If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly made, this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, perfectly mashed potatoes infused with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, enhanced by garlic and rich cream cheese, all slowly cooked to perfection in your crockpot. It’s a hands-off recipe that lets you set it and forget it, so you can spend more time chatting with loved ones or prepping other dishes. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes always steal the show with their velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe calls for simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that build layers of flavor and deliver a luscious creamy texture. Each component plays a role in making these mashed potatoes irresistibly good.
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes: Perfect for fluffy, starchy mash that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds moisture and savory depth while keeping the potatoes tender.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed: Brings a gentle aromatic punch that complements the herbs.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of fresh color and a mild herbaceous note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme: Infuses subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Gives a fragrant and slightly piney flavor enhancing the overall complexity.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes just right.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides balanced heat without overpowering.
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cubed: Brings rich creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed: Adds tangy richness that makes the mashed potatoes extra silky.
- ½ cup warmed whole milk: Lightens the texture and helps achieve perfect creaminess.
- Additional salt and pepper to taste: To tweak the seasoning precisely before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Add Potatoes and Broth
Start by placing the peeled and cut Russet potatoes into your crockpot. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over them; this gentle cooking liquid allows the potatoes to absorb flavor while softening beautifully throughout the long cooking time.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper directly into the crockpot. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed and begin infusing the potatoes with their fragrant qualities.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes are ready when they are super tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, ensuring they’ll mash into a perfect creamy consistency.
Step 4: Mash Potatoes
Once cooked, add the cubed butter and cream cheese to the crockpot. Using a potato masher or a handheld electric mixer, gently mash until the potatoes reach your desired softness. Take care not to overdo it, as over-mixing can make the potatoes gluey instead of fluffy and light.
Step 5: Add Milk
Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk, stirring gently until it’s fully incorporated. The milk loosens the texture and enhances the creaminess, but feel free to use only as much as needed to get that perfect mashed potato finish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe hot for an irresistible side dish that complements any meal perfectly.
How to Serve Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra sprigs of thyme on top add a beautiful fresh touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. For a more indulgent flair, a pat of melting butter or a light drizzle of olive oil inspires a comforting finish.
Side Dishes
This mashed potato delight pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, soaking up the rich drippings and sauces. It also works beautifully next to steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the presentation by serving the mashed potatoes in a warm ceramic bowl, topped with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for texture. For a gourmet twist, swirl in caramelized shallots or grated aged cheddar before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When stored properly, their flavor and texture hold up wonderfully, making them perfect for quick reheating and second-day enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes by transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain their creamy consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if they seem too thick to bring back that fresh-from-the-crockpot creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture when mashed, but Yukon Golds can work for a creamier, slightly buttery flavor. Just keep in mind the mash texture might vary slightly.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs pack the most vibrant flavor, but if you only have dried herbs on hand, use about one-third of the amount and add them earlier during cooking for maximum infusion.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, use vegetable broth, and swap whole milk with plant-based milk like oat or almond milk for a delicious vegan version.
Is it okay to cook the potatoes longer than suggested?
Cooking longer on low can be okay if your crockpot runs a bit cool, but be careful not to overcook. Overcooked potatoes can turn waterlogged and affect the final texture negatively.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Be gentle when mashing and avoid overmixing, especially with electric mixers. Overworking the starch in the potatoes releases excess glue-like starch, making them dense and sticky instead of light.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a game changer when it comes to comfort food made easy. With minimal effort, you get a deeply flavorful, creamy side that feels special and homemade every time. I encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering or cozy dinner because once you do, these mashed potatoes will become an indispensable favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a hands-off approach to creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the potatoes are mashed with butter, cream cheese, and warm milk for a rich and smooth texture, making it an ideal comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cubed
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup warmed whole milk
- Additional salt and pepper (to taste, if needed)
Instructions
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Place the peeled and cut Russet potatoes into the crockpot. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes to provide moisture and enhance flavor during cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are done when they are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the cubed butter and cream cheese to the crockpot. Using a potato masher or a handheld electric mixer, gently mash the potatoes until achieving the desired creamy consistency. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour the warmed whole milk into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently as you go to create a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the amount of milk based on your preferred thickness.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the mashed potatoes hot as a delicious and comforting side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter, cream cheese, and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the potatoes.
- Do not over-mix the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or omitted based on availability and preference.
- The recipe can be doubled if using a larger crockpot.
