Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Get ready for a simple twist on everyone’s favorite side dish with these crockpot mashed potatoes that make meal time easy and fun. Imagine tossing everything into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic, which means more time for chatting with family or getting the rest of dinner ready. You’ll enjoy how this recipe brings out rich, comforting flavors without needing to stand over the stove, perfect for busy parents and home cooks looking to impress without the fuss.
Plus, the health benefits are a big win, as slow cooking helps keep more nutrients in the potatoes compared to quick methods like boiling. This dish adapts to all kinds of diets, from gluten-free options to vegan tweaks, making it a go-to for anyone in your group. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, these crockpot mashed potatoes deliver creamy comfort that feels just right every time.
One of the best parts is the versatility, where you can mix in extras like cheese or herbs to customize it just how you like. It serves about 10 people with just 15 minutes of prep and about 4 hours of cooking, so it’s ideal for food enthusiasts and working professionals alike. Dive into this recipe and see why it becomes a staple in your kitchen for creating those memorable moments around the table.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- 5. Mastering Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- 8. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
To make these crockpot mashed potatoes, you’ll need a specific set of ingredients that come together for a creamy, flavorful result. Start with the main items listed below, measured out precisely to ensure the best texture and taste. This structured list covers everything required, making it simple to shop and prepare.
- 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- Half a cup (one stick) of salted butter, cut into cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 32-ounce carton of chicken broth
- Another half cup (one stick) of salted butter, cut into cubes
- 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese, cut into cubes
- Quarter cup of milk, or more to taste
Keep in mind, these ingredients create a dish that serves 10 people and can be adjusted for dietary needs, like using plant-based alternatives for a vegan version. For more ideas on variations, check out our loaded baked potato chicken casserole for inspiration on adding extras.
How to Prepare the Perfect Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
Kicking off with the first step, gather your 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peel them, and chop them into 1-inch chunks for even cooking in the crockpot. Place these chunks into a 6-quart crockpot, then dot half a cup of salted butter, cubed, over the top and season with salt and pepper. Pour in a 32-ounce carton of chicken broth to cover the potatoes, set the lid on, and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours until they’re fork-tender.
Once done, carefully drain the excess broth don’t toss it all, as you can save some for gravy later and return the potatoes to the crockpot. Add the remaining half cup of salted butter cubed, an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese cubed, and a quarter cup of milk or more if you want it creamier. Use a potato masher to blend everything until smooth or keep it slightly lumpy based on your preference, then taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
With this method, your potatoes stay warm right in the crockpot until it’s time to serve, making it perfect for gatherings. For more healthy twists, visit this Potato Health Benefits resource to learn how spuds can fit into your meals.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Making these crockpot mashed potatoes work for everyone is easy with a few smart swaps. For instance, if you’re aiming for a lighter version, trade out the cream cheese for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to keep that creamy texture without changing the flavor much. You can also use yellow potatoes, but remember they might need less liquid, so adjust as you go.
Replace traditional ingredients like butter with plant-based spreads if you’re going vegan, or opt for low-fat milk to cut calories. If red potatoes come to mind, skip them since they don’t hold up well in texture for this recipe. These changes let you tailor the dish to fit diets for busy parents or diet-conscious folks while keeping that comforting taste.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Option | Reason for Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Salted Butter | Plant-based spread | For vegan diets |
| Cream Cheese | Sour cream or Greek yogurt | Reduces calories and adds tang |
| Milk | Almond or oat milk | For dairy-free preferences |
Mastering Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations
To get the creamiest crockpot mashed potatoes, focus on key techniques like mashing by hand to avoid a gummy texture steer clear of electric mixers for the best results. For variations, try mixing in shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions to turn this into loaded mashed potatoes that everyone loves. Another tip is to prepare it on the stovetop by boiling the potatoes in chicken broth if you’re short on time.
Flavor Boosts and Storage Hints
Yellow potatoes can work, but they may need less liquid, so keep an eye on that during cooking. Save any excess broth for making gravy, which adds another layer to your meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently to keep them fluffy.
Here are some quick ideas to enhance your dish:
- Add roasted garlic for a savory kick
- Mix in herbs like chives for freshness
- Try a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor
When it comes to family favorites, these tips make sure your crockpot mashed potatoes shine at any table.
How to Store Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Best Practices
After enjoying your crockpot mashed potatoes, proper storage keeps them fresh and tasty. Pop them into an airtight container and slide them into the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to three days. For longer keep, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, and they’ll hold up for about two months without losing quality.
When you’re ready to eat them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the crockpot or microwave, stirring to bring back that creamy feel. This approach works great for meal prep, helping busy students and working professionals have dinner ready in a flash.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Can I use an electric mixer to mash potatoes in a crockpot recipe?
It’s best to avoid using an electric mixer for crockpot mashed potatoes because over-mixing can cause a gummy texture. The slow cooker softens the potatoes thoroughly, so mashing them by hand with a traditional potato masher is easier and helps maintain a light, fluffy consistency without extra dishes to clean.
Why is chicken broth recommended instead of water in crockpot mashed potatoes?
Using chicken broth instead of water adds rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the mashed potatoes. The broth seeps into the potatoes as they cook in the slow cooker, creating a more savory and satisfying dish compared to plain water.
What are good substitutes for cream cheese in crockpot mashed potatoes?
Sour cream and plain Greek yogurt work well as alternatives to cream cheese. Both add creaminess and a slight tang that complements the potatoes, while still keeping the dish smooth and flavorful.
Can I make mashed potatoes on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can boil the potatoes in chicken broth on the stovetop before mashing. However, using a crockpot frees up stove and oven space—especially helpful during busy cooking times like holidays—and allows for slow, even cooking without constant monitoring.
How should I store leftover crockpot mashed potatoes?
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and prevent dryness.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
🥔 Experience the rich, creamy comfort of slow cooker mashed potatoes, perfect for family meals and gatherings.
🍽️ This easy recipe frees you from stovetop monitoring, delivering smooth mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
– 5 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– Half a cup (one stick) salted butter cut into cubes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 32-ounce carton chicken broth
– Another half cup (one stick) salted butter cut into cubes
– 8-ounce package softened cream cheese cut into cubes
– Quarter cup milk or more to taste
Instructions
1-Kicking off with the first step, gather your 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peel them, and chop them into 1-inch chunks for even cooking in the crockpot. Place these chunks into a 6-quart crockpot, then dot half a cup of salted butter, cubed, over the top and season with salt and pepper. Pour in a 32-ounce carton of chicken broth to cover the potatoes, set the lid on, and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours until they’re fork-tender.
2-Once done, carefully drain the excess broth don’t toss it all, as you can save some for gravy later and return the potatoes to the crockpot. Add the remaining half cup of salted butter cubed, an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese cubed, and a quarter cup of milk or more if you want it creamier. Use a potato masher to blend everything until smooth or keep it slightly lumpy based on your preference, then taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
3-With this method, your potatoes stay warm right in the crockpot until it’s time to serve, making it perfect for gatherings.
Notes
🧂 Avoid using an electric mixer to prevent a gummy texture.
🥛 Substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
🧀 For loaded mashed potatoes, add shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, and green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
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- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 177 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Slow Cooker Sides, Comfort Food