Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Quick Prep Recipes may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
These slow cooker mashed potatoes are creamy, garlicky, and outrageously fluffy! This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level of ease with quick prep and cleanup, perfect for the busy holidays. The potatoes basically cook themselves while you join the festivities. No stovetop juggling, no last-minute mashing – just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love mashed potatoes. They’re easy to pair with main dishes, incredibly versatile with ingredients, and can be enjoyed all throughout the year. But as much as I love them, they’re not exactly the easiest side dish to make. I used to put off making mashed potatoes until the last minute when I’m cooking for the holidays but not anymore – these slow cooker mashed potatoes are a total lifesaver!
I can make them ahead of time – I either prep the potatoes and store them in the fridge a day ahead, or fully cook the mashed potatoes one to two days before, keep them in the fridge, then just add them back to the slow cooker to reheat. Either way, making these fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes is super convenient, especially during the holiday rush.
Slow cooker mashed potatoes are great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any special holiday. They’re also the ultimate comfort food for family dinners and is a great option for when you want a cozy, no-fuss meal. By using my slow cooker, I get everything I love in classic mashed potatoes without the hassle. So, next time you’re planning a big meal, give yourself a break and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss recipe: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it handle the heavy lifting. No babysitting or last-minute mashing needed!
- Perfect for busy days: Free up your stovetop and your time. This dish is ideal for busy days or the holiday rush, when you’re juggling multiple dishes or just want a hands-off dinner.
- Easy cleanup: I mix and serve in the crockpot to minimize extra dishes.
- The ultimate comfort food: Creamy, garlicky, and downright cozy – these mashed potatoes bring all the flavor and comfort with minimal effort.
- Perfect texture: Cooking low and slow keeps these mashed potatoes perfectly fluffy without turning gummy or over-stirred.
- Great for entertaining: Cook the mashed potatoes in advance, reheat when you’re ready to serve, and keep them warm in the slow cooker while waiting for guests to arrive.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Simply toss the potatoes into your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you focus on other dishes or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. Just mash and mix in the other ingredients when the potatoes are ready.
The result? Creamy, dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes that are bursting with butter and garlic flavor. Try it once and you won’t make mashed potatoes any other way again!
Ingredients You Need
- Potatoes: I use Russet potatoes. I recommend using starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Idaho because they turn out smoother and fluffier when mashed.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the potatoes while they cook in the slow cooker.
- Garlic cloves: For that well-loved garlic taste in mashed potatoes. Freshly-peeled garlic is best – no jarred garlic in this recipe, please!
- Sour cream: The secret to silky smooth slow cooker mashed potatoes!
- Milk: Helps achieve the smooth and creamy consistency of the dish. I use whole milk, but you can use any milk of your choice. I don’t recommend almond or soy, though, because their flavor might throw off the recipe.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the potatoes, making them feel indulgent.
- Parsley: Used as a garnish. Adds a pop of color and a subtle savory flavor that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
This is an easy, no-fail recipe for slow cooker mashed potatoes. It only takes 3 simple steps to make a hearty, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Just cook the potatoes, mash and mix with the other ingredients, and keep warm in the crockpot until you’re ready to serve.
Step 1: Cook
First, add the prepared potatoes, broth, and garlic to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 until fork tender.
Step 2: Mash and mix
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break apart the potatoes. Mix in sour cream, milk, and butter. Add parsley, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Serve
Keep on warm until ready to serve, and garnish with remaining parsley. Enjoy!
Substitutions
This recipe only calls for simple, easy-to-find-ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are my suggested ingredient substitutions in case you’re out of some and want to use ingredients you have on hand!
- Chicken broth: Swap with vegetable broth for a lighter version or use beef broth for a heartier flavor. You can also use water in a pinch, but it may be less flavorful.
- Sour cream: If you’re out of sour cream, substitute with Greek yogurt. Try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Milk: Want thicker, richer mashed potatoes? Replace the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Butter: Swap out the butter for a drizzle of olive oil if you want the recipe to be dairy-free.
- Parsley: Fresh chives or green onions work well for a similar fresh flavor.
Variations
If you think that mashed potatoes are just a one-note side dish, think again! These slow cooker mashed potatoes are endlessly customizable – they’re a blank canvas for all kinds of delicious flavors. Here are some of my favorites to keep you inspired:
- Stir in your favorite melty cheese for a rich, gooey treat! Cheddar, parmesan, gouda, or cream cheese are ideal choices.
- Mix in crispy bacon, sour cream, and shredded cheese, then top with green onions for a loaded mashed potato experience.
- Add candied bacon bits for extra texture and smoky flavor. You can also drizzle some of the bacon grease into the potatoes.
- Want a hint of heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements the creamy potatoes.
- Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter, then mix them into the potatoes for a savory version with lots of texture!
- Replace half of the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweet and earthy flavor profile.
Expert Tips
- Choose large potatoes: Buy the biggest potatoes you can find so you have less potatoes to prep. It’s much easier to prep 5 1-lb potatoes than a bigger number of smaller ones. I also buy them individually instead of the big pre-packaged bag so I can choose the best quality ones.
- Use room temperature ingredients: The ingredients mix better when they’re all the same temperature. Room temperature sour cream, milk, and butter is better absorbed by the potatoes when cooking.
- Use enough broth: Make sure that you have enough broth or liquid in the slow cooker to prevent the potatoes from drying out. You can always add more later for your desired consistency.
- Mash according to your preference: I use a hand masher because I like mashed potatoes with a little bit of texture. Use a potato ricer if you prefer a smoother consistency or an electric hand mixer for a combination of the two.
- Adjust the consistency: If your mashed potatoes are too thick after cooking, stir in a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Store This Recipe
Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don’t usually freeze mashed potatoes since they tend to be mealy when thawed, but you can keep them in the freezer for up to 1 month if preferred. Thaw frozen mashed potatoes before reheating.
When ready to use, return to the slow cooker to reheat. You can also warm smaller servings on a buttered skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. I like to add a few splashes of milk to keep them from drying out.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish to any main, but they’re popularly paired with fried chicken and gravy, pork chops, or meatloaf. We love them as a side for parmesan crusted chicken, honey mustard salmon, and bacon-wrapped filet mignon.
For holidays and special occasions, enjoy them with roast chicken, beef, or turkey, baked ham, and stuffing. For a lighter meal option, pair with a salad, some flaky biscuits, buttery dinner rolls, or steamed vegetables.
More Side Dish Recipes To Try
If you make these slow cooker mashed potatoes, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the potatoes, broth, and garlic to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 until fork tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break apart the potatoes. Mix in sour cream, milk, and butter. Add parsley, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Keep on warm until ready to serve, and garnish with remaining parsley.
Notes
- Choose the biggest potatoes you can find – it’s much easier to prep 5 1-lb potatoes than a bigger number of smaller ones. Also buy them individually instead of the big pre-packaged bag so you can choose the best quality ones.
- The ingredients mix better when they’re all the same temperature. Room temperature sour cream, milk, and butter is better absorbed by the potatoes when cooking.
- Make sure that you have enough broth or liquid in the slow cooker to prevent the potatoes from drying out. You can always add more later for your desired consistency.
- Use a hand masher for mashed potatoes with a little bit of texture, a potato ricer if for a smoother consistency, or an electric hand mixer for a combination of the two.
- If your mashed potatoes are too thick after cooking, stir in a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
