 2 ounces of Gruyere cheese and 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese for a flavorful cheesy blend. You can also mix in 1/4 teaspoon of dried mustard or 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to further elevate the flavor.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
We enjoy serving this au gratin potato recipe as a side dish to complement the main entree. Here are some delicious options to pair with crock pot cheesy potatoes:
- Chicken: BBQ Chicken Thighs In The Oven, Boiled Whole Chicken, Mayonnaise Baked Chicken Thighs, Boneless Turkey Breast Roast, Broiled Chicken Breasts
- Pork: Spiral Ham, Ham Steaks, Thin Pork Chops, Sheet Pan Pork Chops, Baked Pork Chops
- Beef: No Peek Beef Tips, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Sirloin Steak in Oven, Broiled Flank Steak, Crockpot Meatloaf
- Fish: Oven Broiled Fish, Air Fry Frozen Fish Fillets, Salmon Bites, Boiled Shrimp, Oven Baked Salmon in Foil
These grilled, air-fried, baked, and broiled proteins provide a variety of options that complement the richness of the creamy au gratin potatoes. Round out the meal with a savory vegetable such as asparagus, broccolini or cauliflower for a nutrient boost!
Frequently Asked Questions
These au gratin potatoes can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on whether you are cooking on low or high. This provides flexibility depending on the day and your schedule.
Au gratin potatoes feature cheese while scalloped potatoes do not. Instead, scalloped potatoes are typically made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter and spices.
Prevent watery potatoes by ensuring the potato slices are dry before layering as they can retain moisture. You also want to ensure you are using a starchy potato like a Russet or Yukon Gold because the starch helps to thicken the creamy sauce that is poured between each layer. Lastly, if the recipe is not cooked long enough, the sauce will not thicken properly, resulting in a watery consistency. In this case, continue to cook until the potatoes cook and sauce thickens.
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them in the slow cooker. Simply cover the insert with foil or plastic wrap then refrigerate until ready to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the dish is chilled.
Wait to slice the potatoes or submerge in a bowl of water stored in the fridge until you are ready to use if slicing in advance.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store your au gratin potatoes, first, let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking pan or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and they can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze crockpot au gratin potatoes. To do so, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to airtight freezer bags.
Frozen au gratin potatoes can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor should remain intact.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Make sure to use caution when handling sharp knives or a mandolin in the kitchen. Always have adult supervision and wear a cut glove when working with sharp kitchen tools.
- Rinse the potatoes before getting starting by running under water to remove any dirt. You can dry each potato with a paper towel before slicing them to remove any excess debris.
- It is important to layer ingredients when making homemade au gratin potatoes. Alternate the ingredients as instructed in the recipe to create a creamy dish.
More Crockpot Potato Recipes
- Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
- Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Crock Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
Equipment
- mandolin or food processor
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes sliced thinly
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ✅
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅
Instructions
- Blend the cream mixture. Add the cream, cornstarch, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a small mixing bowl. Blend well.
- Layer the ingredients. Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Add 1/3 of the sliced potatoes, 1/3 of the cheese, then 1/3 of the cream mixture. Repeat twice. Cover the crockpot.
- Bake. Set the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
Video
Notes
- Choose Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold up well in the slow cooker while also resulting in a creamier texture compared to other potato varieties.
- Slice Evenly: Regardless of how you decide to slice the potatoes, aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. A mandolin can be very convenient to achieve uniformity but is not required.
- Peel or Not To Peel: It is personal preference whether you want to spend the energy peeling the potatoes. If you have a young chef looking to learn how to peel potatoes safety, this can be a great learning experience. Otherwise, to save time, skip over peeling and slice the potatoes as is.
- Always Layer: Layering the ingredients helps to ensure every bite is filled with flavor and it also helps to thoroughly cook the potatoes.
- Check for Doneness: Test the potatoes before turning off the slow cooker by inserting a knife or fork into the center. The potatoes should be tender but not falling apart or difficult to pierce.
- Garnish Before Serving: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and added freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper are also two delicious garnishes.
Nutrition
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A says
I had to cook them a bit longer on high… 4 hrs. But very tasty