Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes: The Perfect Savory Side Dish for Any Occasion!

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The Creamiest Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes for Holidays & Cozy Family Dinners

There are some recipes that simply never go out of style, and these Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes have become one of those recipes in our home.

Whether I'm planning Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas with family, Easter brunch, or a cozy Sunday meal, this is the side dish everyone quietly hopes makes it onto the table.

One of my favorite parts about making scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker is that it frees up precious oven space—especially during the holidays when every rack seems to be full. While these potatoes slowly cook away, I can spend my time setting the table, preparing dessert, or simply enjoying the people gathered in my kitchen instead of worrying about another casserole.

Thinly sliced russet potatoes are layered with caramelized onions, fresh garlic, Gruyère cheese, and a rich cream sauce before slowly cooking into one of the creamiest potato dishes you'll ever make.

If you're looking for an easy slow cooker side dish that's comforting enough for winter holidays but simple enough for family dinners throughout the year, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.

Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

• Rich, creamy Gruyère cheese sauce

• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinner

• Frees up oven space during the holidays

• Easy to prepare ahead of time

• Family-friendly comfort food

• Elegant enough for entertaining

• Minimal hands-on cooking

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 yellow onion

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese

• 2 cups heavy cream

Ingredient Notes

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are my favorite choice because they become perfectly tender while still holding their layers beautifully after hours of slow cooking.

Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère adds a rich, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the cream sauce.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates the luxurious sauce that makes these potatoes so irresistible.

How to Make Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1

Wash and peel the potatoes before slicing them about ⅛-inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.

Step 2

Melt butter in a skillet before caramelizing the onions. Stir in garlic before whisking together the heavy cream, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3

Layer potatoes, Gruyère cheese, and cream sauce into the slow cooker.

Repeat until everything has been used.

Step 4

Cook for approximately four hours until fork tender.

Allow to rest before serving.

Amanda's Tips

• Slice evenly.

• Freshly shred cheese.

• Let rest.

• Grease slow cooker.

• Use a mandoline.

Make Ahead Instructions

This recipe is perfect for holiday meal prep.

Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, then simply place the insert into the slow cooker the next day.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container up to four days.

Reheat gently.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

One of my favorite things about these potatoes is just how versatile they are. They're equally at home on a holiday table or served alongside a cozy weeknight dinner.

If you're planning a complete meal, these recipes pair beautifully with this creamy side dish:

Apple Glazed Chicken Thighs

A sweet and savory main dish that complements the rich, cheesy potatoes beautifully.

Grilled Peach Caprese Chicken

Fresh peaches, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze make this one of my favorite warm-weather pairings.

Baked Caesar Asparagus

A fresh vegetable side that balances the richness of the potatoes.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

Crisp, colorful, and perfect for holiday meals.

Stuffed Mushrooms

An elegant appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or dinner parties.

Sweet Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A bright and refreshing salad to round out the meal.

Shop My Kitchen

If you've been around here for a while, you know I love investing in kitchen tools that last for years.

I've linked my favorite slow cooker, mandoline slicer, Dutch oven, serving dishes, and entertaining favorites in my Cozy Kitchen Essentials ShopMy Shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these the night before?

Yes!

Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes?

Absolutely.

What's the difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin?

Traditional scalloped potatoes use a cream sauce, while au gratin potatoes typically contain more cheese. This recipe offers the best of both.

Can I freeze them?

Cream sauces don't freeze as well, so I recommend enjoying them fresh.

More Cozy Recipes You'll Love

If you're building a holiday menu or simply love comforting family dinners, here are a few more favorites from my kitchen.

Elevate Your Plate with a Baked Caesar Asparagus Side Dish

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

A Crowd-Pleasing Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

Discover the Delightful Twist of Sweet Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Holiday Menus You'll Love

If entertaining is one of your favorite ways to love on people, I think you'll enjoy these seasonal menus and hosting guides too.

