Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon: A Comfort Food Classic

If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy, and indulgent side dish, look no further than Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon. This recipe combines tender layers of potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce—all cooked low and slow for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or weeknight family meals, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  Easy to prepare—your slow cooker does all the work.

•  Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor.

•  Great for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks.

•  Flexible—you can swap cheeses or make it vegetarian.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, gather these simple ingredients:

• 6–8 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup milk

• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

• Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for layering later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until smooth and creamy.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

1. Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.

3. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.

4. Sprinkle with half of the crumbled bacon.

5. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until the potatoes are fork-tender and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Once done, sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions before serving for a pop of freshness.

Recipe Variations & Tips

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

• Cheese Lovers: Swap in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.

• Extra Bacon Flavor: Use the bacon drippings instead of butter for an even smokier sauce.

• Make Ahead: Prep the potatoes and cheese sauce the night before, then layer everything in the slow cooker in the morning.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Roast chicken, turkey, or ham at holiday dinners.

• A fresh green salad for balance.

• Steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food side dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky goodness. With minimal prep and the ease of slow cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy families and holiday gatherings. Whether you serve it as a weeknight indulgence or a festive crowd-pleaser, this cheesy potato bake is guaranteed to disappear fast!

enjoy!