Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes (Crockpot Recipe)

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are made right in the slow cooker, so the potatoes cook gently while you handle the rest of the meal. The best part is the hands-off cooking time and the creamy texture you get by mashing them in the same pot. As they cook, the butter and cream make the potatoes smell rich and comforting. I like making this recipe for holiday meals, family dinners, or any time the stovetop is already full.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work while the potatoes become tender.
• One-pot cleanup: You can cook and mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
• Simple ingredients: Potatoes, butter, cream or milk, salt, and pepper are all you need for the main recipe.
• Flexible texture: Mash the potatoes until they are as smooth or chunky as you like.
• Easy toppings: Sour cream, garlic powder, and chives let you change the flavor at serving time.

How To Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Add the peeled, cubed potatoes to the slow cooker with butter, heavy cream or milk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Use a potato masher directly in the slow cooker to reach your preferred texture. Taste the potatoes and add more seasoning if needed, then serve them warm with optional sour cream or chives.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder
• Optional: sour cream
• Optional: chives for garnish

Directions

1. Place the cubed potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Add the butter, heavy cream or milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Once cooked, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until they reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chives or sour cream.

How To Serve Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Serve Crockpot Mashed Potatoes as a side with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. They also work well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

For a holiday meal, spoon the potatoes into a serving bowl and top them with chives. Add sour cream at the table so everyone can adjust their own serving.

These potatoes are also a good choice for a relaxed family dinner because the slow cooker keeps them warm while you finish other dishes. Serve them with gravy, pan juices, or any sauce that goes well with your main course.

How To Store Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Let leftover Crockpot Mashed Potatoes cool, then place them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Use them within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.

To reheat, warm the potatoes gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally, and add a small amount of milk or cream if they seem too thick. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat, and make sure the potatoes are hot throughout before serving.

Freezing can change the texture of mashed potatoes, especially when they contain milk or cream. If you choose to freeze them, thaw them in the refrigerator and stir well while reheating.

Tips For Making Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes so they cook at about the same rate.
• Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking so the potatoes can become tender without losing heat.
• Check the potatoes at the shorter end of the cooking range, especially when cooking on high.
• Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to keep cleanup simple.
• Mash gently and stop when the potatoes reach the texture you like.
• Taste after mashing because the potatoes may need more salt or pepper.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: Use milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, or use heavy cream for a richer texture.
• Add-in: Stir in garlic powder after cooking, or top the finished potatoes with sour cream and chives.
• Different cooking method: For a stovetop version, cook the cubed potatoes in a pot of water until tender, then drain and mash with the butter, cream or milk, salt, and pepper.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes earlier and keep them covered until you are ready to serve them. Reheat them gently and stir before serving, adding a little milk or cream if needed to loosen the texture.

Can I Use Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream?

Yes. The recipe allows either heavy cream or milk. Milk will give the potatoes a lighter texture, while heavy cream will make them richer.

How Do I Know When The Potatoes Are Done?

The potatoes are ready when they are tender enough to mash easily. If a potato still feels firm, cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the cubes soften.

Can I Double This Recipe?

You can increase the ingredients for a larger meal, but make sure your slow cooker has enough room. Avoid filling it too full, and check that the potatoes are tender before mashing.

Can I Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

You can freeze them, but the texture may change after thawing. Thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator, then reheat them gently and stir well before serving.

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