If you have been searching high and low for a soul-satisfying, creamy, and utterly comforting side dish, look no further because The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is here to save your day. This recipe takes classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level by using the magic of a slow cooker, which means minimal effort with maximum flavor. Imagine tender potatoes infused with rich butter, smooth cream cheese, and savory chicken broth, all coming together for a fluffy texture that’s perfect every single time. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes will become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and heartiness that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 5 lbs russet potatoes: The classic choice for fluffy, starchy mashed potatoes that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided): Butter adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel and helps make the potatoes luxuriously smooth.
- 1 (32-oz) container chicken broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the potatoes with deeper, savory notes without overwhelming the natural potato flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness and earthiness of the potatoes.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (cut into cubes): Cream cheese gives an irresistible creaminess and a slight tang that brightens up the dish.
- ¼ cup milk: Added at the end for extra smoothness and to adjust consistency perfectly.
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 helps them cook evenly and become beautifully tender in the crock pot. Adding salt and pepper at this stage ensures the potatoes are seasoned right through as they cook.
Step 2: Add Butter and Broth
Drop one stick of unsalted butter right into the crock pot alongside the seasoned potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. The broth will both cook the potatoes and infuse them with flavor. Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Step 3: Drain the Excess Liquid
Once your potatoes are perfectly cooked, carefully drain the extra broth from the slow cooker. Leaving the potatoes in the crock pot ensures you don’t lose any of that delicious buttery goodness while keeping them from being too watery.
Step 4: Mash with Cream Cheese and Milk
Add the remaining butter, cream cheese cubes, and milk directly to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer or a potato masher to blend everything until the potatoes reach your preferred creamy consistency. This is where the mashed potatoes transform into pure velvety indulgence.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Give everything a good taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. The color pop and fresh flavor make these mashed potatoes irresistible on the table.
How to Serve The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this classic side dish in exciting ways. Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast and a hint of freshness. If you want to get fancy, crispy fried onions or chopped chives work beautifully, giving the texture a delightful crunch or mild oniony bite.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with almost anything! Think about hearty mains like roast chicken, meatloaf, or grilled steak. They are also perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a rich gravy, helping soak up every delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try piping these mashed potatoes onto serving plates using a large star tip for a pretty, restaurant-style look. Another fun idea is to spoon them into individual ramekins topped with melted cheese or crispy bacon bits, turning a humble dish into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. When ready to enjoy, a gentle reheating will bring them back to creamy perfection.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing texture or taste. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter during reheating helps restore that fresh-from-the-pot silkiness. Alternatively, use the microwave with short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which yields fluffy mashed potatoes. However, you can substitute Yukon Gold for a creamier, buttery flavor, just keep the cooking time similar.
Do I have to use chicken broth?
While chicken broth adds wonderful depth, you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or water if needed, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk to make a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
How creamy are these mashed potatoes?
This recipe delivers wonderfully creamy mashed potatoes that are easy to adjust. You can mash them smooth or keep a few lumps for rustic texture—whichever you prefer!
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold the extra potatoes or cook in batches. The cooking time may increase slightly if the crock pot is overly full.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe a try—it truly lives up to its name and quickly becomes a household favorite. From the easy prep to the comforting end result, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something special that everyone will rave about. Cozy up your table and enjoy every buttery, creamy spoonful!
Print
The BEST Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe delivers the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes made effortlessly in a crock pot. Slow-cooked russet potatoes blended with butter, chicken broth, cream cheese, and milk create a rich and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
Dairy
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided into 2 sticks)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup milk
Other
- 1 (32-oz) container chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and chop the russet potatoes into bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking and faster softening in the crock pot.
- Cook Potatoes in Crock Pot: Place chopped potatoes into a 6-quart crock pot. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add one stick of unsalted butter and pour in the chicken broth. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Once cooked, carefully drain the excess broth from the slow cooker, leaving only the cooked potatoes inside to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash and Mix: Add the remaining stick of butter, cubed cream cheese, and ¼ cup milk to the potatoes in the crock pot. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to mash the potatoes thoroughly until creamy and smooth, adjusting consistency as desired.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, adding a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can prepare the potatoes a day ahead and reheat gently in the crock pot with a splash of milk to retain creaminess.
- Adding garlic powder or roasted garlic can enhance the flavor of these mashed potatoes.
- Using a hand mixer gives the mashed potatoes a smoother texture; a potato masher will result in a more rustic, chunkier texture.
