Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes to bring instant comfort, and this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining or easy weeknight dinners. By letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, you’re rewarded with perfectly fluffy, buttery potatoes that stay warm and ready whenever you need them. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is a game changer that delivers classic flavor with a modern, hands-off twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how it transforms everyday staples into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building the rich, velvety texture and savory flavor that everyone craves in a perfect mashed potato dish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties mash up beautifully and offer the perfect balance of creaminess and structure.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds subtle savory depth and keeps the potatoes moist as they cook.
- Unsalted butter: The key to that classic, luxurious mashed potato flavor—don’t be shy with an extra pat for serving!
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient brings tangy richness that sets these potatoes apart from the ordinary.
- Whole milk (warmed): Warm milk blends in smoothly and helps you achieve that ultra-creamy finish.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together—taste as you go for perfectly seasoned results.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a gentle kick and round out the flavor profile.
- Optional chopped chives or parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds both flavor and visual appeal right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into even 2-inch chunks. This size ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the crockpot. Uniform pieces are key for a silky mash later on!
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Place the potato chunks in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and scatter the butter over the top. The broth infuses the potatoes with flavor while the butter begins melting into every nook and cranny as things heat up.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The potatoes are done when they’re very soft and you can easily pierce them with a fork. There’s no need to stir—just let the crockpot work its magic!
Step 4: Mash and Mix
Once the potatoes are falling-apart tender, grab a potato masher or use a hand mixer right in the crockpot. Mash them to your desired consistency, then stir in the sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy, adjusting with a splash more milk if you like a looser texture.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give your mashed potatoes a final taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting until you’re ready to serve. Just before bringing them to the table, add a few pats of butter and sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A generous swirl of extra butter on top is a must, but don’t stop there! Freshly chopped chives or parsley add a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that complements the rich, creamy potatoes beautifully. For a little extra decadence, try a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a dusting of smoked paprika.
Side Dishes
The Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate sidekick for classic comfort food entrees: think roast chicken, slow-cooked pot roast, or grilled steak. They’re also right at home next to holiday favorites like turkey and ham, soaking up every last drop of gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, serve your mashed potatoes in individual ramekins with a drizzle of browned butter or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Hosting a buffet? Keep them warm right in the slow cooker and let guests help themselves, offering a toppings bar with roasted garlic, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs for a fun DIY twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for easy lunches or quick sides throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your mashed potatoes, let them cool completely first. Spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer mashed potatoes to a pot or back into the crockpot. Stir in a splash of milk or broth to revive their creamy texture, then warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. A fresh pat of butter right before serving brings them back to life!
FAQs
Can I use red potatoes instead of russet or Yukon Gold?
Absolutely! Red potatoes will yield a slightly different texture—more rustic and less creamy—but they’re still delicious in this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Just be sure to cut them into even chunks for even cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
It’s easy to keep this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll get the same savory flavor profile without any meat-based ingredients.
Can I add garlic to the Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Yes! For a garlicky twist, throw in a few peeled garlic cloves with the potatoes before cooking, or stir in roasted garlic at the mashing stage for extra depth and aroma.
What if my mashed potatoes turn out too thick?
No worries—just stir in a bit more warm milk or broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is very forgiving and easy to adjust!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! As long as your slow cooker is large enough, you can double all the ingredients. You may need a bit more cooking time, so check for doneness by testing if the potatoes are fork-tender before mashing.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food but crave a little extra convenience, I can’t recommend this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s the perfect blend of classic flavor and modern ease—just set it, forget it, and enjoy every creamy, buttery bite with family and friends!
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Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a hassle-free way to prepare creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes using a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days or holiday meals, these tender potatoes are cooked low and slow with butter and chicken broth, then blended with sour cream and warm milk for the ultimate comfort side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for serving)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 2-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly in the crockpot.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the potato chunks into the slow cooker, add the low-sodium chicken broth and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to infuse flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Cook the potatoes: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The potatoes should be very tender and easily pierced with a fork once done.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot until mostly smooth, breaking down all lumps.
- Add creamy ingredients and seasonings: Stir in the sour cream, warm whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the potatoes reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Add more milk if necessary.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to preference.
- Keep warm and serve: Keep the mashed potatoes warm on the ‘warm’ setting of your slow cooker until ready to serve. Top with additional butter and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can prepare these mashed potatoes a few hours ahead of time and keep them warm in the crockpot until serving.
- For extra richness, substitute cream for the milk or add roasted garlic to the mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
