Description
This Crockpot Mashed Potatoes recipe provides an easy, hands-off way to enjoy creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Slow-cooked to tender perfection in a crockpot with broth, then enriched with butter, cream cheese, and warm milk for a luscious texture. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe yields smooth and comforting mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Broth
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 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
Dairy
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cubed
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup warmed whole milk
Additional
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste (if needed)
Instructions
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Place the peeled and cut Russet potato chunks into the crockpot. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth evenly over the potatoes to ensure they cook with moisture and flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper into the crockpot with the potatoes and broth. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are ready when they are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, indicating they are fully cooked and soft enough for mashing.
- 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 the potatoes until you achieve your desired texture. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid a gluey consistency.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk while stirring gently. Continue mixing until the milk is fully incorporated and the mashed potatoes reach a creamy, smooth consistency. Adjust the milk quantity based on your preferred texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and add additional salt and pepper if required. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a delicious side dish for any meal.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes is recommended as they provide a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make the mashed potatoes dairy-free, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free milk.
- Do not over-mix the potatoes after cooking to prevent them from becoming gluey.
- You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and keep it warm in the crockpot on the lowest setting before serving.
