Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Introduction

Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish made even easier and more convenient thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. This recipe delivers creamy, tender, and perfectly layered scalloped potatoes with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker gently simmers the potatoes in a rich, cheesy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is the perfect dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

The first time I made Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes, I was impressed by how simple yet elegant the recipe was. The process of layering the potatoes and sauce in the slow cooker felt almost meditative. As the potatoes cooked, the aroma of creamy cheese and tender potatoes filled the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The final result was nothing short of perfect – each slice of scalloped potatoes was creamy, tender, and bursting with flavor.

What I love most about this recipe is its set-it-and-forget-it nature. Once the potatoes are layered in the slow cooker, you can simply set it and go about your day. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or for entertaining when you want to focus on other aspects of your meal. You can customize the recipe by adding different types of cheese, incorporating herbs, or even including a layer of ham or bacon for added flavor. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for

• Holiday gatherings (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Potlucks
• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Easy entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Here’s why Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes will become your new go-to recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work, requiring minimal hands-on time.
• Creamy and Tender Texture: The slow, gentle cooking process ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of potatoes, cheese, and cream creates a comforting and irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
• Convenient and Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker until serving.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily customized with different types of cheese, herbs, or other additions to suit your personal preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes:

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor that makes them ideal for scalloped potatoes.
• Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the Gruyere and adds depth to the dish.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Ground Nutmeg: A touch of ground nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes:

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and all-purpose flour until smooth. This will create a roux that will help thicken the sauce.
2. Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded Gruyere and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg.

Layer the Potatoes:

1. Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
2. Create the First Layer: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker, overlapping slightly.
3. Add Onion and Sauce: Sprinkle a layer of thinly sliced onion over the potatoes, then pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, onions, and sauce, until all ingredients are used. The top layer should be sauce.

Slow Cook the Potatoes:

1. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
2. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is complete, check the potatoes to ensure they are fully cooked through. If not, continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes.

Serve:

1. Let Rest: Let the scalloped potatoes rest in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.

How to Serve Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing, scalloped potatoes complement roasted poultry perfectly.
• Baked Ham: The creamy potatoes balance the salty and savory flavor of baked ham.
• Beef Tenderloin: Scalloped potatoes add a touch of elegance to a special occasion meal featuring beef tenderloin.
• Pork Loin: The rich and cheesy potatoes pair well with a tender pork loin.
• Vegetarian Main Courses: Serve alongside vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington for a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Holiday Buffets: Scalloped potatoes are a must-have addition to any holiday buffet spread.

Additional Tips for Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some tips to ensure your Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are perfect every time:

• Slice the Potatoes Thinly: Thinly sliced potatoes will cook more evenly and create a creamier texture. Use a mandoline or food processor to ensure uniform slices.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: Using high-quality Gruyere and cheddar cheese will enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg as needed.
• Add a Layer of Ham or Bacon (Optional): For a heartier dish, add a layer of cooked and crumbled ham or bacon between the potato layers.
• Use Heavy Cream for a Richer Sauce: For an extra decadent sauce, substitute some of the whole milk with heavy cream.

Recipe Variations for Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some variations you can try for Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes:

• Garlic Scalloped Potatoes: Add minced garlic to the cheese sauce for a savory and aromatic twist.
• Herb Scalloped Potatoes: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cheese sauce for added flavor.
• Jalapeno Scalloped Potatoes: Add finely chopped jalapenos to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes: Substitute the cheddar cheese with smoked Gouda for a smoky and rich flavor.
• Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cheese sauce for a nutty and savory flavor.
• Mushroom Scalloped Potatoes: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and layer them between the potato layers for added flavor and texture.
• Spinach and Artichoke Scalloped Potatoes: Add sautéed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the potato layers for a creamy and flavorful twist.
• Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes: Substitute half of the Yukon Gold potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combination.
• Cauliflower Scalloped Potatoes: Add thinly sliced cauliflower to the potato layers for added texture and nutrients.
• French Onion Scalloped Potatoes: Caramelize the onions before layering them with the potatoes and cheese sauce for a rich and savory dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Cooked Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover cooked Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes easier:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker (also known as a crock-pot) is essential for this recipe.
• Mandoline or Food Processor: A mandoline or food processor makes it easy to slice the potatoes and onions thinly and evenly.
• Whisk: A whisk is needed for preparing the cheese sauce.
• Large Bowl: A large bowl is used for mixing the cheese sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is important for achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce.

FAQ Section for Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
   While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can also use russet potatoes or red potatoes. Keep in mind that russet potatoes may require a longer cooking time, and red potatoes will have a firmer texture.
2. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
   Using low-fat milk will result in a less creamy sauce. If you prefer a richer sauce, stick with whole milk or even heavy cream.
3. Can I add garlic to this recipe?
   Yes, adding minced garlic to the cheese sauce is a great way to enhance the flavor. Sauté the garlic in butter before adding the flour to create the roux.
4. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the slow cooker?
   Greasing the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray will help prevent the potatoes from sticking.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours before serving.

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Conclusion

Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The creamy, tender potatoes, layered with cheese and onion, make for an irresistible side dish that everyone will love. With its effortless preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I’d love to see your Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this classic dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!