Red, White & Boil: An Americana Southern Dinner Party

America's 250th Summer Tablescape

Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe

Brown Butter Herb Corn on the Cob

Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon

All-American Charcuterie Board

From Amanda's Kitchen

Love having recipes you can print and keep? I've started creating beautiful printable recipe cards for some of my favorite recipes so you can save them in your recipe binder, tuck them into a cookbook, or share them with family and friends.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

There is something about a warm bowl of homemade broccoli cheddar soup that instantly feels like comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, filled with tender broccoli and carrots, and hearty enough to make a meal on its own, this is one of those soup recipes I come back to when we want something warm and satisfying.

My version is made with fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, chicken bone broth, heavy cream, and plenty of cheddar cheese. I also use a simple butter and flour base to give the soup that thick, creamy consistency you want from broccoli cheddar soup without making it overly complicated.

It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner but also one of those recipes that feels especially good on a cold or rainy day. Add warm bread on the side and dinner is done.

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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

There are plenty of versions of broccoli cheddar soup, but I love keeping mine relatively simple and letting the broccoli and cheddar be the stars.

Fresh broccoli gives the soup texture and heartiness, while shredded carrots add just a little natural sweetness. I use chicken bone broth or chicken stock instead of water for a more flavorful base, and heavy cream gives everything that rich, creamy consistency.

Then, of course, there’s the cheddar.

Once it melts into the broth, everything comes together into a thick, cheesy soup that feels substantial enough to serve as dinner rather than just a starter.

You can also adjust the texture depending on what your family prefers. Leave all of the vegetables intact for a chunky broccoli cheddar soup, or use an immersion blender to blend some of the broccoli into the broth for a smoother, thicker consistency.

What You’ll Need to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

One of the things I love about this recipe is that you don’t need a huge ingredient list.

Fresh broccoli is the base of the soup, so I like to cut the florets fairly small. They’ll cook more evenly and you’ll get broccoli in every spoonful rather than having to navigate huge pieces.

Shredded carrots add color, texture, and a subtle sweetness that works so well with the sharp cheddar.

For the liquid, I use chicken bone broth or chicken stock. Either works beautifully, although bone broth can add a little extra richness.

And for that signature creamy texture, I use heavy cream along with a simple roux made from salted butter and flour.

Finally, freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts into the soup at the end.

The Secret to a Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

The texture is one of the most important parts of a good broccoli cheddar soup. You want it creamy and thick enough to feel indulgent without turning it into cheese sauce.

The butter and flour create a simple roux at the beginning of this recipe. Once the broth and heavy cream are added, that roux helps thicken the entire soup as it simmers.

If you want an even thicker soup, an immersion blender is one of my favorite tricks.

Once the broccoli is tender, blend just a portion of the soup before adding the cheddar. This thickens the broth naturally while still leaving plenty of broccoli and carrots intact.

Of course, if your family prefers a completely smooth soup, you can blend more of it. If you love a chunky broccoli cheddar soup, skip the blender altogether.

There really isn’t a wrong answer here.

What Is the Best Cheese for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

I recommend using a flavorful cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself.

Sharp cheddar will give you a stronger cheese flavor, while medium cheddar will make the soup a little milder. Either works, so use whichever your family prefers.

Whenever possible, I like to start with a block of cheddar rather than pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheddar generally melts more smoothly into soups and sauces.

Another important tip is to keep your heat low once you add the cheese.

You don’t want the soup rapidly boiling while the cheddar melts. Instead, stir it into the hot soup over low heat until it becomes smooth and creamy.

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

My favorite way to serve broccoli cheddar soup is with something warm and crusty for dipping. A loaf of homemade bread turns a bowl of soup into such a simple but comforting dinner.

My Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread would be delicious alongside it, or you can make my Beginner’s Sourdough Bread if you want a classic crusty loaf.

For something lighter on the side, try my Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing or Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

You can also keep things incredibly simple with a warm baguette, crackers, or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

My Favorite Soup-Making Essentials

I make homemade soup all throughout the cooler months, so there are a few kitchen pieces I find myself reaching for again and again. A good pot, immersion blender, ladle, soup bowls, and a few simple prep tools make everything from creamy soups to hearty slow cooker recipes so much easier.

I gathered my favorite soup-making essentials together below if you’re looking for any of the pieces I use in my own kitchen.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A few simple things will help give you the best texture and flavor every time you make it.

