Au Gratin Potato Recipe Crock Pot combines soft potatoes, buttery cream, and melted cheese for a smooth, comforting side ready to impress.
Ingredients for Au Gratin Potato Recipe Crock Pot
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) | 6 medium, thinly sliced | Give a creamy, soft texture perfect for slow cooker au gratin potatoes. |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups | Adds rich, sharp flavor and that golden cheesy top. |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Creates the silky, creamy cheese sauce for au gratin potatoes. |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Adds smoothness and enhances flavor. |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Builds aromatic depth in the creamy cheesy potatoes in slow cooker. |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ½ cup | Adds subtle sweetness. |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances and lifts the flavor. |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp | Provides mild heat and aroma. |
| Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup | Optional, for an extra cheesy crust. |
How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Crock Pot Style
1. Prep the potatoes
Wash, peel (optional) and slice 6 medium potatoes very thin , about 1/8. Even slices ensure thinly sliced potatoes cook uniformly.
2. Make the cheese sauce
Melt 3 tbsp butter, sauté ½ cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and warm, then stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar until smooth , this is your cheese sauce for au gratin potatoes.
3. Layer in the Crock Pot
Grease the insert. Add a single layer of potatoes, spoon sauce, repeat. Proper layering potatoes and cheese in crock pot guarantees even melting and flavor.
4. Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until potatoes are fork-tender and sauce is bubbly, key for the classic slow cooker au gratin potatoes texture.
5. Rest and serve
Let rest 10 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
Use Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or Russet potatoes for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Both absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Slice Evenly
Keep each slice about ⅛ inch thick to ensure even cooking throughout your slow cooker au gratin potatoes.
3. Don’t Skip the Cheese Blend
Mix cheddar with a bit of Parmesan for a deeper, tangy flavor in your creamy cheesy potatoes in slow cooker.
4. Avoid Watery Sauce
Use the right ratio of cream and cheese, and avoid excess liquid.
What to Serve with Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Crock Pot
| Main Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Roast Beef or Prime Rib | The rich flavor of beef pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of slow cooker au gratin potatoes. |
| Baked Ham | The salty, smoky notes of ham balance the cheesy, buttery sauce beautifully. |
| Grilled Chicken or Turkey | A lighter option that complements the creamy cheesy potatoes in slow cooker without overpowering them. |
| Meatloaf or Pork Chops | Adds a comforting, homestyle touch to your meal. |
| Green Beans or Steamed Broccoli | A crisp veggie side to balance the richness of the creamy potato casserole in crock pot. |
Variations
- Bacon & Cheddar, Layer crisp bacon bits between potatoes for smoky flavor.
- Ham & Swiss, Add diced ham and shredded Swiss for a hearty creamy cheesy potatoes in slow cooker meal.
- Broccoli & Cheddar, Stir in lightly steamed florets before cooking for a balanced veggie touch.
- Caramelized Onion Blend, Sweet onions add richness to the creamy potato casserole in crock pot.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal | Balanced for a filling side dish in the Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Crock Pot. |
| Protein | 14 g | From milk, cheese, and cream , supports a satisfying meal. |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g | Primarily from potatoes; provides comfort and energy. |
| Fat | 20 g | Adds richness and creamy mouthfeel. |
| Sodium | 550 mg | Can be reduced using low-sodium cheese or butter. |
| Calcium | 25% DV | From the cheese sauce for au gratin potatoes. |
FAQs
Q1. Can I prepare this Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Crock Pot ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the potatoes and make the cheese sauce a day earlier. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day for fresh, creamy results.
Q2. Which cheese melts best for slow cooker au gratin potatoes?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor, while adding a little mozzarella gives a smooth, stretchy texture.
Q3. How long should I cook au gratin potatoes in a Crock Pot?
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, depending on thickness.
