Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to cooking for holidays or feeding a big family, every stovetop burner counts. That’s why Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the secret weapon of smart home cooks everywhere. They’re rich, buttery, creamy, and—best of all—completely hands-off!

With this no-boil, one-pot recipe, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Just toss in the potatoes, butter, garlic, and a bit of broth or cream, then let them cook slowly until soft and tender. A quick mash at the end, and you have perfectly creamy mashed potatoes—no fuss, no boiling, no draining.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner, these slow cooker mashed potatoes will make your meal prep easier and your kitchen calmer. Plus, the warm setting on the crockpot keeps them hot and ready to serve for hours—ideal for buffets, potlucks, or big family gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No boiling or draining: Everything cooks in one pot—zero mess!

• Perfectly creamy every time: Slow cooking gently breaks down the potatoes for a smooth texture.

• Frees up stovetop space: Perfect for busy holiday cooking.

• Hands-off & stress-free: Minimal prep, no constant stirring or watching.

• Stays warm for hours: The crockpot doubles as a serving dish.

• Customizable: Add cheese, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy, creamy slow cooker mashed potato recipe, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:

• 5 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – Peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch cubes.

• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth – Keeps the potatoes moist while they cook.

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed – For rich flavor and silky texture.

• ¾ cup heavy cream or milk – Adjust to desired creaminess.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional) – Adds subtle aromatic depth.

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional) – For garnish and freshness.

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variations:

• ½ cup sour cream – for tangy creaminess

• ½ cup shredded cheddar – for cheesy mashed potatoes

• ¼ teaspoon paprika or roasted garlic powder – for warmth and flavor

• A drizzle of olive oil – for extra silkiness

Choosing the Best Potatoes

The potato variety you use determines the final texture:

• Yukon Gold: Buttery and creamy, naturally rich in flavor.

• Russet Potatoes: Light, fluffy, and absorb butter and cream well.

• Combination: Half Yukon Gold + half Russet for the perfect balance of creaminess and fluffiness.

Avoid waxy potatoes (like red or new potatoes)—they tend to hold their shape and don’t mash as smoothly.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

This easy method takes the stress out of traditional mashed potatoes. Follow these simple steps:

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Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks (about 1½ inches each).

2. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess starch.

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Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

1. Add the potatoes to the slow cooker.

2. Pour in the broth, then top with butter and garlic (if using).

3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

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Step 3: Cook Until Tender

• Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6–7 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.

• Stir once halfway through, if possible, to distribute the butter and moisture evenly.

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Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

1. Once the potatoes are tender, mash them directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher or hand mixer (on low speed).

2. Gradually pour in the warm cream (or milk) while mashing to reach your preferred consistency.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Keep Warm for Serving

• Switch the slow cooker to Warm and cover with the lid.

• Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or broth if the potatoes start to thicken.

• They’ll stay warm and creamy for up to 3 hours—perfect for serving a crowd.

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Why This Method Works

The slow cooker acts like a gentle oven, slowly steaming the potatoes in butter and broth. This allows them to cook evenly, soak up flavor, and break down into a velvety texture—without the need for boiling or draining.

It’s ideal for holiday cooking because you can set it and forget it, freeing up valuable stovetop space for other dishes. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything happens in one pot.

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Flavor Variations

Once you master the base recipe, you can customize it in endless ways:

Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Add roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, or thyme while cooking for a fragrant twist.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan during the mashing step for extra richness.

Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a tangy, ultra-creamy result.

Vegan Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Use vegetable broth, olive oil, and plant-based milk for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and flavorful.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Mix in chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and herbs for a hearty, crowd-pleasing side.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:
You can prep this dish a day before:

1. Prepare and mash the potatoes.

2. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container.

3. The next day, reheat in the slow cooker on Low with a splash of cream or broth, stirring occasionally until hot.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: Scoop into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month.

• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave with a splash of cream to restore texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker mashed potatoes are endlessly versatile and pair beautifully with countless dishes.

Perfect Main Dishes:

• Roast turkey or chicken

• Beef tenderloin or pot roast

• Meatloaf or vegetarian loaf

• Grilled salmon or baked fish

Great Side Dish Pairings:

• Green beans with garlic butter

• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

• Classic gravy or mushroom gravy

• Fresh salad or steamed asparagus

Serving Ideas:

• Top with a pat of melted butter and chopped herbs.

• Sprinkle with chives or shredded cheese for color.

• Serve family-style straight from the slow cooker!

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Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

• Cut evenly: Uniform potato chunks ensure even cooking.

• Use warm liquids: Warm cream or milk blends more easily for smoother mash.

• Don’t overmix: Mash gently to avoid a gluey texture.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning makes or breaks mashed potatoes—add salt gradually.

• Keep covered: The slow cooker’s lid traps steam, keeping the potatoes moist.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Potatoes too watery?
Remove the lid for 20 minutes on High to let excess liquid evaporate before mashing.

Potatoes too thick?
Add more warm cream, milk, or broth a little at a time while mashing until smooth.

Potatoes lumpy?
They might not have cooked long enough. Cook for another 15–30 minutes, then mash again.

Potatoes bland?
Add a touch more salt or a spoonful of butter to bring the flavor alive.

Potatoes sticky or gluey?
Overmixing can cause this. Mash by hand or use a ricer for best results.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 240

• Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 4g

• Sodium: 280mg

(Values will vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

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How to Make Them Extra Creamy

If you love indulgent mashed potatoes, here are a few ways to make them even creamier:

1. Add cream cheese or sour cream – both add tang and smoothness.

2. Use heavy cream instead of milk for ultra-rich texture.

3. Mash through a ricer for a perfectly smooth, lump-free finish.

4. Add butter in layers – mix some in while mashing, then swirl more on top.

5. Keep them warm and covered – the heat keeps the butter and cream fully integrated.

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Easy Holiday Hack

During the holidays, stovetop and oven space are precious. This slow cooker method frees up both, while delivering the same (if not better!) results.

Here’s how to plan:

• Start the potatoes in the morning on Low while prepping other dishes.

• Mash them an hour before dinner.

• Switch the slow cooker to Warm and forget about them until serving time.

Your potatoes will stay hot, creamy, and ready whenever your guests are!

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Flavor Add-Ins for Every Occasion

Want to take your mashed potatoes up a notch? Try these mix-ins:

For Thanksgiving:

• Roasted garlic and thyme

• Brown butter drizzle

For Christmas:

• Parmesan and chives

• Cream cheese and nutmeg

For Everyday Comfort Dinners:

• Olive oil and black pepper

• Sharp cheddar and scallions

For a Crowd:

• Double the recipe and use a large (6–7 quart) slow cooker.

• Keep on Warm, stir occasionally, and add milk as needed to maintain creaminess.

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Serving Ideas for Presentation

Even though they cook in a slow cooker, you can still make them look elegant when serving:

Option 1 – Rustic Style:
Serve directly from the crockpot with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Option 2 – Family Feast:
Transfer to a serving bowl, swirl the top with a spoon for texture, and sprinkle extra chives or cheese.

Option 3 – Party Platter:
Pipe mashed potatoes into mini portions using a piping bag and garnish with herbs for bite-size servings.

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FAQs About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Can I use red potatoes?
You can, but they’ll have a chunkier texture. For classic creamy mash, stick with Yukon Gold or Russet.

Can I leave the skin on?
Yes! Leave the skin for a rustic, hearty texture—just scrub well before cooking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (6–7 quarts). Add an extra 30–45 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add cheese?
Definitely. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan after mashing for a rich, cheesy version.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and plant-based milk or broth instead of cream.

How long can mashed potatoes stay warm in the slow cooker?
They can stay on the “Warm” setting for up to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to maintain texture.

What size slow cooker should I use?
A 5- or 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I cook the potatoes overnight?
It’s best not to—after 7 hours, they can overcook and turn mushy. Stick to daytime cooking for best texture.

Can I reheat mashed potatoes in the slow cooker?
Yes! Add a splash of cream or milk, cover, and heat on Low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The low, consistent heat of the slow cooker ensures the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture. Instead of boiling away flavor, they soak up the buttery broth, resulting in naturally rich and creamy mashed potatoes.

It’s the ultimate hands-free side dish—perfect for busy cooks, large gatherings, or anyone who wants perfect mashed potatoes without babysitting a pot.

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The Perfect Comfort Food

Few dishes say “home” like a bowl of mashed potatoes. They’re warm, smooth, and always comforting. This slow cooker version makes that comfort easier to achieve, with less work and more flavor.

Once you try this no-boil method, you may never go back to the traditional stovetop approach. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or just making a cozy weeknight dinner, these Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes deliver creamy perfection every time—with minimal effort.