Description
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a hands-off approach to creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes. Perfect for serving a crowd, these tender potatoes are slow-cooked in chicken broth and blended with cream cheese, butter, and seasonings for a rich and satisfying side dish. Top with optional garnishes like chives, parsley, shredded cheese, and bacon bits to elevate the flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Broth
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, cleaned and cut into cubes
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix-ins
- 1 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- ½ cup half-and-half or milk
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Chives
- Parsley
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Clean and cut the russet potatoes into cubes, then add them to the crockpot to start the cooking process.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the cubed potatoes inside the crockpot to provide moisture and enhance flavor.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft enough for mashing.
- Drain and Reserve Broth: Remove the potatoes from the crockpot and drain any excess liquid, reserving the chicken broth for adjusting consistency later.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes back into the crockpot pot and mash them using a potato masher until mostly smooth.
- Add Seasonings and Dairy: Stir in salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cream cheese, and the unsalted butter until fully combined for a rich texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add half-and-half or milk, stirring continuously until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Use reserved broth as needed for thinning.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer to serving dishes and top with optional butter, chives, parsley, shredded cheese, or bacon bits for extra flavor and garnish.
- Store Leftovers: Cool any leftovers, then store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their high starch content.
- Adjust the amount of half-and-half or milk to achieve preferred creaminess.
- Reserved chicken broth can be used to thin the mashed potatoes without diluting flavor.
- Optional toppings like bacon bits and shredded cheese add extra texture and richness.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
