If there’s one side dish that captures everything cozy and comforting, it’s mashed potatoes! This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is my absolute favorite way to deliver creamy, dreamy spuds with almost zero fuss. By letting your trusty slow cooker do the heavy lifting, you free up stove space and guarantee perfect mashed potatoes every time. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a low-stress side on a busy weeknight, this easy recipe yields rich results everyone will want second helpings of.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re working with a handful of classic ingredients here, each one playing a starring role in making these mashed potatoes irresistibly smooth and flavorful. When it comes to comfort food, it’s all about the right combination of creamy, fluffy, and just a hint of richness!

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (5 lbs, peeled and cut into chunks): Both varieties are naturally creamy and the gold standard for mashing—Yukon Golds add a buttery hue while russets make things ultra-fluffy.
Garlic (4 cloves, peeled, optional): For those who love extra savory depth, garlic gently cooks along with the potatoes, mellowing into a subtle, aromatic background note.
Chicken Broth or Water (1 cup): The little bit of liquid helps steam the potatoes; broth adds a layer of savory richness, but water works perfectly if you prefer vegetarian.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cut into pieces): Butter brings in that luscious, classic flavor. Use part at the start for richness and the rest at the end for unbeatable silkiness.
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (1 cup, warmed): Warming the dairy helps keep the mashed potatoes light and fluffy instead of gluey—you can use milk for a lighter touch or cream for over-the-top creaminess.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Sour cream adds a gentle tang and makes the potatoes extra smooth.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for flavor—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Chopped Chives or Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of herbs brightens up the whole dish with a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Load the Crockpot

Start by peeling your potatoes and chopping them into evenly sized chunks. Pop them right into your crockpot along with the peeled garlic cloves if you’re going for that extra flavor boost. This is where it all begins!

Step 2: Add Liquids and Butter

Pour the chicken broth or water evenly over the potatoes, ensuring every piece will soak up some moisture. Dot the top with half of the butter—this will melt as the potatoes cook, infusing them with flavor and richness from the inside out.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover your crockpot and set it on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours. Walk away, relax, or tackle the rest of your menu, knowing the potatoes are softening to perfection. By the end of the cook time, you should be able to pierce them easily with a fork—they should be fall-apart tender!

Step 4: Drain and Mash

If there’s any excess liquid in the crockpot, drain it carefully (but don’t worry if a little remains—it helps with the mashing). Grab a potato masher or hand mixer and start mashing right in the crock. You’ll notice how effortlessly they turn silky and smooth!

Step 5: Add the Creamy Finishing Touches

Pour in your warmed milk or cream, spoon in the sour cream, add the remaining butter, and sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Mix again until everything is beautifully combined—taste and tweak the seasoning if you like. Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is nearly ready to serve!

Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve

Switch your crockpot to the warm setting if you’re not serving right away. This helpful trick makes it easy to keep the mashed potatoes at the perfect temperature for hours, so they’re ready whenever you are. When it’s time to eat, garnish with chives or parsley for a fresh, savory finish.

How to Serve Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can elevate your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe from a humble side to pure celebration. A shower of chopped chives or fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also sprinkle on crispy fried onions, roasted garlic, a little extra crack of black pepper, or even a handful of cheddar cheese for a decadent twist.

Side Dishes

These mashed potatoes are a versatile companion to just about any main. Serve them with holiday feasts like roast turkey or ham, pair them with weeknight meatloaf, or spoon alongside rich beef stews and pot roasts. Don’t forget—they’re amazing at soaking up that delicious gravy!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, spoon the Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe into a big serving bowl, create rustic swirls on top, and finish with melting pats of butter. For gatherings, try serving in individual ramekins with unique toppings for a DIY mashed potato bar—guests can top theirs with bacon bits, scallions, or sharp cheese for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container as soon as they cool. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and you could even portion out single servings for easy lunches or sides all week long!

Freezing

Mashed potatoes actually freeze quite well, especially when made with butter and cream. Scoop cooled potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as you can. They’ll last up to two months—perfect for meal prepping or saving extras from a big batch Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Reheating

To bring these creamy spuds back to life, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream. If you have a big batch, the crockpot comes to the rescue again—just add a little extra dairy, set to low, stir occasionally, and they’ll be warm and smooth in no time.

FAQs

Can I use red potatoes for this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Red potatoes will produce a slightly different texture, a bit more dense and less fluffy, but just as delicious. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly.

Is it okay to skip the sour cream or replace it with something else?

Definitely. If you want a tangier flavor, you could swap in cream cheese or Greek yogurt. If you simply prefer to leave it out, just add a little extra milk or cream to keep the mashed potatoes luscious and creamy.

Can I make this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter and milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and skip the sour cream or swap with a dairy-free yogurt. You’ll still achieve smooth and tasty mashed potatoes everyone can enjoy.

How far ahead can I make these mashed potatoes for a party?

These are perfectly suited for making early in the day. You can prepare the entire recipe, keep them on the warm setting in your crockpot for up to four hours, and just give them a quick stir before serving. The Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a true holiday lifesaver!

What if my mashed potatoes turn out too thick?

No stress! Slowly stir in a bit more warm milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. It takes just a minute and makes all the difference for extra creamy mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough for anyone who wants crowd-pleasing, hands-off comfort food. This simple slow cooker method guarantees smooth mashed potatoes packed with buttery flavor and saves you precious time during busy meals. Give it a try—you might just make mashed potatoes this way forever!

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Additional Ingredients:

4 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
1 cup chicken broth or water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes and garlic (if using) into the crockpot. Add the chicken broth and dot the top with half of the butter.
Cook Potatoes: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
Mash Potatoes: Once cooked, drain any excess liquid if needed. Mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot until smooth.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the warmed milk or cream, sour cream, remaining butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed. Keep warm in the crockpot until ready to serve. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, use roasted garlic or substitute cream cheese for sour cream.
You can make these a few hours ahead and keep them warm in the crockpot for easy serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American