Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Heavenly Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Effortless Dinners

Creamy crockpot mashed potatoes offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Slow cooking transforms humble spuds into velvety goodness that melts in your mouth.

Kitchen magic happens when you let the appliance do the heavy lifting.

Butter, cream, and seasonings blend seamlessly without constant monitoring.

No more standing over a hot stove or worrying about lumps.

Effortless preparation means you can focus on other dinner details.

Rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible – these potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds.

What’s Easy and Creamy About Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

  • Set-and-Forget Convenience: Simply chop potatoes, add ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic with zero hands-on cooking time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creates ultra-smooth, rich mashed potatoes guaranteed to delight family and guests with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Versatile Holiday Helper: Perfect for large gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, freeing up valuable stove space during busy cooking times.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Essentials

Primary Ingredients:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy and fluffy potatoes perfect for creating creamy mashed texture, ideal for absorbing butter and cream.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: Buttery and smooth potatoes that add rich flavor and extra creaminess to the dish.
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness and helps create an ultra-smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Butter: Provides a rich, luxurious flavor and helps create a silky mashed potato texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds decadent creaminess and helps achieve the perfect soft, spreadable consistency.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a deep, savory flavor that complements the potatoes' natural taste.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the mashed potatoes.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild spiciness to the creamy potato mixture.
  • Chives or Green Onions: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and decorative green color.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Prep Directions

Step 1: Wash and Chop Potatoes

Scrub your potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt.

Cut each potato into roughly 1-inch chunks, leaving the skin on for extra nutrients and rustic texture.

This size ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes break down perfectly in the crockpot.

Step 2: Prep the Flavor Base

Gather your delicious additions:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let these ingredients sit at room temperature to blend more smoothly later.

Step 3: Load the Crockpot

Place the potato chunks directly into your crockpot.

Spread them evenly across the bottom to promote consistent cooking.

No need to add water – the potatoes will release their own moisture during slow cooking.

Step 4: Season and Protect

Sprinkle salt and garlic powder over the potatoes.

Cover the crockpot with its lid, creating a sealed environment that locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low heat and let the potatoes cook for 4-5 hours.

You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides through them effortlessly with no resistance.

Step 6: Mash and Blend

Use a potato masher or electric mixer to break down the potatoes.

Add cream cheese, butter, and sour cream while mixing.

Continue blending until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper.

For extra richness, stir in a bit more butter.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving dish.

Garnish with chopped chives or a pat of melted butter if desired.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potato Ideas

  • Soak peeled potato chunks in cold water to stop discoloration and remove excess starch for smoother mashed potatoes.
  • Add roasted garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme during cooking to enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Control potato texture by choosing between Yukon gold (creamy) or russet potatoes based on your preferred consistency.
  • Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free options, and use plant-based milk alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Always add enough liquid and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent potatoes from sticking to the crockpot bottom.

Mashed Potatoes That Stay Creamy After Fridge Time

  • Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Place cold potatoes in a saucepan, add a splash of milk or cream, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture.
  • Spread potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add a little butter or milk, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Best Flavors With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  • Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the creamy, rich potato texture with its smooth tannins and subtle fruit notes.
  • Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chives or finely chopped parsley to add brightness and a fresh dimension that cuts through the potatoes' richness.
  • Match with Roasted Protein: Serve alongside slow-roasted beef or tender herb-crusted chicken to create a hearty, satisfying meal that balances the potatoes' creamy profile.
  • Elevate with Crispy Texture: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts the smooth potato consistency.

Mashed Potatoes in Different Creamy Ways

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut cream or olive oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, smooth texture.
  • Herb-Infused Option: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives during cooking to elevate the potato's flavor profile with aromatic herbs.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly side dish that mimics the creamy consistency.
  • Greek Yogurt Boost: Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter to increase protein content while keeping the potatoes incredibly creamy and tangy.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t give you the desired fluffy texture.

  • Do I need to peel the potatoes before cooking?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a rustic look and extra nutrients, leave the skins on. Otherwise, peel the potatoes before adding them to the crockpot.

  • How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Avoid overmixing or using a food processor. Mash gently with a potato masher or hand mixer on low speed to keep the texture light and fluffy.

  • Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the potatoes in the crockpot, then keep them warm on the low setting for up to 2 hours before serving. You can also reheat them gently with a splash of milk if needed.

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Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crockpot mashed potatoes deliver pure comfort with zero kitchen stress. Smooth, rich potato clouds melt in your mouth, promising a side dish that elevates any meal without complicated prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs (2.27 kilograms) russet or yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water or broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (or more milk for a lighter option)

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

  • 34 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
  • Extra melted butter

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash russet potatoes, ensuring all dirt and imperfections are removed, then peel the skin completely using a sharp vegetable peeler.
  2. Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  3. Place potato cubes directly into the crockpot, creating an even layer that allows for optimal heat distribution.
  4. Sprinkle cream cheese pieces and cubed butter evenly across the potato surface to ensure rich, creamy melting during the cooking process.
  5. Sprinkle minced garlic and season generously with salt and black pepper, distributing the aromatics and seasonings uniformly across the potatoes.
  6. Pour chicken broth carefully around the potatoes, providing moisture and enhancing the overall flavor profile without disturbing the seasoning.
  7. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the potatoes to slowly cook and become tender over 4-5 hours.
  8. Once potatoes are extremely soft and easily pierced with a fork, use a potato masher or electric mixer to break down and blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  9. If the mashed potatoes seem dry, gradually add additional warm milk or cream while mixing until achieving the desired luxurious texture.
  10. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding extra salt, pepper, or butter as needed to perfect the flavor profile.
  11. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, garnish with chopped chives or parsley, and serve immediately while warm and incredibly creamy.

Notes

  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
  • Ensure uniform potato chunk sizes to guarantee even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
  • Rinse cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, preventing gummy mashed potatoes.
  • Hold back on adding milk or cream until just before mashing to maintain optimal consistency.
  • Consider leaving potato skins on for added rustic flavor and extra nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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