Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

When it comes to preparing holiday side dishes, there is no better or more convenient way to make creamy mashed potatoes than in your crock pot. It is a fantastic recipe when you are looking to save oven space or for when you need to transport a side dish to another home.

Best of all, it is an easy recipe that requires very little hands on time. This means that you can use your free time to prepare other holiday dishes or spend more time with your family and friends.

However, there are a few key tips to make sure that the potatoes turn out light and fluffy. By following the guidelines and recipe below, you will have the best tasting mashed potatoes for your holiday dinner.

Why Make Mashed Potatoes In A Crock Pot

There are several reasons why you should you use your slow cooker to make this classic holiday side dish.

1. Free up your oven space. During a holiday meal, oven space is often at a premium. Cooking mashed potatoes in the crock pot or Instant Pot frees up the oven for other dishes, such as roasted turkey, ham, or vegetables.

2. Easy to prepare. Mashed potatoes in the crock pot are very easy to prepare. Simply peel and cube the potatoes, add the broth, garlic, and spices, and set it to cook. You can then forget about it until it’s time to mash.

3. Keeps the potatoes warm. Once the mashed potatoes are cooked, you can keep them warm in the crock pot on low heat or if you crock pot has a keep warm setting like our 6 quart programmable crock pot. This means that they will be ready to serve when you are, without having to worry about reheating them.

4. Delicious and creamy. The mashed potatoes turn out just as delicious and creamy as mashed potatoes made on the stovetop. In fact, many people find that the potatoes that cook in the slow cooker are even more flavorful, as the potatoes have more time to cook and absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings.

The Secrets For Light and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

• Use the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are well known as the best type of potatoes to use for mashed potatoes, as they have a high starch content. The break down easily which helps to give mashed potatoes their light and fluffy texture. Another great choice is Yukon Gold Potatoes, especially if you prefer to serve the potatoes in a little more rustic style.

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.

• Stir The Potatoes. If you’re making a large batch of mashed potatoes be sure to stir them a couple of times as they cook. This will ensure that the potatoes on the top surface will get cooked at the same rate as the potatoes on the bottom of the pot.

• Add enough broth to cover the bottom surface of the crock pot. This will help to prevent the potatoes from sticking. However, as long as you are able to stir the potatoes you don’t need to completely cover the potatoes with the broth.

• Cook the potatoes on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until they are fork-tender. Depending on when you need to serve the potatoes you can cook them on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure not to overcook the potatoes as it will make them mushy.

Best Way To Mash Potatoes

• Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes. This will help to incorporate air into the potatoes, which will make them light and fluffy. If you do use a hand mixer, do so sparingly so that the potatoes don’t turn gluey.

• Add dairy products that are at room temperature or warmed. Avoid adding cold sour cream or cold milk to the hot potatoes. Instead make sure they are warmed to at least room temperature so that you don’t shock the potatoes with the extreme temperature difference.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Instead of standard salt, add Garlic salt for extra flavor.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3/4 cup butter, unsalted, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 TBSP. Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth, or water or vegetable stock
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups milk, lukewarm
• 2 tablespoons sliced chives, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the peeled and diced potatoes, butter, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add 1 cup of broth down the sides of the slow cooker, then cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork.

Remove the lid and then add the room temperature sour cream and 1 cup of warm milk to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or ricer to smash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth.

If the potatoes need to be thinned out, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup warm milk. Then season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve. Garnish with chives (optional) and additional butter.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, and it allows you to enjoy this delicious side dish for days to come.

Storing Leftovers:

1. Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature.

2. Transfer to an Airtight Container: Scoop the mashed potatoes into an airtight container. However make sure the container is sized appropriately for the amount of leftovers to minimize excess air inside.

3. Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. The mashed potatoes can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Leftovers:

Microwave: For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Start by heating the mashed potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they reach your desired temperature. You may need to add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to restore creaminess if they’ve thickened in the fridge.

Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Then stir constantly, and add a little milk or butter as needed to maintain the desired consistency. Reheat until they’re hot throughout.

Oven: If you have a larger quantity, you can reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until hot. Stir occasionally and add milk or butter as needed.

Slow Cooker: Another option is to reheat the mashed potatoes in your slow cooker. Place them in the slow cooker and add a little extra milk if they’ve thickened. Cook on the “Keep Warm” setting for a couple of hours or until hot, stirring occasionally.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary when reheating by adding more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.

ENJOY! Mary

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