Slow Cooker Saint-Nectaire Tartiflette Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, you can lightly sauté the bacon lardons for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. While not strictly necessary, this step jumpstarts the rendering process and adds an extra layer of depth to the final dish.

Be sure to drain any excess grease if you choose to pre-cook the bacon, leaving only enough to coat the bottom of the slow cooker.

If you prefer a slightly crispy top, you can transfer the finished tartiflette to a heat-proof baking dish once the cooking is complete and place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Keep a close eye on it, as the high sugar and fat content in the cheese can cause it to brown very quickly. This step adds a lovely textural contrast to the otherwise creamy, slow-cooked potatoes.

Variations

• Onion Infusion: Add one thinly sliced yellow onion to the layer of bacon. The onions will soften and caramelize slightly, adding a natural sweetness that complements the salty bacon and creamy cheese perfectly.
• Garlic Enhancement: Rub the inside of the slow cooker with a peeled clove of garlic before adding the ingredients. Alternatively, add two cloves of minced garlic over the potatoes for a more pronounced flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes and the cheese sauce will separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments, or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety. The potatoes may absorb more of the sauce over time, so expect the texture to be slightly denser upon reheating.

You can prepare the potato and bacon layers in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you are ready to serve, simply add the cheese, place the insert into the base, and start the slow cooker. Add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve the tartiflette directly from the slow cooker for a casual, family-style meal. Provide a large serving spoon to ensure everyone gets a portion of the creamy, cheese-coated potatoes and bacon lardons.

Because the dish is incredibly rich and savory, it pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast.

For a more formal presentation, portion the tartiflette into individual shallow bowls. You can garnish with a small amount of freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, although the dish is traditionally served plain.

Ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the melted cheese sauce from the bottom of the cooker, as this is the most flavorful part of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Saint-Nectaire Tartiflette

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

Ingredients

• 8 oz smoked bacon lardons
• 1.5 lb potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 whole Saint-Nectaire cheese, halved

Instructions

1. Place the smoked bacon lardons into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are spread out evenly to allow the fat to render properly during the cooking process.
2. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the bacon. Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper to provide a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
3. Place the halved Saint-Nectaire cheese rind-side up on top of the potatoes. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours until the internal temperature of the bacon reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

750 mg

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