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Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
A classic comfort-food side dish made incredibly easy in the slow cooker. These mashed potatoes come out creamy, fluffy, rich, and full of old-fashioned flavor without ever boiling a pot of water.
Introduction
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are one of those rare recipes that truly make life easier. Instead of juggling boiling pots on the stove, the potatoes cook slowly in the crockpot until they are tender enough to mash by hand. The low, gentle heat keeps the flavors mellow while the potatoes steam perfectly without getting soggy.
This method is ideal for holidays, family dinners, or any night when you want to take the stress out of cooking. The slow cooker handles the entire process, and the result is a batch of mashed potatoes that tastes like they were carefully whipped on the stovetop, but you barely had to do a thing.
What makes this recipe special is how customizable it is. You can make it rustic and chunky, silky and smooth, garlicky, buttery, cheesy, or completely classic. It is simple, reliable, and always comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires almost no effort. Load the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to perfectly tender potatoes.
- Frees up the stove, which is especially helpful during holidays.
- Produces naturally creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes without overmixing.
- Easily scaled up for large gatherings.
- Flexible enough for dairy-free, low-sodium, or lighter variations.
- Stays warm beautifully for hours without drying out.
Recipe Card
Type: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: About 265
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Milk or cream
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
Yukon Golds create naturally creamy mashed potatoes, but Russets also work. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Adds richness and makes the texture ultra smooth. - 1 cup milk or heavy cream
Milk keeps it light, cream makes it richer. Warm before adding to the potatoes. - 1 cup chicken broth
Helps steam the potatoes and develops deeper flavor. - 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Additional butter for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into large, even chunks. Aim for roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Rinse them lightly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent gluey mashed potatoes.
2. Load the slow cooker
Place the potatoes into the bottom of the crockpot. Add the butter, garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Do not add the cream or milk yet.
3. Cook on low
Cover and cook for 4 hours on low or about 2 to 2.5 hours on high. The potatoes should be very soft and fall apart easily when pierced with a fork. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it releases steam and slows cooking.
4. Mash the potatoes
Once cooked, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher. For smoother potatoes, you can use a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix.
5. Add cream cheese and warm milk
Stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the potatoes. Then pour in the warmed milk (or cream) a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer thick and hearty mashed potatoes, while others like them soft and silky.
6. Taste and adjust
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Add more butter for richness if desired.
7. Keep warm for serving
Switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. They will stay soft, creamy, and ready to enjoy for up to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if they begin to thicken.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Use Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture
Yukon Gold potatoes have a natural buttery flavor and smooth texture that works perfectly for slow-cooked mashed potatoes.
Warm your dairy
Cold milk or cream can cool the potatoes and prevent them from absorbing liquid evenly.
Do not overmix
Overworking potatoes releases starch and can make them gluey. Mash until just smooth.
Salt before and after
Seasoning in layers creates deeper, more balanced flavor.
Adjust thickness slowly
Add milk gradually. It is easier to thin mashed potatoes than to fix ones that are too runny.
Variations and Substitutions
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Add roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
Herb Infused
Stir in fresh parsley, chives, thyme, dill, or rosemary.
Cheesy Version
Fold in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese with chives.
Dairy-Free or Vegan
Use coconut milk or almond milk, vegan butter, and vegetable broth.
Extra Creamy
Replace half the milk with heavy cream and add additional butter.
Rustic Style
Leave some skins on the potatoes and mash loosely for a more rustic dish.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes pair well with nearly any main dish, including:
- Slow cooker pot roast
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Grilled or baked chicken breasts
- Meatloaf
- Braised short ribs
- Pork chops
- Holiday ham
- Sautéed mushrooms and roasted vegetables
They also work perfectly as a base for gravy, mushroom sauce, pan drippings, or herb butter.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
(These values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cold milk, which tightens the potatoes.
- Overmixing, which creates a gummy texture.
- Using too much broth, which leads to watery potatoes.
- Opening the slow cooker repeatedly, which elongates cooking time.
- Adding dairy too early in the cooking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare them a day in advance and reheat in the slow cooker with a splash of milk.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. A 6 or 7 quart slow cooker can hold up to 8 pounds of potatoes. Increase liquid slightly and extend cook time by about 45 minutes.
What is the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet. Yukon Golds are creamy and buttery, while Russets are fluffy and airy.
Can I leave the skins on?
Yes. It adds texture and extra nutrients.
Can I use broth instead of milk?
Broth alone will work, but combining broth with dairy creates the best flavor and consistency.
Do I need to drain the potatoes?
No. The liquid helps steam the potatoes and blends directly into the mash.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are one of the easiest, most reliable side dishes you can make. They turn out consistently creamy, flavorful, and smooth without the need for boiling water or babysitting a pot. Whether you are hosting a holiday meal or preparing a simple family dinner, this method delivers comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and rich slow cooker mashed potatoes that are perfect for any occasion. These velvety smooth potatoes are dairy-free, gluten-free, and bursting with savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese
Directions
-
Wash and peel the potatoes, then chop them into evenly sized chunks.
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Place the potatoes in the slow cooker and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the milk and add butter. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are tender.
-
During the last hour of cooking, add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
-
Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
-
Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot garnished with sour cream.
