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If the thought of Thanksgiving dinner has your stovetop already overflowing with gravy, turkey drippings, and five different pots of boiling water, I completely get it. That panic is real! For years, I’ve been searching for ways to simplify my holiday spreads while still delivering that soulful, comforting flavor my family expects. That’s where this recipe came from. Trust me when I say these **slow cooker mashed potatoes** are the answer to your prayers. They are unbelievably creamy and buttery, and they cook themselves while you focus on everything else. My grandmother always taught me that cooking should be an act of love, not stress, and freeing up that oven space lets me actually enjoy the day. These hands-off potatoes make that possible!
- Why You Need These Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- How to Make Mashed Potatoes in Crock Pot: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Success
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Crock Pot Storage and Reheating
- Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Estimated Nutritional Data for Simple Slow Cooker Potatoes
- Share Your Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Experience
Why You Need These Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
I know what it’s like when the oven is full and the burners are on high. You need sides that step aside and let you handle the main event! These aren’t just potatoes; they are your holiday hero. They give you that rich, buttery texture everyone craves without you lifting a finger during the crucial final hour. You can find more comfort food glory over in my side dishes collection, but believe me, these potatoes are special.
Hands Off Mashed Potatoes for Stress-Free Cooking
That’s right—these are truly **hands off mashed potatoes**. You dump them in, set the timer, grab a cup of coffee, and walk away. The slow cooker handles the gentle cooking part beautifully. You don’t have to babysit a pot of water on the stove, constantly checking for boil-overs. It saves your brain space for more important things, like deciding which wine pairs best!
Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes Slow Cooker Prep
The biggest win here is space! Especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas, counter space is prime real estate. By using your **holiday side dishes slow cooker** method, you free up a burner instantly. This means you can focus on getting that stuffing just right or keeping the rolls warm without worrying about your potatoes burning or sticking to the bottom of a pot.
Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Okay, let’s talk what goes into these amazing **best crock pot mashed potatoes**. The beauty of this recipe is how simple the foundation is. We are using 5 pounds of Russet potatoes—and yes, you need to peel and quarter them before they go in. You’ll also need chicken broth, which gives them flavor as they steam, plus salt and pepper, of course. The magic additions come next: heavy cream, butter, and my secret weapon, cream cheese! Make sure the cream is slightly warmed before you toss it in later; it just mixes better that way, trust me.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Slow Cooker Potatoes
I always recommend Russets for the fluffiest texture possible, but Yukon Golds are fantastic if you want a naturally buttery start to your **creamy slow cooker potatoes**. Now, about that cream cheese? It’s optional, but wow, does it add richness! If you don’t have it on hand, you can swap in about a half cup of sour cream or even Greek yogurt when you mash. Just a heads up though: yogurt might make them slightly tangier than the original recipe intended. Don’t skimp on that butter, either—it’s non-negotiable for that perfect flavor!
How to Make Mashed Potatoes in Crock Pot: Step-by-Step Instructions
Figuring out **how to make mashed potatoes in crock pot** seems complicated, but I promise you, the slow cooker does 90% of the work. This process is so freeing because you aren’t tied to the stove! We start simple by getting the potatoes ready to steam themselves into submission. Make sure you’ve got a good 6-quart slow cooker, or you might need to do two batches—and nobody wants that headache.
Cooking the Potatoes Until Fork-Tender
First things first, toss those peeled and quartered potatoes right into the basin. Don’t worry about overcrowding; they shrink down! Pour the broth or water over them and sprinkle in your initial salt and pepper. Now you decide: Low and slow for about 4 to 5 hours, or crank it up to HIGH for a quicker 2 to 3 hours. The most important part here is making sure they are totally soft before you move on. When you pierce one with a fork, it should basically fall apart. If it fights back, give it another 30 minutes. That tenderness is key to avoiding lumpy potatoes!
Achieving Buttery Slow Cooker Potatoes Perfection
Once they are soft, the next step is draining off *any* extra liquid. I mean it—we want creamy, not watery! After draining, toss in your warm heavy cream, all those pieces of butter, and if you’re using them, the cream cheese cubes and garlic powder. Cover it back up and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This gives the dairy and fat time to melt down. Once that resting period is over, you mash right in the slow cooker! Use a hand masher, stir it all up until you have beautiful, **buttery slow cooker potatoes**.
