Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more rustic presentation, you may choose to leave the skins on the potatoes, provided they are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned before slicing. This adds a nice texture and color to the finished dish.

If the cheese sauce seems to be browning too quickly around the edges, you can stir the dish gently halfway through the cooking time to redistribute the heat and ensure evenness.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, remove the lid for the final fifteen minutes of cooking. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps the cheese sauce thicken to your desired consistency.

Always ensure the slow cooker is placed on a heat-resistant surface, as the exterior can become quite warm during the long cooking period.

Variations

• Spicy Kielbasa Variation: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce before pouring it over the potatoes for an extra kick of heat.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate two cups of sliced carrots or frozen peas into the potato layer to add extra color and texture to this hearty slow cooker meal.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes and the consistency of the cheese sauce may degrade.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through to 165°F (74°C).

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of the dish.

Keep the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to ensure the cheese sauce and kielbasa remain at a safe temperature for later consumption.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the potato slices and keep them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for up to one day before cooking. Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly before layering them in the slow cooker. Avoid assembling the entire dish too far in advance, as the potatoes may begin to brown or lose their crispness.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the slow cooker for a casual family-style meal, or transfer it to a large serving platter to showcase the layers. A garnish of fresh chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy potatoes, making the dish look even more appealing when brought to the table for dinner.

Pair this hearty meal with a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp green salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and kielbasa.

The acidity of a simple vinaigrette works exceptionally well to balance the savory, creamy notes of the potatoes, creating a well-rounded dining experience that is both satisfying and balanced for any weeknight occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 cups cheddar cheese sauce

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa rounds in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker insert. This ensures the meat cooks thoroughly and flavors the potatoes from the bottom up during the slow cooking process.
2. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the kielbasa layer. Make sure the potatoes are spread out so they cook evenly without clumping together in the center of the pot.
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the layer of sliced potatoes. Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the potatoes as much as possible to help them soften and absorb the flavor.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and the kielbasa reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.