Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Rich, Buttery, and Perfectly Smooth

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, creamy, and perfectly smooth mashed potato recipe, Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the answer. Using your slow cooker, you can create the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. These mashed potatoes turn out buttery and rich, with a smooth, velvety texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe ensures you get perfect mashed potatoes every time. Let’s dive into how to make these easy, creamy mashed potatoes that will become your new go-to side dish!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Here’s why these mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish:

• Hands-off cooking: No need to watch the stove. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
• Creamy and rich: With butter, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic, these mashed potatoes are extra creamy and indulgent.
• Perfect for meal prep: These potatoes are great for making ahead of time. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
• Great for large crowds: The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare mashed potatoes for a crowd without much hassle.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to make creamy mashed potatoes, this slow cooker recipe is your answer.

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is so simple! The slow cooker does most of the work, and the result is a batch of mashed potatoes that are creamy, flavorful, and ready to serve.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks (about 1-2 inches each). This helps them cook evenly and quickly in the slow cooker.
2. Place the potato chunks into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the broth and cook

1. Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes. The broth helps cook the potatoes evenly and adds flavor.
2. Dot the potatoes with the butter pieces, distributing them evenly over the potatoes.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced with a knife.

Step 3: Mash the potatoes

1. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash them directly in the slow cooker.
2. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to mash until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. You can also add a bit more chicken broth or milk for a creamier texture, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once mashed, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

• Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because they’re starchy and become fluffy when mashed.
• Cut the potatoes evenly: Make sure the potato chunks are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overwork the potatoes: If you’re using a hand mixer, mash just until smooth. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
• Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps the cream cheese incorporate into the potatoes more easily for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust the texture: If you prefer your mashed potatoes a bit looser, add extra broth or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Flavor Variations

This basic recipe is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for a subtle garlic flavor that complements the creamy texture.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

• Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese when mashing the potatoes. For extra richness, top with more cheese before serving and let it melt.

Herbed Mashed Potatoes

• Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant, herb-infused version of mashed potatoes.

Bacon Mashed Potatoes

• Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top of the mashed potatoes for added flavor and texture. You can also stir some bacon bits directly into the potatoes.

Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes

• For a tangy twist, replace the cream cheese with more sour cream and stir in fresh chives.

Serving Suggestions

These creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for many meals. Here are some ideas for pairing:

• Grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or lamb.
• Roast dinners: These mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for roast beef or turkey, making them ideal for holiday meals.
• Stews and casseroles: Pair with beef stew, chicken pot pie, or vegetable casseroles for a hearty meal.
• Vegetarian mains: They also go wonderfully with vegetarian mains like roasted vegetables or vegetable pot pie.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

• Storing: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop. If they’ve thickened up in the fridge, add a little extra milk or broth and stir until smooth.
• Freezing: These mashed potatoes freeze well! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

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FAQs

1. Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, red potatoes are a great alternative, but they’re waxier than russets, so your mashed potatoes will be a little less fluffy and more creamy. Keep in mind that you may need to mash them a little more.

2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

Yes! If you don’t have cream cheese, you can replace it with extra sour cream or use heavy cream for a rich texture.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, or almond milk instead of cream cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version.

4. How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from being too runny?

Be careful not to add too much liquid at once. Start with a little bit, and add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

5. How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from being lumpy?

Ensure the potatoes are cooked thoroughly until fork-tender. You can also use a potato ricer or hand mixer for smoother results.

6. Can I use a different broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even beef broth depending on the flavor you want. The broth adds extra depth to the potatoes.

7. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mashed potatoes in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat before serving. You may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.

8. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?

Yes! Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or any of your favorite cheeses for a cheesy version of this dish.

9. How do I make these mashed potatoes garlic-flavored?

Add minced garlic to the slow cooker with the potatoes, or for extra flavor, roast garlic and mash it into the potatoes.

10. Can I use a stand mixer for mashing?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer to mash the potatoes, but be careful not to overmix as this can lead to a gluey texture.