Effortless Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Your Ultimate Guide for Holidays & Busy Weeknights
Preparing a delicious meal, especially during the bustling holiday season or on a hectic weeknight, can be a challenge. That’s why I absolutely adore my slow cooker, and using it to make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes is nothing short of a culinary revelation! My recipe for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes embraces the natural goodness of potatoes with their skins on, though I’ll certainly tell you how to peel them if that’s your preference. While we also cherish our Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, there’s an undeniable magic in the “set it and forget it” simplicity of this slow cooker method.
Why Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Are a Game Changer
Many people wonder why I would choose to cook potatoes for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker when they can be made on the stovetop in a fraction of the time. The answer is simple: convenience, consistency, and culinary peace of mind!
Let’s be honest, preparing mashed potatoes for a large dinner can be one of the most stressful parts of the meal. The endless peeling, the meticulous timing to ensure they’re boiled “just right” – not undercooked, not overcooked and watery. Then comes the mashing, where one wrong move can leave you with tough, gluey potatoes or an unappetizing watery mess. This is precisely why I’ve fallen in love with these Crockpot mashed potatoes. They eliminate all those common pitfalls, making the process virtually foolproof.
The beauty of the slow cooker method is its hands-off approach. You simply prepare the potatoes, add a few ingredients, and let the Crockpot work its magic. The potatoes cook perfectly, becoming incredibly tender and easy to mash, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth and garlic as they slowly simmer. This “set it and forget it” aspect is invaluable, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday feast or simply trying to manage a busy weeknight schedule. It frees up precious stovetop space and allows you to focus on other parts of your meal, making your cooking experience significantly less stressful and much more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
That’s right! For this incredible crockpot mashed potato recipe, there is absolutely no need to peel the potatoes. Simply give them a good scrub to ensure they are clean, then cut them into quartered wedges. The slow cooking process tenderizes the skins beautifully, making them virtually undetectable once mashed, and adding extra fiber and nutrients to your dish.
Nope, no preliminary boiling required! This is another fantastic time-saver the slow cooker offers. The potatoes cook directly in the crockpot with a bit of broth, which steams and tenderizes them to perfection, infusing them with flavor as they cook. The slow cooker truly does all the hard work for you.
The beauty of this dish, especially during busy times like the holidays, is its flexibility. These Crockpot mashed potatoes generally take about 3-4 hours to cook on high until they are fork-tender. This generous cooking window means you can prepare them well in advance and focus on other aspects of your meal without constantly checking on your potatoes!
Absolutely! This is one of the best features for entertaining. You can keep the mashed potatoes in the covered crockpot on the “warm” setting for up to 3 hours. Just remember to give them a good stir every 45 minutes or so to keep them consistently creamy and prevent any drying or sticking.
While this recipe specifically uses Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture and thin skins, you can also use other varieties. Russet potatoes will give you a fluffier mash, while red potatoes will result in a slightly waxier texture. The slow cooker method works well with most potato types, just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Yes, with a few substitutions! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. For the dairy components, use plant-based sour cream, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and dairy-free butter. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
Skins On or Skins Off? The Choice is Yours!
For this recipe, I personally prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes and intentionally leave their skins on. Not only does it save a significant amount of prep time, but potato skins are also packed with valuable nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Thanks to the slow cooker method, the skins soften beautifully during the long cooking process, becoming incredibly tender and almost imperceptible once mashed. They simply melt into the potatoes, adding a subtle rustic texture and a deeper, more earthy flavor that we absolutely love.
However, if your family prefers their mashed potatoes without any skins, don’t worry! You can certainly peel them first. The recipe will still be just as delicious and convenient. This recipe is also versatile enough to use other potato varieties if Yukon Golds aren’t available or if you prefer a different texture. Russet potatoes will yield a fluffier, drier mash, while red potatoes, with their slightly waxier texture, will hold their shape a bit more even after mashing. Whichever you choose, the slow cooker ensures perfectly cooked potatoes every time.
How to Make the Best Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless side dish:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly scrubbing 5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into uniform quartered wedges. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking. Place all the prepared potatoes into a 6-quart Crockpot.