If you have leftovers, don’t forget you can turn them into amazing crispy cakes later; you can check out my recipe for leftover mashed potato cakes!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Success
Even though this recipe is super forgiving—that’s why I love it—a few little tricks make these **easy mashed potatoes slow cooker** style even better than the last time you made them. Getting that creamy, non-gloppy texture is all about avoiding a few simple pitfalls. Remember, we aren’t boiling them, so we are relying on steam and broth to do the heavy lifting here. If you’re looking for other simple meals when your hands are full, check out my guide to my favorite pizza dough to make ahead! Some folks like experimenting with creamy garlic additions, and if you want an amazing inspiration, you should check out how Ambitious Kitchen handles their creamy garlic slow cooker version, too!
Customizing Your Garlic Mashed Potatoes Slow Cooker Flavor
Flavor is everything, right? If you opted out of the garlic powder earlier, you can absolutely use fresh minced garlic. Just toss those couple of cloves in with your broth at the very beginning. Cooking low and slow mellows the garlic’s bite perfectly. Also, if you skipped the cream cheese but still want that extra decadent mouthfeel for your **garlic mashed potatoes slow cooker** version, adding a dollop of full-fat sour cream right at the end, after you mash, gives you that beautiful tang and richness we want.
No Boil Mashed Potatoes Crock Pot Technique Check
The beauty of this method is that it eliminates the major headache of draining a huge pot of boiling water. That’s the whole point of the **no boil mashed potatoes crock pot** technique! By only adding about an inch of broth or water, you’re essentially steaming them in a very flavorful environment. If you see too much liquid pooling when you lift the lid, that’s okay—just be diligent about draining it off before you add the warm cream. We want a little steam, but not a swimming pool!
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Crock Pot Storage and Reheating
If you are cooking for a huge crowd, you absolutely need the **make ahead mashed potatoes crock pot** option. Honestly, this is a game-changer, especially if you have to haul your food to a family gathering. Once the potatoes are fully mashed and everything is incorporated—the butter, the cream, all of it—let them cool down slightly on the counter. Don’t rush them directly into the fridge when they are piping hot, or you risk bacterial issues; we want safe and delicious food!
You can keep these creamy potatoes refrigerated for up to two days. When it’s time to serve, transfer them back into your slow cooker. Set it to the KEEP WARM setting. Seriously, just let it warm through slowly. If they look a little stiff after chilling, just stir in a tiny splash more heavy cream while they warm up. If you’re looking for other amazing make-ahead dishes, you can check out my recipe for easy frozen strawberry daiquiris for dessert later! For extra inspiration on timing your holiday sides, Salt & Lavender has some great insights on timing their crockpot mashed potatoes too.
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Now that you’ve mastered the easiest and creamiest **slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe**, you need to pair them with something worth eating! These potatoes are so rich, they truly shine next to savory mains. They are absolutely divine next to a slice of slow-cooked pot roast—check out my recipe for that amazing slow-cooked family comfort pot roast. They also go perfectly with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.
If you’re serving them as a holiday side, they make the perfect base for gravy, of course! For even more side dish inspiration, I always look at how Five Hearth Home styles their crock pot mashed potatoes pairings for big dinners. Seriously, these potatoes disappear first at every single holiday meal we have!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
I always get so many questions when people first try making **slow cooker mashed potatoes** this way, and that’s totally okay! The slow cooker environment is a little different than boiling them on the stove, but once you know the tricks, it’s foolproof. We want perfectly rich, creamy results every time. If you’re exploring more tips and tricks for your kitchen adventures, don’t forget to check out my main blog page for more ideas!
Can I skip adding liquid and just cook the potatoes in the slow cooker?
Oh goodness, please don’t try that! A lot of folks ask about making these true **dump and go mashed potatoes** where you skip the liquid, but you really need that small amount of broth or water in there. Think of it this way: the slow cooker doesn’t boil liquid off like a pot on the stove does. You need that liquid to create steam so the potatoes cook all the way through. If you skip it, the bottom layer is going to burn right onto the ceramic before the top potatoes even soften up. Just a cup is enough to get things going!
