Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes are easy, creamy and cheesy.  They make a great side dish for holiday meals or for dinner any night of the week. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all have double ovens to help for the holidays? However, since not all of us have the room for double ovens we have to get a little creative.  That’s where the slow cooker comes in handy.  Let’s not talk about how many Crock Pots that I own.  I may or may not own four different slow cookers. 

My family loves cheese and potatoes mixed together. And, these slow cooker cheesy au gratin potatoes do not disappoint. I don’t just make them for holidays I also make them on weekdays for busy dinner nights along with a quick protein. 

Next time give this Copycat Chick-fil-a Mac and Cheese recipe a try.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

What is the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?  

The short answer is cheese!  Scalloped potatoes are usually coated in a creamy sauce that is flavored with garlic or herbs.  

On the other hand au gratin potatoes are cheesy.  In our household we LOVE cheese and therefore we always prefer au gratin potatoes over creamy scalloped potatoes. 

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! You can absolutely use russet potatoes or red potatoes instead of yukon gold potatoes. I prefer the creamy and buttery taste of yukon gold potatoes.  However, if you have red potatoes or russet potatoes on hand they will work just fine in your Crock Pot Au Gratin  Potatoes. 

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes? 

No.  Unfortunately potatoes just do not freeze well.  They just turn to mush and become a little soupy.  On top of the potatoes becoming mushy you also risk the cheese sauce separating.  So, it’s best to eat these potatoes fresh.

You can however store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Why did you put these potatoes in the oven? 

I moved these au gratin potatoes over to the oven because my family loves the crispy top of the potatoes. If you don’t care if your potatoes have a crispy topping you can just add the potatoes to your cheese sauce in your slow cooker and then serve from the slow cooker. 

What can I top these potatoes with?

• Sour cream
• Chives
• Cooked bacon
• Parsley
• Green onions
• Cooked diced ham
• Vegetables like broccoli or asparagus 

Slow cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

• Yukon Gold potatoes, cut crosswise into ¼” thick slices 
• heavy cream or half and half
• sour cream
• chicken or vegetable broth
• shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• salt & pepper
• garlic powder
• smoked paprika
• ground mustard

How To Make 

Spray the slow cooker insert with cooking oil. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking oil. 

Steps 1-2: Add the sliced potatoes and 1 cup of the broth to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cover and cook for 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high or until potatoes are tender (check halfway through for tenderness).

Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and place in the prepared casserole dish.

Steps 5-6: Add remaining broth, spices and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the slow cooker. Mix well. Keep the slow cooker on high until the cheese melts. 

Steps 7-8: Pour mixture over the potatoes in the casserole dish and toss gently to coat well. Sprinkle remaining cheese over potatoes.

Step 9: Preheat oven broiler. Place potatoes under a broiler until they are brown and bubbling. Remove and serve.

Cooking Tips

Place a layer of paper towels between your slow cooker lid and your slow cooker liner.  This will keep moisture for building up under your lid and dripping into your potatoes. 

If your slow cooker cooks slowly use the high setting to help your potatoes get tender. 

Leave the skins on your potatoes for a more rustic side dish

More Slow Cooker Recipes