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Creamy Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes with Ham and Cheddar Easy Recipe

creamy crockpot au gratin potatoes with ham and cheddar - featured image
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A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender potatoes layered with smoky ham and sharp cheddar in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham (preferably smoked)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (or 2% milk or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel potatoes, then slice them thinly about 1/8-inch thick (3 mm). Dice ham into small cubes. Finely chop onion and mince garlic.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, flour, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth with no lumps.
  3. Lightly grease the crockpot insert with butter or nonstick spray. Layer sliced potatoes, diced ham, chopped onion, and shredded cheddar (about ⅓ cup per layer). Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheddar on top.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered potatoes. Gently press down with a spatula to submerge the top layer slightly. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened and bubbly.
  5. Optional: For a golden crust, transfer the crockpot insert to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven or broiler for 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Thinly slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking; a mandoline slicer is helpful. Do not stir after layering to keep layers distinct. Use smoked ham for best flavor. For a crispy top, finish under the broiler for 8-10 minutes. Can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating overnight, then adding 30 minutes to cooking time. Oven baking alternative: bake covered at 350°F for 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot potatoes, au gratin potatoes, ham and cheddar, slow cooker recipe, creamy potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy potatoes

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-crockpot-au-gratin-potatoes-with-ham-and-cheddar-easy-recipe/