Slow Cooker Cheddar Potato Gratin

Looking for the best slow cooker cheddar potato gratin? This 5-ingredient slow cooker potato gratin is rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Made with tender sliced potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety cream sauce, this comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners, BBQs, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and meal prep.

Unlike traditional oven-baked potato gratin, this slow cooker potato casserole requires minimal effort while delivering perfectly tender potatoes and gooey melted cheddar in every bite. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or roasted vegetables, this cheesy potato dish is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Gratin

• Only 5 simple ingredients
• Rich, creamy, cheesy comfort food
• Easy dump-and-layer slow cooker recipe
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners
• No oven required
• Budget-friendly recipe
• Great make-ahead side dish
• Naturally gluten-free (check cheese labels)

Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

• 3 pounds yellow potatoes, scrubbed and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the slow cooker

Instructions

1. Grease a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
2. Wash and slice the potatoes into even ¼-inch rounds. Avoid soaking them to preserve their natural starch, which helps create a creamy sauce.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer potatoes in the slow cooker, slightly overlapping each slice. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each layer. Repeat until all potatoes are used, reserving about 1 cup of cheese for the topping.
5. Slowly pour the seasoned cream evenly over the layered potatoes.
6. Cover and cook:
   • HIGH: 3½–4 hours
   • LOW: 6–7 hours
7. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes until melted.
8. Let the potato gratin rest on the WARM setting for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy sauce thicken and the layers hold together.

Serve warm with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, BBQ favorites, or a fresh green salad.

Recipe Tips

• Add garlic powder or dried onion for extra flavor.
• Mix cheddar with Gruyère or Colby Jack for a different cheese blend.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
• For a richer version, use all heavy cream.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat until hot.

Health Benefits

Although indulgent, this homemade potato gratin offers several nutritional benefits:

• Potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.
• Cheddar cheese supplies calcium and high-quality protein for healthy bones.
• Homemade recipes contain fewer preservatives than many packaged potato dishes.
• Slow cooking helps maintain moisture, producing tender potatoes without deep frying.
• Can be customized with lighter dairy or extra vegetables for a healthier version.