- Add Liquids and Aromatics: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the potatoes. This liquid is crucial for steaming the potatoes to tenderness and infusing them with savory flavor. Then, add 4 whole cloves of garlic. Don’t worry about mincing them; they’ll soften and become easy to mash with the potatoes, contributing a wonderful aromatic depth.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook the potatoes on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker and the size of your potato pieces, so keep an eye on them. The potatoes are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and feel very tender throughout.
- Mash and Flavor: Here’s a key tip: do not drain the broth from the slow cooker! This flavorful liquid is vital for achieving the perfect creamy consistency and keeping your mashed potatoes from drying out. To the cooked potatoes and broth, add ⅓ cup sour cream, 4 ounces cream cheese (softened is best for easier mashing), and 2 tablespoons of butter. Using a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes directly in the crockpot. Stir and turn the potatoes from the bottom of the crock as you mash, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated and you reach your desired consistency – whether you prefer them smooth and silky or with a few rustic lumps. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Once mashed, you can easily keep the mashed potatoes warm in the covered crockpot on the “warm” setting for up to 3 hours. Just give them a good stir every 45 minutes or so to maintain their creamy texture and prevent them from settling.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the quintessential comfort food, making them an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a vast array of main courses. While there are so many recipes we love, here are some of our all-time favorites that truly shine alongside these creamy Crockpot mashed potatoes:
- Hearty Chicken Dishes: Our savory Crockpot Sticky Chicken is a perfect match, allowing the potatoes to soak up its rich sauce.
- Classic Beef Options: For a nostalgic and satisfying meal, pair them with our comforting Salisbury Steaks. Or, for a truly impressive yet easy dinner, serve them with our melt-in-your-mouth Crockpot Roast Beef.
- Family Favorites: No list would be complete without the Best Meatloaf you’ll ever have – a combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Beyond the Basics: These potatoes are also fantastic with roasted turkey, glazed ham, crispy pork chops, or even a simple pan-seared steak. Don’t forget a generous dollop of gravy!
For more inspiration, be sure to explore all our delightful dinner recipes here.
If you’re a fan of the traditional stovetop method, you’ll also LOVE our creamy traditional mashed potatoes, which are just as satisfying and always a dinner favorite. But for pure ease and flavor, the slow cooker version is truly unparalleled.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed and quartered (or other preferred variety, peeled if desired)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 4 whole cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, for best flavor control)
- salt & pepper to taste
Things You’ll Need
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6 qt Crockpot (or similar slow cooker)
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Potato Masher
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Serving spoons
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Serving bowl
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- Potato Variety: I highly recommend Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture and thin, tender skins. This makes them perfect for leaving the skins on, which adds nutrients and a rustic charm.
- Peeled or Unpeeled: If you prefer your mashed potatoes perfectly smooth and skin-free, feel free to peel your potatoes before quartering them. This recipe works beautifully either way! Russet or red potatoes can also be used, with slight variations in texture.
- “Set it and Forget it”: The ultimate benefit of this Crockpot method is the hands-off cooking time. With approximately 3-4 hours on high, you can prep these potatoes in the morning or early afternoon and let them cook while you attend to other tasks, completely avoiding the dreaded “watched pot” syndrome!
- Creaminess Level: For even richer mashed potatoes, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) during the mashing stage until your desired consistency is reached.
- Reheating: Leftover Crockpot mashed potatoes reheat wonderfully! Simply warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until heated through.
Instructions
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Prepare Potatoes: Place scrubbed and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes into a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Add Liquids: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the potatoes.
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Infuse with Garlic: Add 4 whole cloves of garlic to the slow cooker with the potatoes and broth.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
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Mash & Season: Do not drain the broth. Add sour cream, cream cheese, and butter directly to the slow cooker. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes, stirring and turning them from the bottom of the crock until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Keep Warm & Serve: You can keep the mashed potatoes warm in the covered crockpot on the “warm” setting for up to 3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes or so to maintain optimal texture and temperature. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Nov 6, 2018. It has been updated and expanded to provide you with the most comprehensive and delightful mashed potato experience!