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
Scale
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.
