Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy comfort of scalloped potatoes — especially when you add crispy bacon into the mix! This Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon recipe delivers all the rich flavors you love without the hassle of oven baking. The slow cooker ensures perfectly tender potatoes layered in a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s infused with smoky bacon goodness. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Reserve a small amount of the bacon grease.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in the heavy cream until smooth. Add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses; stir until combined.
3. Layer the ingredients: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom. Top with onions, a bit of cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese sauce on top.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or until potatoes are tender and creamy.
5. Add final cheese topping: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a few extra bacon crumbles before serving warm.

Description

These slow cooker scalloped potatoes are rich, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful. Each layer of tender potato is coated in a creamy, smoky cheese sauce, making every bite irresistible. The bacon adds a satisfying crunch and saltiness that balances the creamy texture perfectly. It’s an easy “set it and forget it” recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty side dish worthy of any dinner table.

Tips

• Cheese choice: Substitute Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby for different flavor variations.
• Pre-cook the potatoes: For faster cooking, parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before layering.
• Crispy finish: If you like a browned top, transfer the finished dish to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2–3 minutes.
• Add veggies: Try adding spinach, broccoli, or caramelized onions for extra texture and nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Correction

If your potatoes turn out too watery, you may have used low-fat cream or not enough flour. Use full-fat cream and whisk the sauce thoroughly before layering. If the potatoes are still firm after 6 hours, continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30–45 minutes. Make sure your slices are uniformly thin for even cooking.