Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

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Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate hands-off 5 ingredient side dish, delivering rich, creamy comfort with minimal effort. They're perfect for busy days or holiday feasts!

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of mashed potatoes to complete a meal, and when you can make them in a crockpot, they become even more irresistible. Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food — they’re easy to prepare, full of rich flavor, and the perfect side dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.

With 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep, coming home to the smell of buttery, fluffy potatoes ready to be served straight from your slow cooker is a no brainer! It's literally a game-changer for holiday entertaining! It frees up stove space and allows you to focus on other recipes or entertaining guests. Our Thanksgiving Day and Christmas dinner wouldn't be complete without them.

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Want to stick to the stove top mashed potato recipe method, no problem! Both my fail-proof Whipped Mashed Potatoes and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes will be the perfect combination with any meal!

A plate with mashed potatoes, turkey, dressing and green beans.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Like This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! The crockpot does all the work, freeing up oven space and allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax.
Creamy and Delicious: The combination of butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream makes these creamy potatoes incredibly rich and velvety.
Perfect for Entertaining: These slow cooker mashed potatoes can stay warm in the crockpot, making them ideal for serving during large gatherings or a holiday meal.
Versatile Garnishes: Whether you prefer a sprinkle of chives or a pat of butter, you can customize this easy slow cooker dish to your liking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this make-ahead crockpot mashed potatoes recipe in advance, which is a lifesaver during busy cooking days.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: The foundation of your mashed potatoes, russets create a fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery richness.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the potatoes.
Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock: Infuses the potatoes with a savory depth of flavor as they cook, making them more flavorful than using water alone.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, helping to thicken the mashed potatoes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides an extra level of creaminess, making the mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and brings out the best in the other ingredients.
Garnishes (Chopped Fresh Parsley, Sliced Chives or Green Onions, or a Bit of Butter): Adds a fresh and flavorful finish, elevating the presentation and taste of the dish.

The ingredients to make crockpot mashed potatoes.

Tools You'll Need

How to Make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

Place the peeled and cut russet potatoes into a crockpot.

Slicing peeled potatoes into a crockpot.

Pour broth over the potatoes and half of the butter, cubed.

Adding butter to potatoes in a crockpot.

Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for 3-4 hours, or on low heat for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

Checking potatoes for doneness in a crockpot.

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, carefully drain any excess broth from the crockpot, and add the remaining butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes.

Adding cream cheese and butter to potatoes in a crockpot.

Add salt. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Cover and keep potatoes on the warm setting until ready to serve.

Whipping potatoes in a crockpot with a mixer.

Garnish the top of potatoes with fresh chives, parsley, or extra butter, if desired.

Spreading crockpot mashed potatoes in a single layer in a crockpot.

Expert Tips, Substitutions and Variations

Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also use low-fat cream cheese or greek yogurt.
Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Make It Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter, cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Seasoning Boost: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill for an earthy, aromatic flavor. You can also add onion powder, white pepper, or black pepper.
Chunky or Smooth: For chunkier mashed potatoes, mash lightly with a potato masher; for ultra-smooth potatoes, use a hand mixer, potato ricer, or immersion blender.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add minced cloves of garlic or garlic powder to the potatoes before cooking for a delicious garlic flavor.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
Bacon-Infused: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory addition.

What to Serve with Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Slow cooker mashed potatoes are one of those side dishes that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses and other sides. Here are some delicious hearty meal options to serve with them:

Storage and Freezing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the crockpot, microwave, or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

You can freeze mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Avoid over-mashing the potatoes. Use a potato masher for a more rustic texture, or an immersion blender for a smoother finish, but don’t overwork them.

Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat in the crockpot on low with a little extra cream or butter to restore moisture.

What should I do if my mashed potatoes are too thick?

If the potatoes are too thick, add a little more cream, broth, or even milk until you reach your desired consistency.

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