If you are looking for a comforting, creamy, and fuss-free way to get your mashed potatoes just right, this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Slow cooking the potatoes allows them to soften perfectly without any babysitting, while infusing every bite with wonderful flavor and staying wonderfully smooth and fluffy. Whether you’re planning a big family dinner or just craving a cozy side dish, this recipe brings simplicity and warmth right to your kitchen with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making your mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy and flavorful. From the starchy potatoes that provide that classic fluffy base to the butter and milk that add richness and silkiness, every component works together beautifully.
- Potatoes (5 pounds): Use a starchy variety like Russets for the fluffiest texture that soaks up the buttery goodness.
- Chicken broth, 1 cup: Opt for low-sodium broth to gently infuse extra flavor while keeping saltiness under control.
- Whole milk, 1 cup: Warmed milk adds creaminess without heaviness; have some extra on hand in case you want them even creamier.
- Butter, 1 stick (8 tablespoons): Adds a velvety richness that makes these mashed potatoes feel indulgent and decadent.
- Nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon: Just a pinch gives a subtle warmth and depth that elevates the flavor surprisingly well.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste – seasoning is the key to bringing out all the delicious layers in this recipe, so don’t be shy here.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients
Getting started on the right foot means grabbing either a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker—the 4-quart size is ideal for this recipe. Assemble all your ingredients so everything is handy; peel and chunk your potatoes right before cooking to prevent browning. This prep sets a smooth, stress-free tone for the entire process.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss them directly into the slow cooker on top of the chicken broth. This broth gently bathes the potatoes while they cook, resulting in a depth of flavor that water can’t match.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Potatoes
Set your slow cooker on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours, making sure to give the potatoes a quick stir once or twice during cooking. This little bit of attention ensures even cooking and keeps the potatoes looking fresh and appetizing, but remember not to lift the lid too long or you’ll lose precious heat.
Step 4: Warm the Milk and Butter
While the potatoes near doneness, gently heat your milk, butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper together in a small saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture just starts to steam. This keeps the temperature consistent when you mash, avoiding any chilling shock to your potatoes.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Using a hand masher, begin mashing the potatoes right in the slow cooker pot without adding the milk mixture yet. Stick to the hand masher and avoid mixers; it’s tempting to use one, but trust me, it turns this heavenly mash into a gluey mess.
Step 6: Add the Milk Mixture and Finish
Slowly stir the warmed milk and butter into the mashed potatoes while mashing and mixing. If the texture feels too thick, add more warmed milk a little at a time until they reach your perfect consistency—creamy, smooth, and dreamy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Add a pat of butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and keep the mashed potatoes warm on the slow cooker’s KEEP WARM setting for up to an hour. Then dig in and enjoy the fruits of your patience!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a fresh burst of color and mild oniony brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich mashed potatoes. For something extra indulgent, a drizzle of browned butter or a few crispy fried onions on top brings a lovely texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your ideal companion to classic comfort mains like roast chicken, meatloaf, or pot roast. Pairing it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad balances out the richness beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a swirl of gravy and crispy bacon bits. Or try layering them in a casserole dish with cheese and scallions, then baking lightly for a golden crust. The possibilities to impress with this versatile recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The slow cooker mashed potatoes hold their texture well, making them perfect for enjoying the next day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes in portions inside freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just remember to cool them completely before freezing to maintain best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if they seem to dry out. Bringing them back to creamy perfection is super easy with this recipe’s forgiving nature.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Yes! While Russets are classic, Yukon Golds also work wonderfully for a creamier, buttery texture. Just remember that waxy potatoes can sometimes become gummy, so stick mostly to starchy varieties when possible.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest, creamiest mash, but if you like a rustic texture and extra nutrients, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash the potatoes well before chopping.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap the butter and milk for vegan alternatives like olive oil and plant-based milk. The slow cooker will still work its magic on the potatoes.
What if my slow cooker is smaller or larger?
This recipe is best suited for a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker for even cooking. If your cooker is larger, the potatoes may spread out too thinly and cook unevenly; if smaller, you may need to reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overflow.
Can I add extra flavors to this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Definitely! Fresh garlic, roasted shallots, or herbs like rosemary and thyme make fantastic flavor boosters. Add them along with the broth to infuse your mash with personalized tasty twists.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting side dish without the stress and fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you relax and prepare your other dishes, and the results are pure, buttery bliss. Trust me, once you try this, mashed potatoes will never be the same again!
Print
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These slow cooker mashed potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Using a slow cooker allows the potatoes to cook evenly and develop a rich texture without constant monitoring. Infused with butter, nutmeg, and seasoned with salt and pepper, this recipe yields perfect comfort food fit for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds potatoes
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk (plus extra if needed)
Butter & Seasonings
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare your slow cooker, ideally 4 to 5-quart size, and get all your ingredients ready to go.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks just before cooking to prevent browning. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker over 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the potatoes gently twice during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and maintain color. Keep the lid on quickly to retain heat.
- Warm Milk Mixture: When potatoes are nearly cooked, combine the whole milk, butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Heat until the butter melts and the milk begins to steam, then set aside.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a hand masher safe for your slow cooker, mash the hot potatoes without adding milk yet. Avoid electric mixers as they create a gluey texture.
- Finish Texture: Gradually stir in the warmed milk and butter mixture while mashing until creamy. Add additional warmed milk in 1/4 cup increments to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with chives or a pat of butter. You can keep the mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker for up to one hour before serving.
Notes
- Use a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker for best results.
- Peel and cut potatoes just before cooking to prevent discoloration.
- Stir potatoes occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Warm the milk mixture separately to keep potatoes hot and prevent clumping.
- Avoid using electric mixers to mash potatoes, as this can create a gluey texture.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred creaminess.
- Keep mashed potatoes warm on the slow cooker’s WARM setting for up to an hour.
