There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of mashed potatoes, isn’t there? They’re the perfect side dish for almost any meal, and let’s be honest, who can resist that fluffy, buttery goodness? Well, today I’m sharing my secret for the easiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes you’ll ever make—Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.
Instead of standing over the stove, constantly mashing and stirring, you can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It’s the hands-off method that still gives you the creamiest mashed potatoes, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the stovetop method again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate in convenience. You simply throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. There’s no need for constant attention, and the slow cooking process brings out the best flavors in the potatoes. You’ll end up with perfectly creamy mashed potatoes that are rich, buttery, and so easy to make. Whether you’re preparing for a big family dinner, holiday meal, or just a cozy weeknight, these mashed potatoes are the way to go.
And the best part? They stay warm and ready to serve for hours, so they’re perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below!)
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes:
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work great)
- Butter
- Cream cheese (optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess)
- Milk or heavy cream
- Garlic (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper
The full list of ingredients is below, but these are the simple, classic ingredients that will result in mashed potato perfection.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. There’s no need for them to be perfect, but try to keep them about the same size so they cook evenly. If you’re using Yukon Gold potatoes, you can leave the skins on for a more rustic texture. Once your potatoes are prepped, throw them into the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Butter and Cream Cheese
Next, add cubes of butter and cream cheese to the crockpot. I know, it sounds indulgent, but trust me, it’s what makes these potatoes so creamy and delicious. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese, but it really adds a luxurious texture.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk (or Heavy Cream)
Pour in enough milk (or heavy cream if you’re feeling extra decadent) to just cover the potatoes. This ensures they have enough liquid to cook and soften perfectly. You can always add more later if you like your potatoes a little creamier.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and if you like, throw in some garlic cloves for added flavor. Whole garlic cloves will infuse the potatoes as they cook and give them a wonderful savory taste. You can always mash them up into the potatoes later.
Step 5: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and easy to mash. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, the high setting works perfectly fine, but I prefer the low setting for the creamiest texture.
Step 6: Mash and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or a hand mixer (for extra fluffy potatoes) to mash the potatoes right in the crockpot. Add extra milk, butter, salt, and pepper as needed to get the consistency you like. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, and you’re ready to serve!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a Potato Masher for Creamy Potatoes: If you want perfectly smooth and creamy mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer or immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, a regular potato masher works just fine.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or extra cream cheese to the mashed potatoes. It adds a tangy richness that’s irresistible!
- Peel or Not to Peel? You can leave the skins on your potatoes for a rustic feel or peel them for that smooth, classic mashed potato texture. Yukon Gold potatoes have thinner skins and mash up nicely without peeling if you prefer a bit of texture.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the crockpot while the potatoes cook. Remove them before mashing for a subtle, herby touch.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Version: To make these mashed potatoes dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut milk. You can also use plant-based milk (like almond milk or oat milk) for the liquid.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan after mashing for a cheesy twist. You could also top the mashed potatoes with extra cheese and place them under the broiler for a golden, crispy finish.
- Herbed Mashed Potatoes: For an herbaceous flavor, try mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill right before serving.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: To make garlic mashed potatoes, add roasted garlic instead of raw garlic. Roasted garlic will give your mashed potatoes a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main dish, whether you’re making a classic roast chicken, steak, or a cozy pot roast. If you’re having a holiday dinner, they’re the perfect side dish to serve with turkey, ham, or gravy-laden meats. For a lighter meal, serve them with a simple green salad and some roasted vegetables.
For extra indulgence, drizzle the mashed potatoes with brown gravy or a little bit of melted butter right before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! These mashed potatoes store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep them in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to bring them back to life. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure they warm evenly.
If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 3 months. When ready to use, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll still be delicious and creamy.
2. Can I use red potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Red potatoes will give the mashed potatoes a smoother texture with a little more skin, which is perfect for rustic mashed potatoes. They’re just as delicious!
3. Can I add cheese to these mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to your mashed potatoes is a fantastic idea. Stir it in after mashing, and you’ll have cheesy mashed potatoes that are even more irresistible.
4. How can I make these mashed potatoes spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the potatoes. You can also use hot sauce to give them a kick of spice.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are the easiest and most delicious way to make creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes without any of the hassle. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is a game-changer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these mashed potatoes will be the star of your next meal. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become your new go-to side dish!
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Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: The Easiest Way to Make Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate in convenience—simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you. The result? Creamy, buttery, and perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes every time, without all the fuss!
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 garlic cloves (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks. (Optional: Leave skins on for a rustic texture). Place potatoes in the crockpot.
- Add Butter and Cream Cheese: Add cubes of butter and cream cheese to the crockpot.
- Pour in Milk: Pour enough milk (or heavy cream) to cover the potatoes.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and garlic cloves (optional) to the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash: Mash the potatoes with a masher or hand mixer. Add more milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk (almond or oat milk).
- Add a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
- For a garlic flavor, add roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg