Grab your slow cooker to whip up these crockpot mashed potatoes. This hack will free up time in the kitchen by cutting down on moments spent over the stovetop, helping you get a rich and hearty side on the table with minimal effort.
These mashed potatoes practically cook themselves. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic. This side dish is a winner for its creamy, rich taste and easy customizability.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
- Potatoes: We usually use russets for mashed potato recipes, but Yukon Golds can be a great substitute, too. For the fluffiest and creamiest result, peel, boil and mash the potatoes before adding them to your crockpot.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese in your slow cooker mashed potato recipe for rich and silky flavors.
- Sour cream: Adding a few dollops of sour cream gives your potatoes tangy, delicious and creamy notes.
- Ranch salad dressing mix: Toss some ranch seasoning into your Crockpot mashed potatoes recipe for an extra zesty and bright flavor.
- Parsley: Herbs, like parsley, add vibrant color and aromatic bites to your hearty mashed potatoes.
Directions
Step 1: Boil the potatoes
Peel and cube the potatoes, then add them to a stock pot. Pour in enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the potatoes without the lid until they are fork-tender, which should take 20 to 25 minutes. Finally, drain and mash the potatoes.
Editor’s Tip: Substitute chicken stock for water when boiling the potatoes to make them extra flavorful.
Step 2: Add all of the ingredients to a crockpot
Add the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, ranch seasoning and parsley to a large bowl. Reserve some of the butter for the garnish. Combine these ingredients, then mix in the mashed potatoes. Transfer the blend to a crockpot, and cook on low for two to three hours.
Step 3: Garnish the mashed potatoes
To enhance the richness and creaminess of the mashed potatoes, we generously top them with butter.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Variations
- Get creative with seasoning: Swap the ranch packet for fun, flavorful mix-ins like Everything Bagel seasoning, cajun spice or truffle powder.
- Top with fried garlic: Sprinkle fried garlic on top of your mashed potatoes for crunchy and savory bites.
- Make them dairy-free: Nix the dairy in this recipe for plant-based products like vegan cream cheese, butter, and sour cream options.
How to Store Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Let the mashed potatoes cool and pack the leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for three to four days.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Tips
How do you know when Crockpot mashed potatoes are finished?
When the mashed potatoes reach a smooth and creamy consistency they’re ready to garnish with butter and serve. They typically take two to three hours on low in the crockpot.
Can you make this recipe for crockpot mashed potatoes ahead of time?
What’s great about this crockpot mashed potato recipe is you can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance and keep them in the crockpot’s warm setting for up to three hours.
How do you use up leftover mashed potatoes?
If you have tons of leftover mashed potatoes, you can get creative. Mix them into a batter for chocolate glaze donuts. Turn them into a crust for a quiche that’s brunch-ready. The routes with this fluffy side dish are endless. If you need more ideas, here’s a list of ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
