Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

These crock pot mashed potatoes are diced Russet potatoes that are simmered in the slow cooker, then mashed with butter and cream cheese for a decadent and delicious side dish. Making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker is so easy, you’ll never use the stove top method again!

When I’m making a big meal, I try to use my slow cooker as much as possible to free up oven and stove top space. I often make slow cooker creamed corn, slow cooker glazed carrots, and these ultra creamy crock pot mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes are a must-have for any special occasion. These crock pot mashed potatoes are my all time favorite, because they require minimal prep work, yet come out perfectly every time. You’ll have everyone asking you for the recipe!

How do you make crock pot mashed potatoes?

To get creamy and smooth slow cooker mashed potatoes, start with diced, peeled Russet potatoes. Place the potatoes in a crock pot with some chicken broth. The potatoes and broth cook together for a few hours until the potatoes absorb the broth are tender. Drain any remaining broth and add in butter, cream cheese, cream and seasonings. Mash everything together until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Give the potatoes a sprinkle of chopped parsley, then and serve and enjoy.

Tips for slow cooker mashed potatoes

• Cut your potatoes into similar sized pieces. This helps to make sure that all the potatoes finish cooking at the same time.
• You can use a potato masher, a hand mixer, or potato ricer to mash potatoes. Don’t use a food processor, it will make the potatoes gummy.
• Mashed potatoes can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve them. Reheat your potatoes on the stovetop or in the oven.
• You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw the potatoes in the fridge overnight, then reheat until warm.

Crock pot mashed potato variations

These potatoes are fantastic as-is, but you can add other flavors to customize them to your tastes.

• Garlic Potatoes: Feel free to add minced fresh garlic or whole roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes while they cook in the slow cooker.
• Sour Cream: Use sour cream instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Mix-Ins: Add other flavorings such as chives, shredded cheese, ham, or diced cooked bacon. You can mix them into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle them on top.
• Herbs: Swap out the parsley for dill or chives. You can even stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for extra flavor.

What is the best potato for mashing?

The best potatoes for mashing are starchy potatoes like Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. I personally like to use Russet potatoes for that classic mashed potato flavor. However, you can get good results with Yukon Gold potatoes or even a mixture of Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes. Avoid red potatoes and fingerling potatoes which are waxier and don’t mash as well.

How do you store mashed potatoes?

I store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Sometimes when I make these potatoes in advance, I store them in a covered casserole dish. I simply place the casserole dish in the oven to warm the potatoes right before we’re ready to eat.

This recipe makes it easy to have flavorful and creamy mashed potatoes. Give it a try, you’ll be amazed at how good mashed potatoes can taste with such minimal effort.

More side dish recipes you’ll love

• Crock Pot Baked Beans
• Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese
• Fried Corn
• Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Video

This post was published on September 25, 2019 and updated on October 21, 2020 with new content.