Introduction
This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, savory diced ham, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce slowly cook together in your crockpot for a creamy, satisfying dish.
It is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, Sunday family meals, or whenever you want a warm and comforting homemade side dish without using valuable oven space.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours on High / 7–8 hours on Low |
| Total Time | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Slow Cooker Size | 6-quart |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker potato recipe is incredibly convenient because the crockpot does most of the work for you.
The thinly sliced potatoes become tender while slowly absorbing the creamy cheddar sauce, garlic, onion, and savory flavor from the ham.
Using a slow cooker also frees up valuable oven space, making this recipe particularly useful during holiday dinners when several dishes need to be prepared at once.
It is an affordable comfort food recipe that is also a great way to use leftover cooked ham.
The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and savory ham makes this a family-friendly dish that works beautifully as both a hearty side dish and a comforting main meal.
Ingredients
🥔 Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes | 3 lbs / 1.36 kg | Thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick |
| Cooked ham | 2 cups | Diced |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
🧀 Homemade Cheese Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2½ cups, divided |
🌿 Seasonings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly golden.
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly.
Continue whisking for approximately 3–5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Slice the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes if desired.
Slice them evenly into approximately ⅛-inch / 3 mm slices.
A mandoline slicer can make this process easier and helps ensure that the potatoes cook at the same rate.
Build the First Layer
Arrange approximately one-third of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add one-third of the diced ham and one-third of the diced onion.
Pour approximately one-third of the cheese sauce evenly over the layer.
Continue Layering
Repeat the same process twice more.
Add another layer of potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese sauce.
Finish with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and sauce.
Try to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the slow cooker.
Slow Cook the Potatoes
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on High for approximately 4 hours or on Low for 7–8 hours.
The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Avoid opening the lid frequently because this allows heat and steam to escape.
Add the Remaining Cheese
During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt completely.
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the slow cooker once the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted.
Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Best Tips
Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible.
A mandoline slicer set to approximately ⅛ inch is particularly helpful for creating uniform slices.
Freshly grate the cheddar from a block whenever possible. It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the slow cooker covered throughout most of the cooking process.
Avoid opening the lid repeatedly because each opening releases accumulated heat and steam.
For the best texture, choose Yukon Gold potatoes if you want slices that hold their shape while remaining creamy.
Best Ingredient Options
🥔 Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they have a naturally creamy texture and tend to hold their shape well.
Russet potatoes create a softer, more traditional scalloped potato texture.
🧀 Cheese
Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides a rich, classic cheese flavor.
For a more gourmet variation, substitute part of the cheddar with Gruyère.
Monterey Jack can also be used when you want an especially smooth and mild cheese sauce.
🍖 Ham
Cooked smoked ham adds a delicious savory flavor.
Leftover holiday ham works particularly well in this recipe.
For an alternative, diced cooked turkey sausage can be used.
Recipe Variations
🌶️ Spicy Version
Add thinly sliced jalapeños to the layers.
You can also add a small amount of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
🧀 Extra-Cheesy Version
Add an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese during the final stage of cooking.
You can also combine cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
🌿 Herb Version
Add dried or fresh thyme, parsley, or chives to the cheese sauce for additional flavor.
🥕 Vegetable Version
Add thinly sliced carrots or small amounts of broccoli between the potato layers for extra vegetables.
What to Serve With
Because these scalloped potatoes are rich and creamy, they pair especially well with fresh vegetables and crisp salads.
Serve them with a green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Steamed green beans are another excellent side dish.
Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots also complement the savory cheese and ham flavors beautifully.
For a complete family dinner, serve the potatoes alongside roasted chicken or another favorite protein.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance.
Slice the potatoes and place them completely under cold water.
Cover and refrigerate them to help prevent browning.
Before assembling the casserole, drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
This step is important because excess water can dilute the cheese sauce.
Prepare the cheese sauce shortly before assembling the slow cooker.
Storage
Allow leftover scalloped potatoes to cool slightly.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For convenient meal preparation, divide leftovers into individual containers before refrigerating.
Reheating
For individual portions, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish.
Cover loosely and microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring or checking between intervals, until thoroughly heated.
For larger portions, transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish.
Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F / 175°C for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Adding a small splash of milk before reheating can help restore some of the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Freezing
These scalloped potatoes can be frozen, although dairy-based sauces may change slightly in texture after thawing.
Allow the cooked potatoes to cool completely.
Transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For the best texture, stir gently after reheating to redistribute the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slicing the potatoes too thick: Thick slices may remain firm in the center even after several hours of slow cooking.
Using uneven slices: Different thicknesses can cause some potatoes to become overcooked while others remain firm.
Opening the lid repeatedly: Every time the lid is removed, heat and steam escape, which can extend the cooking time.
Adding too much liquid: The potatoes release moisture as they cook, so excessive liquid can make the finished dish watery.
Using cold cheese sauce: A warm, freshly prepared cheese sauce distributes more easily between the potato layers.
Skipping the resting period: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes makes it easier to serve and lets the sauce settle.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients, brands, portion sizes, and amount of cheese or ham used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw potatoes directly into a slow cooker?
Yes.
Thinly sliced raw potatoes can cook directly in the slow cooker.
For this recipe, cook them on High for approximately 4 hours or Low for 7–8 hours, until they are completely fork-tender.
Why are my crockpot scalloped potatoes watery?
Excess moisture can come from the potatoes, cheese sauce, or condensation inside the slow cooker.
Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly and avoid adding unnecessary liquid.
Allowing the finished dish to rest for several minutes can also help the sauce thicken.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No.
There is no need to boil the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker.
Thin slices cook thoroughly during the slow-cooking process while absorbing the creamy cheese sauce.
Can I use Russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes.
Russet potatoes work very well and produce a softer, more traditional scalloped potato texture.
Yukon Gold potatoes tend to hold their shape better and have a naturally creamy texture.
Can I use another cheese?
Absolutely.
Sharp cheddar can be combined with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or another good melting cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe for a holiday dinner?
Yes.
One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is that it frees your oven for other holiday dishes.
The recipe is especially convenient for Thanksgiving-style dinners, Christmas gatherings, and large family meals.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe brings classic comfort food to your table with very little hands-on effort.
Tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy homemade cheddar sauce, garlic, and onion create a rich and satisfying combination that is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Whether you are using leftover holiday ham or simply looking for an easy slow cooker side dish, this recipe is a delicious addition to your weekly meal plan.
Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner, holiday gathering, or Sunday family meal.