Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, Comforting Holiday Side Dish

On December 25, 2025, as families come together for Christmas dinner, few side dishes bring as much comfort and joy to the table as Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic casserole features thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, slow-cooked to tender perfection, and finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. It’s the ultimate hands-off holiday side—set it in the morning and let your crockpot do all the work while you focus on the main course, gifts, or spending time with loved ones.

What makes this version extraordinary is the convenience of the slow cooker combined with restaurant-quality flavor. No boiling potatoes ahead of time, no constant stirring—just layer, pour, and walk away. The result is ultra-creamy potatoes with layers of melted cheddar and a hint of garlic and onion for depth. The cheese sauce clings to every slice, creating that irresistible pull-apart texture everyone fights over.

This recipe serves 10-12 as a generous side, making it perfect for Christmas feasts, potlucks, or any large gathering. It’s easily doubled for bigger crowds and reheats beautifully for leftovers (if there are any!). Prep takes about 20 minutes, then it cooks low and slow for 6-8 hours, freeing up your oven for the ham, turkey, or prime rib.

Why This Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is Perfect for Christmas

Holiday cooking often means juggling oven space and timing. This slow cooker version solves that:

• Hands-Off Cooking: No babysitting required—ideal for busy Christmas mornings.
• Oven-Free: Leaves your oven open for roasting meats or baking desserts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and refrigerate, then cook in the morning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy potatoes are universally loved by kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly Elegance: Uses simple ingredients but tastes luxurious.
• Customizable: Add ham for a main dish, bacon for smokiness, or keep it vegetarian.
• Foolproof: Slow cooking ensures even tenderness without mushiness.

At around 350-400 calories per serving, it’s rich and satisfying—the perfect indulgent side for a special occasion like Christmas 2025.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 4 pounds (about 1.8kg) russet potatoes (8-10 medium), peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
• 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (optional, but recommended for flavor)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or substitute with more milk for lighter version)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1 ½ cups for sauce, ½ cup for topping)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyère or mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and subtle warmth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1 ½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• Additional black pepper or paprika

Equipment You’ll Need

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker (oval works best for layering)
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife (for thin, even potato slices)
• Large saucepan (for making the sauce)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onion

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly and evenly—about ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline makes this quick and consistent, ensuring even cooking. If slicing by hand, take your time for uniform thickness.

Slice the onion paper-thin. This adds subtle sweetness and flavor without overpowering.

To prevent browning, place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water as you work. Drain and pat dry with paper towels before layering—this removes excess starch and helps the sauce thicken properly.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce.

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar (and Gruyère if using) until completely melted and smooth.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—remember potatoes need seasoning.

The sauce should be pourable but thick. If too thick, add a splash of milk.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.

Place one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.

Top with one-third of the sliced onions and dot with a few pieces of butter.

Spoon one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading gently to cover.

Repeat the layers two more times: potatoes, onions, butter, sauce—ending with sauce on top.

Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure everything is submerged as much as possible.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cooking times vary by slow cooker—check at the minimum time.

The potatoes are done when fork-tender and the edges are bubbly.

Step 5: Add the Golden Cheese Topping

Once potatoes are tender, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

For a browned, bubbly top, transfer the insert (if oven-safe) to a 400°F (200°C) oven and broil for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Alternatively, leave as-is for a softer melted finish.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce set.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Serve warm alongside your Christmas ham, roast beef, or turkey.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Slice Evenly: Uniform slices are key to even cooking—no crunchy or mushy spots.
• Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Excess moisture waters down the sauce.
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded.
• Prevent Curdling: Don’t boil the sauce vigorously; low and slow keeps it smooth.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 30-60 minutes to cook time if starting cold.
• Thicker Sauce: For ultra-creamy results, use all heavy cream.
• Lighter Version: Use 2% milk and reduced-fat cheese, though texture may be less rich.
• Add Protein: Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken between layers for a complete meal.

Variations to Customize Your Dish

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

• Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes: Add 2 cups diced ham for a classic combo.
• Au Gratin Style: Mix in Parmesan and top with breadcrumbs before broiling.
• Loaded Version: Top with bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Include cayenne or diced jalapeños.
• Vegetable Boost: Layer in broccoli florets or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour in the roux.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Freeze for up to 2 months: Portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: ~450mg (varies with cheese and salt)

(Approximate values.)

Why This Dish Belongs on Your Christmas Table in 2025

As we celebrate Christmas on this joyful December 25, 2025, Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes represent everything wonderful about holiday cooking: comfort, convenience, and shared deliciousness. It’s a dish that fills your home with incredible aromas while requiring minimal effort—leaving you free to create memories with family and friends.

Whether served alongside a glazed ham, roasted turkey, or vegetarian mains, these creamy, cheesy potatoes will steal the show. They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday comfort. Make this recipe your new Christmas tradition—your guests will thank you, and you’ll love how easy it is.

Warm, creamy, and utterly irresistible—this slow cooker masterpiece is holiday magic in every bite. Merry Christmas!