What is the best type of potato for this crock pot mashed potatoes recipe?
For the absolute best flavor and texture in your **crock pot mashed potatoes**, you usually have two main choices that I swear by. Russet potatoes are my go-to if you prefer that classic, super fluffy, almost airy mash. They break down easily. If you like a slightly denser, naturally richer, and almost buttery potato without adding extra fat, then go for Yukon Golds. Both options work wonderfully in the slow cooker, though! Just stick to one of those two friends.
How long can I keep the finished slow cooker mashed potatoes warm?
This is the critical question for any holiday cook! After you mash everything and stir the cream and butter in, the texture is at its peak right then. You can certainly use that KEEP WARM function on your slow cooker, which is fantastic for serving straight from the pot. I find they hold their perfection beautifully for about two hours. Any longer than that, and honestly, they start to get a little gluey or heavy as the starches really set up. If you need them warm longer than two hours, it’s better to cool them down and reheat them gently later instead!
Estimated Nutritional Data for Simple Slow Cooker Potatoes
I always try to give you an idea of what you’re serving, even with something as straightforward as these **simple slow cooker potatoes**. Below, you’ll find the estimated nutritional breakdown based on one serving size (about one cup) using the core ingredients listed in the recipe. Keep in mind, this is just a starting point! If you decide to go heavy on the cream cheese or add things like bacon bits (don’t judge, I love a savory potato!), those numbers are definitely going to shift.
Remember, these estimates are calculated from the main components. If you use less butter or skip the cream cheese, you’ll naturally reduce the fat content. Always treat this chart as a helpful guide rather than a guaranteed scientific fact!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg (This can change a lot based on the salt you add and the type of broth you use!)
- Cholesterol: 55mg
This recipe still feels like comfort food luxury, even when you look at the numbers! Since we are using real butter and heavy cream for that signature creaminess, the fat content is higher, but honestly, it’s worth it for the holidays. If you’re using these potatoes for meal prep, just remember that the sodium can creep up if you are adding extra salty broth.
Share Your Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Experience
That’s it! You’ve made the easiest, most stress-free side dish ever. Now that your counter space is clear, your oven is free, and your tummy is rumbling for delicious **slow cooker mashed potatoes**, I genuinely want to know how it went for you!
Did you manage to keep the kids out of the kitchen while they cooked themselves? Did you add bacon bits or maybe switch out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt? Cooking is all about sharing what works, so please, don’t keep those kitchen secrets to yourself!
If you loved how simple this recipe was for your **simple slow cooker potatoes**—especially if you tested out the make-ahead instructions—please leave me a quick rating below. A five-star review lets other busy home cooks know that this recipe is reliable, just like my grandma’s handwriting on those old recipe cards!
If you have any lingering questions about timings, textures, or just want to say hello, head over to my contact page. I try to pop in and answer every note I get. Happy cooking, friends, and enjoy claiming back some of your holiday sanity!
PrintUltimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Make your holiday cooking stress-free with these hands-off, creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes. This recipe saves stovetop space and delivers buttery, flavorful potatoes perfect for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes into the basin of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth or water over the potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain off any excess liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
- Add the warm heavy cream, butter pieces, cream cheese (if using), and garlic powder (if using) to the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cover and let stand for 10 minutes to allow the butter and cream cheese to soften.
- Use a potato masher directly in the slow cooker to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. Mash until smooth or leave slightly chunky, based on your preference.
- Stir everything together until the potatoes are fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving directly from the slow cooker.
Notes
- For make-ahead convenience, you can cook the potatoes completely, mash them, and then stir in the cream and butter. Keep the mixture refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on LOW in the slow cooker, adding a splash more cream if the potatoes seem too thick.
- If you want garlic mashed potatoes slow cooker style, add 2 cloves of minced garlic along with the broth in step 2.
- To keep the potatoes warm for serving during a long meal, set the slow cooker to the KEEP WARM setting after mashing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 55