Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, flavorful and easy to make with fluffy Yukon potatoes, roasted garlic, butter and savory herbs. This mashed potato recipe requires no preboiling and frees up your stove making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday meal!

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Updated November 2023

Easy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free way to prepare the perfect creamy mashed potatoes, then look no further. These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy and easy to make with fluffy potatoes, garlic, butter, Greek yogurt and savory seasonings. They’re just as delicious as classic mashed potatoes and the perfect side to go along with your turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any weeknight dinner!

Making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker is perfect for those days when you don’t feel like peeling or boiling a gazillion potatoes. The slow cooker helps to make things easier during the holidays when you’re planning that big Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Just toss everything into your crockpot and in a few hours, and your make ahead mashed potatoes are ready without any babysitting.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this make ahead slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes with ease and impress your guests with every scoop.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need:

The foundation of our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes lies in carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the final exquisite taste. Here’s a breakdown of what we use:

• Russet Potatoes (unpeeled): Russet potatoes are perfect for mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture. Keeping the skin on adds extra flavor and nutrients.
• Fine Sea Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the taste of the potatoes. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
• Dried Oregano: A surprising addition that brings a hint of earthy aroma to the dish, complementing the potatoes beautifully.
• Chopped Roasted Garlic: The roasted garlic infuses the potatoes with a mild, savory flavor, taking them to the next level.
• Vegan Butter (or Unsalted Butter or Ghee): Butter adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. Use vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• Plain Thick Greek-Style Yogurt (or Substitutes): Greek-style yogurt gives a tangy creaminess. You can also use regular yogurt, Skyre yogurt, or vegan/regular sour cream for a similar effect.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk (or Milk Substitutes): Almond milk, or any plant-based or regular milk, helps achieve the desired consistency in your mashed potatoes.
• Grated Parmesan for Topping (Optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a delightful umami flavor. Opt for vegan Parmesan if you’re going dairy-free.
• Chopped Parsley for Topping (Optional): Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing taste to the final dish.

Instructions: How to make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Now, let’s dive into the preparation process. Our crockpot mashed potatoes are not only delicious but incredibly easy to make:

• Cut and Season: Quarter your unpeeled Russet potatoes and place them in the slow cooker. Add fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, and the flavorful roasted garlic.
• Cook to Perfection: Let your potatoes simmer away in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. Keep an eye on them until they become tender and easily mashable.
• Mash and Creamify: Once your potatoes are tender, it’s time to create creamy magic. Add your choice of butter and mash them using a potato masher until they’re light and fluffy. Follow it up with sour cream (or a substitute) and milk, continuing to mash until smooth and velvety.
• Season to Taste: Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can always add a bit more salt, pepper, or butter if needed.
• Garnish to Impress: Serve your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes warm, and don’t hold back on the toppings. A dollop of butter, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a handful of chopped parsley will make them even more irresistible.

Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

• Use the right kind of potatoes: Russet and Yukon Golds have a high starch content and are perfect for making the creamiest and fluffiest mashed potatoes. Don’t use waxy red potatoes since they won’t break down and you’ll end up with lumpy mashed potatoes
• Leave the skins on when cooking: Keep the potato skins on for extra flavor and nutrients. This helps to avoid a gluey texture and contributes to the overall flavor. Unpeeled potatoes absorb less water and help to preserve the starch
• Don’t over-cook: Test your potatoes with a knife, once they are tender, drain the liquid so they don’t get too mushy
• Use a potato masher or ricer and do not over-mash: Using a potato masher or ricer allows you to control how well you mash them. Over mixing with a hand mixer or an immersion blender causes the starch in the potatoes to break down and turn gummy
• Season well and taste constantly: Add enough seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic & herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Taste as you go to ensure that the flavor in your mashed potatoes did not dilute and really stand out
• Add butter first before liquid and creams: This helps to coat the starch so your potatoes remain firm before adding the cream and liquid for silkier and creamier mashed potatoes
• Do not add all the cream or liquid all at once: Fold in cream and liquid a little at a time and stop once you have reached the desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Incorporating your own personal touch can make this recipe uniquely yours.

• Cream: Add sour cream, vegan yogurt or vegan cream cheese for extra creamy mashed potatoes
• Cheese: Add cheddar, goat cheese or vegan parmesan for cheesy mashed potatoes and an extra creamy, indulgent twist.
• Seasonings and Herbs: Incorporate herbs like fresh chives, oregano, rosemary, or thyme for added flavor.
• Don’t have a slow cooker: Try our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Potatoes: Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower or sweet potatoes like ourSweet Potato Mash or Cauliflower Mash.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot make ahead mashed potatoes recipe is a versatile and beloved side dish that can complement a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration, here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your meal complete:

1. Roast Chicken: Pairing your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with a succulent whole roasted chicken is a classic combination.

2. Grilled Steak: For a hearty and indulgent meal, serve your garlic mashed potatoes with a perfectly grilled steak.

3. Vegetarian Stew: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to a hearty vegetable stew.

4. Thanksgiving or Holiday Feast: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with roasted garlic are a must-have for your holiday feasts. They pair exceptionally well with your Thanksgivng turkey, instant pot ham, or any roast you choose to serve.

