Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Au Gratin

Tender potatoes, savory ham, and plenty of melted cheese come together in this creamy slow cooker casserole. It’s an easy comfort-food side dish that works beautifully for holidays, Sunday dinners, or a hearty weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly and evenly. A mandoline makes this especially easy, but a sharp knife works well too.

2. Make the creamy sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream soup, milk, melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until smooth.

3. Layer everything

Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Arrange about one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Add one-third of the ham, onion, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.

Pour some of the creamy sauce over the layer.

Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with cheese and the remaining sauce.

4. Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender.

Cooking time can vary depending on how thinly the potatoes are sliced and the slow cooker being used.

5. Finish and serve

Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest uncovered for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Au Gratin Potatoes

• Slice the potatoes thinly: Even slices cook more consistently.
• Use flavorful cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the dish a richer flavor.
• Don’t overfill the slow cooker: Keep the ingredients within the recommended capacity of your cooker.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently: Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and cooking takes longer.
• For extra browning: Transfer the finished potatoes to a broiler-safe baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.

Variations

For a richer dish, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.

You can also add cooked bacon, sliced green onions, Parmesan cheese, or a small amount of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

For a complete meal, serve the potatoes alongside roasted chicken, meatloaf, grilled steak, or a green salad.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Au Gratin is the kind of comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into something special. The potatoes become tender and creamy while the ham adds savory flavor and the cheese creates a rich, satisfying finish. It’s an especially convenient recipe when you want a hearty side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.