Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious side dish that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This slow cooker au gratin potato recipe is your answer. Forget hours spent babysitting a casserole dish in the oven; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, freeing you up to enjoy your evening. It’s the perfect side for any occasion, transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a special meal, or adding elegance to a holiday feast. Get ready to experience au gratin potatoes like never before – creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably easy!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Layer the goodness:
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer half of the sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly.
- Sprinkle half of the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and garlic.
The creamy sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the potato layers.
Cheese please:
- Dot the top of the potatoes with the small pieces of butter.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the butter.
- Finally, top with the shredded Gruyère cheese.
Slow cook to perfection:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness towards the end of the cooking time.
Serve and enjoy:
- Let the au gratin potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and comforting side dish!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes:
- Thinly sliced potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer will ensure even cooking and prevent any potatoes from remaining undercooked.
- Don't overfill: Avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. This can prevent even cooking and result in soggy potatoes.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Fontina, Swiss, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses would be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient quantities. However, expect a serving to contain a moderate amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates. This dish is rich in calcium and protein from the cheese and dairy products.
Variations:
- Bacon Au Gratin: Add crispy cooked bacon to the layers for extra flavor and texture.
- Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cream mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic! No one will complain about extra garlicky goodness.
- Spicy kick: A dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice spicy kick.
This slow cooker au gratin potato recipe offers a simple, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy this classic side dish. The creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!