5. Grilled Fish: For a lighter and healthier option, serve your mashed potatoes with a grilled salmon.

6. BBQ Pulled Pork: Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes can also be a fantastic side for BBQ pulled pork. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pulled pork are beautifully offset by the creamy and savory mashed potatoes. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

7. Meatloaf: Mashed potatoes and meatloaf are a classic comfort food pairing. A drizzle of gravy or tomato sauce ties the meal together beautifully.

9. Vegetarian Options: For a meat-free meal, pair your mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables, a hearty vegetable stir-fry, or a delicious vegetarian curry.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Refrigeration: If you’re planning to save some for later, store your mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze leftover mashed potatoes along with any leftover turkey. Transfer to a large resealable freezer-safe bag, Stasher Bag or airtight container. Squeeze or press out any extra air and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Your frozen mashed potatoes will stay good for 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

How to Make Ahead and Reheat:

Make ahead: To make the perfect make ahead mashed potatoes, start off by peeling and cubing the potatoes one day ahead of time. Then store them in the fridge in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to cook.

Reheating: Reheating your leftover mashed potatoes is even easier. Simply use the microwave or stovetop method:

• Microwave Method: Place your portion in a microwave-safe container, add a bit of extra butter or milk, and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop Method: Heat the mashed potatoes over low to medium heat, stirring and adding extra butter or milk to maintain the desired consistency.

FAQs:

1. Can I Peel the Potatoes for this Recipe?

While our recipe calls for leaving the Russet potatoes unpeeled, you can certainly peel them if you prefer a smoother, skin-free texture. The potato skin not only adds flavor but also additional nutrients, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

2. How Do I Adjust the Seasonings to My Taste?

Our recipe provides recommended amounts of salt, pepper, and dried oregano. However, feel free to adjust these seasonings to match your personal preference. Start with less and add more as needed, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

3. What’s the Best Way to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm for a Gathering?

To keep your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes warm during a gathering, you can transfer them to a slow cooker set on the “Keep Warm” setting. Stir occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency, and cover the slow cooker to prevent moisture loss.

4. Can I Use a Hand Mixer or a Blender to Mash the Potatoes?

While a potato masher is recommended for a rustic, slightly chunky texture, you can use a hand mixer or blender for a smoother consistency. Be cautious not to overmix, as it can make the potatoes gummy. Mix until you reach your desired level of creaminess.

5. How Do I Prevent Mashed Potatoes from Becoming Too Watery?

To avoid your mashed potatoes becoming too watery, be mindful of the amount of liquid you add. Start with the recommended amount and add more only as needed to reach your desired consistency. Additionally, ensure that the potatoes are properly drained after cooking in the slow cooker.

More easy side dish recipes you might like:

Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Rosemary Tri-color Potatoes

Butternut Squash Cornbread Stuffing

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

3 hrs

Total Time

3 hrs 10 mins

 

These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, flavorful and easy to make with fluffy Yukon potatoes, roasted garlic, butter and savory herbs. This mashed potato recipe requires no preboiling and frees up your stove making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday meal!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: creamy mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes with garlic, slow cooker mashed potatoes, slowcooker thanksgiving recipe

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 132 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Russet potatoes (unpeeled) , cut into quarters
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt , plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper , plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cloves chopped roasted garlic
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter , you can also use ghee or unsalted butter if you're not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup plain thick Greek-style yogurt , such as Kite-Hill Foods, Cocojune or Yogguu. You can also use plain full fat or 2% Greek yogurt or Skyre if you're not dairy-free. Vegan or regular sour cream work too.
• 1 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk , or more as needed. You can sub with any plant-milk or regular milk too.
• grated (dairy-free or regular) Parmesan for topping , optional
• chopped parsley for topping , optional

Instructions

1. Cut your potatoes into quarters and place them in the slow cooker along with the salt, pepper, oregano and roasted garlic.

2. Cook for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low, or until potatoes are tender. (Mine usually take about 2.5 hours)
3. Once potatoes are tender, add the butter and mash with a potato masher until fluffy. Add sour cream and milk and continue mashing until smooth.

4. Adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm with more butter, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

How to make ahead: Peel and cube the potatoes one day ahead of time and store them in the fridge in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to cook.

How to store or make ahead: Make your mashed potatoes and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to reheat

Add your mashed potatoes along with 1/2 - 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or vegan milk to a pot and cook over low-medium heat until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add more butter or milk as needed if they seem too dry. 

You can also reheat your garlic mashed potatoes in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave. 

How to freeze

You can freeze leftover mashed potatoes along with any leftover turkey. Transfer to a large resealable freezer-safe bag, Stasher Bag or airtight container. Squeeze or press out any extra air and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat from frozen: Transfer the container or bag to the fridge the night before and then reheat when ready. You can also reheat frozen mashed potatoes in the microwave or stove-top as directed above.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 132 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 3g6%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.