Cut your broccoli into smaller florets. This helps it cook evenly and makes the finished soup much easier to eat.

Give the flour a minute to cook. After adding it to the butter and onions, let it cook for about a minute before adding your liquid. This helps eliminate the raw flour flavor.

Shred your own cheese if possible. Freshly grated cheddar tends to melt much more smoothly.

Blend before adding the cheese. If you want to use an immersion blender, blend the soup once the broccoli is tender and then add your cheddar.

Keep the heat low once the cheddar goes in. Gentle heat helps the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy soup.

Taste before adding additional salt. Broth and cheddar both contribute saltiness, so taste the finished soup and adjust if needed.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making homemade broccoli cheddar soup is much easier than you might think.

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook until softened and translucent.

Next, add the flour and seasonings. Stir everything together and allow the flour to cook for about one minute.

Slowly pour in your chicken bone broth or chicken stock, stirring as you go. Then add the heavy cream, broccoli, and carrots.

Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let everything gently simmer until the broccoli is tender.

At this point, you can use an immersion blender if you want a smoother or thicker soup. Once you have the texture you like, lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar.

As soon as the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, it’s ready to serve.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 heads broccoli, florets cut into small pieces

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 32 ounces chicken bone broth or chicken stock

• ¼ cup salted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion.
Add the butter to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

2. Make the roux.
Sprinkle the flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the onions. Stir continuously for approximately 1 minute to coat the onions and cook the flour.

3. Add the liquids.
Slowly pour in the chicken bone broth while stirring to help keep the soup smooth. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.

4. Add the vegetables.
Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Stir everything together.

5. Simmer.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to gently simmer for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

6. Blend, if desired.
For a smoother and slightly thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the vegetables directly in the pot. For a chunkier broccoli cheddar soup, leave the vegetables as they are.

7. Add the cheddar.
Keep the soup over low heat and gradually stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is creamy.

8. Taste and serve.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon into bowls, top with a little additional shredded cheddar if desired, and serve warm.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you have leftovers, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days.

Because this soup contains heavy cream and cheddar, I recommend reheating it gently rather than bringing it to a hard boil.

Add your leftovers to a saucepan and warm over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened considerably in the refrigerator, you can add a small splash of broth or cream until it reaches the consistency you like.

You can freeze broccoli cheddar soup, although cream-and-cheese-based soups can sometimes have a slightly different texture once thawed.

If you do freeze it, let the soup cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container, and leave a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating it on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time?

Yes. You can make this soup ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for about 3–4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is my preference for this recipe, but frozen broccoli can work when needed. Because frozen broccoli is already partially softened, you may find that it cooks more quickly than fresh.

Do I have to blend broccoli cheddar soup?

Not at all. Blending is completely optional. Leave the vegetables whole for a chunkier soup, blend a small portion for a thicker broth, or blend more for a smoother consistency.

Why isn't my cheddar melting smoothly?

High heat can make cheese-based soups grainy. Lower the heat before adding the cheddar and stir it in gradually. Freshly shredded cheese also tends to melt more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.

More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, here are a few more cozy soup recipes to make next:

• Comfort in a Bowl: Shepherd’s Pie Soup

• Deliciously Creamy Basil Tomato Soup

• Easy & Flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Bring the Heat with This Spicy Tortellini Soup

• Delicious One-Pot Italian Lasagna Soup

• French Onion & Shallot Soup

• Mom’s Favorite Minestrone Soup

• Creamy Corn Chowder Soup

• Italian Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup

• Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

There’s something so comforting about having a collection of homemade soup recipes to turn to when the weather cools down. Whether you’re looking for something creamy and cheesy like this broccoli cheddar soup or a hearty soup that can serve as dinner on its own, these are the kinds of recipes I love gathering around the table with my family.

Shop My Favorite Soup Essentials

If you're working your way through more of my soup recipes, you can find the cookware, serving pieces, and kitchen essentials I use for homemade soup all together under my Soup & Slow Cooker Essential guide.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a cozy weeknight dinner or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.