Au Gratin Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe

This Crock Pot Au Gratin Potatoes recipe taste absolutely amazing. Skip the box mixes and make this easy crock pot recipe.

The cheese sauce is rich and creamy. Everything combines with the thinly sliced potatoes for the best side. Not only is it incredibly effortless but it tastes wonderful. You can also try our potatoes au gratin oven recipe, Sweet Potato Au Gratin or this Cauliflower au Gratin.

Learn How to Make Crockpot Pinto Beans to serve with these delicious Au Gratin Potatoes.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is perfect to make for a potluck or holiday gathering. It is so easy and a great way to free up oven space.

The dish turns out so tender and the cheese sauce is the best. Each bite is tender and so tasty.

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes – Peeled and sliced into 1/8” thick slices
• Butter – Use real butter in this recipe Margarine contains oil and can make the dish greasy. We used unsalted butter.
• Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute if you are out.
• Milk – We recommend using whole milk because of the flavor

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Type of Potatoes – Yukon Gold Potatoes or Russet Potatoes make great options for this recipe.
• Type of Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives this amazing flavor but you can also combine various types. Monterrey Jack and Sharp Cheddar combine perfectly.
• Spices Variations – Try adding other seasonings such as paprika to the potatoes.
• Milk Substitute – Heavy cream can be substituted for the milk in this recipe.

How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes in the Crock Pot

• Step 1 – Prepare the bottom of the slow cooker and the sides. Spray a 6 quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. 
• Step 2 – Melt the butter. You can use a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Add the flour and stir until combined.  Then whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. 

• Step 3 – Remove from heat. Then remove the saucepan from the heat and then immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.  
• Step 4 – Layer the potatoes. Then layer a ⅓ of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot.  Pour approximately ⅓ of the sauce on top of the potatoes.  Continue with these layers 2 more times. 

• Step 5 – Add paper towels on top. Place a few paper towels on top of the crock pot and then add the lid (this will soak up the extra moisture and make the top of the potatoes crispier). 

• Step 6 – Cover and cook. Then cook on high for 3-5 hours until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.  Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of the cook time to allow the sauce to thicken. 
• Step 7 – Garnish and serve. Then top with the fresh chopped parsley and the potatoes are ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Shredded Cheese – Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese so that it melts smoothly and evenly in this recipe. The texture will be so much smoother and creamier. Pre-shredded bags of cheese have additives that do not melt well.
• Slicing Potatoes – Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. This will ensure they cook at the same speed. If you have a Mandoline tool, this is the easiest way to slice the potatoes and ensure they are even. Each slice will be the exact same thickness.
• Crispy Topping Tip – Placing a layer of paper towels under the crock pot lid helps to make the top crispy like oven baked au gratin potatoes. This trick is super handy.
• Prepare Slow Cooker – Generously spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. You can also use crock pot liners. Either option will greatly help with clean up.
• Rest Potatoes – Allow the potatoes to sit before serving. This will give the potatoes time to thicken.
• Cooking Flour – Cook the flour with the butter for the required 2 to 3 minutes. This will help to remove the flour taste from the mixture. It also helps the flour to act as a thickening agent which results in a thick and creamy sauce.
• Cooking Sauce – Prevent the sauce from curdling by using medium high heat on the stove top.
• Peeling Potatoes – You can peel the potatoes or leave the peeling on.

Serving Suggestions

These Au Gratin Potatoes are a delicious side dish recipe for a weeknight meal or for your holiday dinner.

• Slow Cooker Whole Turkey
• Crockpot Spiral Ham
• Slow Cooker Prime Rib
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