Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare deliciously smooth and buttery mashed potatoes. Using a slow cooker to cook the potatoes moistens and softens them perfectly, while the addition of cream cheese and butter adds rich creaminess. This recipe yields a comforting side dish ideal for family dinners and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
Butter
- 3/4 cup butter, cut into small cubes (divided)
Liquids
- 3 cups water
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g. Lawry’s brand)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Rinse the cut potato pieces thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Set Up Crock Pot: Grease a large 6 to 8-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the cut potatoes into the crock pot. Season with the seasoned salt and black pepper. Pour in 3 cups of water. Dot the potato tops with 1/4 cup of the butter cubes.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover the crock pot with the lid and turn it on high. Cook the potatoes for 4 to 5 hours until they are fork tender, indicating they are fully cooked and soft.
- Drain and Mash: Carefully drain the hot water from the crock pot, keeping the potatoes inside, or drain them in a colander and then return them to the crock pot. Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add Dairy and Milk: Add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter, softened cream cheese, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to the mashed potatoes. Adjust the amount of milk depending on your preferred consistency, whether thicker or thinner.
- Finish and Season: Continue mashing until all lumps are gone and the butter and cream cheese are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture, or Yukon Gold for a creamier, buttery flavor.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve the desired thickness of mashed potatoes.
- Seasoned salt adds a flavorful depth, but you can substitute with regular salt if preferred.
- Softening the cream cheese before adding helps it blend smoothly into the potatoes.
- Cooking time may vary depending on crock pot model; ensure potatoes are fork tender before mashing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
