If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that practically melts in your mouth, look no further than The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This slow cooker classic transforms simple russet potatoes into a creamy, buttery masterpiece with a luscious texture that’s second to none. Imagine coming home to a crockpot filled with fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes ready to serve—no standing over a boiling pot or endless mashing required. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these mashed potatoes will earn a top spot on your list of favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a special role, from the hearty russet potatoes that form the foundation to the creamy cream cheese that adds richness and tang.
- 5 lbs russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes create the perfect fluffy texture and absorb flavors wonderfully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided): Butter brings that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and depth of taste.
- 1 (32-oz) container chicken broth: Adds savory moisture that helps cook potatoes evenly and infuses subtle flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (cut into cubes): Gives the mash a creamy tang and smooth consistency.
- ¼ cup milk: Lightens the mixture and adds just enough creaminess without weighing it down.
How to Make The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This quick step makes sure they cook evenly and soften perfectly in the crockpot. Place them in your 6-quart slow cooker and sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Getting this seasoning right early sets the stage for a flavorful mash.
Step 2: Add Butter and Broth, Then Cook Low and Slow
Next, toss in one stick of that luscious unsalted butter and pour the chicken broth over the potatoes. Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for about 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking method gently steams the potatoes until they’re tender and ready to be transformed. The broth keeps them moist, while the butter infuses a rich flavor throughout.
Step 3: Drain Excess Liquid
When the potatoes are fork tender and falling apart, carefully drain any excess liquid from the crock pot, leaving the potatoes safely inside. This step ensures your mashed potatoes won’t be watery and that each bite stays creamy and perfect.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients and Mash
Now for the magic: add the remaining stick of butter, those creamy cubes of cream cheese, and the splash of milk to the slow cooker. Using a hand mixer or potato masher, blend everything until you achieve your favorite creamy consistency. Whether you prefer a few chunks or perfectly smooth potatoes, this step is all about making it your own.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
The last step is to taste and adjust seasonings—add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a burst of freshness to make the dish look as good as it tastes. And there you have it, The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe ready to delight everyone at the table.
How to Serve The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate these mashed potatoes from comforting to elegant. Try chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a little shredded sharp cheddar for added flavor and color. A drizzle of browned butter or a dollop of sour cream also makes a fantastic finishing touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes are super versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of mains. Think roasted turkey, crispy fried chicken, pot roast, or even grilled vegetables for a lighter meal. Their creamy texture works as a perfect counterpoint to rich gravies or tangy barbecue sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try piping the mashed potatoes into pretty swirls on your platter and sprinkling with paprika for a pop of color. Or serve them in individual ramekins topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits for a delightful twist. No matter how you present them, these potatoes will shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their creamy texture remarkably well, making it easy to enjoy the magic all over again the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze mashed potatoes, including this Crock Pot version! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter while warming helps restore that fresh-from-the-crockpot creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture that makes fluffy mashed potatoes, Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a buttery taste and naturally creamy consistency. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.
Do I have to use chicken broth?
Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture, but you can substitute with vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option, or simply use salted water. Just note this may slightly alter the final taste profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and use vegetable broth. The slow cooking method still yields deliciously creamy potatoes.
Is it necessary to drain the liquid before mashing?
Draining excess liquid helps prevent watery mashed potatoes, so it’s a crucial step. Leaving too much liquid in the crockpot will result in a runny texture rather than the rich creaminess you want.
What’s the best way to mash for texture?
Using a hand mixer gives you smooth, creamy mashed potatoes quickly, while a traditional masher offers a chunkier, more rustic feel. Choose whichever suits your preference for The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe!
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s hands-down one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to make mashed potatoes that impress every time. Slow-cooked, buttery, and creamy with minimal effort—this recipe is destined to become your new go-to comfort side. So fire up that crockpot and treat yourself to the cozy joy of perfect mashed potatoes handled with ease.
Print
The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes delivers creamy, buttery mashed potatoes cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for serving a large group, these mashed potatoes are seasoned with chicken broth and cream cheese for an extra rich and smooth texture, making them an ideal comfort food side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 lbs russet potatoes
Dairy
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup milk
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 (32-oz) container chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and chop the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then place them into a 6-quart crockpot. Season generously with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Cook Potatoes: Add one stick of unsalted butter and the entire container of chicken broth to the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain off the excess liquid from the crockpot, leaving the potatoes inside.
- Mash Potatoes: Add the remaining stick of butter, cubed cream cheese, and ¼ cup of milk to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer or a potato masher to mash the mixture until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For creamier mashed potatoes, you can adjust the amount of milk to your preference.
- Using russet potatoes provides the best texture for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
- Chicken broth adds extra flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- These mashed potatoes can be kept warm in the crockpot on the ‘keep warm’ setting for up to 1 hour before serving.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter.
