When you think of comfort food, Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes often come to mind. These creamy, buttery potatoes embody warmth and satisfaction, making them a staple at family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. With the convenience of a slow cooker, preparing this classic dish is effortless. Your potatoes will come out deliciously fluffy and rich, ready to be served alongside your favorite entrees.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it allows you to enjoy perfectly creamy mashed potatoes without the need for constant attention. You can simply set your slow cooker and go about your other tasks. Additionally, the slow cooking process enhances the flavor of the potatoes, allowing them to absorb the cream and butter beautifully. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual family meal, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
To make these delightful Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder or cream cheese for extra flavor
How to Make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Directions
Making these Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for creamy, dreamy potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly throughout the process. Aim for pieces that are about 1-2 inches in size.
- Add to the Crock Pot: Place the cut potatoes into your slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are mostly submerged. The broth not only adds flavor but also helps steam the potatoes, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Season: Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the potatoes. If you’re using garlic powder for that extra zing, now is the time to add it. Mix everything gently to ensure the potatoes are seasoned evenly.
- Add the Butter and Milk: Cube the unsalted butter and scatter it over the top of the potatoes. Pour in the milk. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding cream cheese at this stage. The combination of butter and milk will create a velvety consistency.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your potato chunks. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily poke them with a fork.
- Mash: Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or a hand mixer for smoother potatoes. Mash them in the slow cooker for convenience, or transfer them into a large bowl if you’d like more space to work.
- Final Adjustments: Give the potatoes a taste, and if you feel they need more seasoning or creaminess, feel free to adjust with more butter, milk, salt, or pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate any adjustments before serving.
With these steps, you’ll have a bowl full of delectable mashed potatoes ready to complement your main dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Serving Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes is just as easy as making them. Start by spooning generous amounts onto each plate, making sure to create a little well in the center if you’d like to drizzle some gravy or sauce.
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with nearly any dish. Consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a hearty meatloaf. To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color.
You can also serve them as part of a festive spread during the holidays, pairing them with turkey and cranberry sauce. No matter the occasion, your mashed potatoes will shine as a versatile and inviting side.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Get the most out of your Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes with these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: You want to select russet potatoes for their high starch content, which lends to creamier mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Adding broth enhances flavor and helps keep the potatoes moist during slow cooking. If you prefer a richer taste, chicken broth works well too.
- Consistency Matters: For creamier mashed potatoes, mash them while they are still warm. This ensures a smooth consistency without any lumps.
- Add Ingredients Gradually: If you’re unsure about how creamy or rich you want your mashed potatoes, add the milk and butter gradually until you reach your desired taste and texture.
- Use a Hand Mixer for Extra Creaminess: For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a hand mixer rather than a masher. Just be careful not to overbeat, as this can lead to gluey potatoes.
How to Store Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Storing your Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes is simple and straightforward. Allow them to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, they can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing the mashed potatoes. Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
There are countless ways to customize your Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in a cup of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, during the mashing process for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused Potatoes: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a garden-fresh flavor. Add them in towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their vibrant aroma.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a savory kick, roast some garlic until golden brown, then mash it into the potatoes. You can also use garlic powder if that fits your preference better.
- Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Replace half of the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt and mix in Parmesan cheese for a tangy and creamy flavor.
- Spicy Mashed Potatoes: Mix in a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese for a subtle heat that will liven up your potatoes.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect flavor combination!
FAQ
What is the key to creamy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes?
The key to creamy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes is using plenty of butter and milk. Incorporating broth while cooking also helps keep the potatoes moist and flavorful.
Can I make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat them when needed.
How do I reheat leftover Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes?
To reheat leftover Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes, add a splash of milk and warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir until creamy, adding more milk if needed.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
What types of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, which leads to a fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option for a creamy result.
Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks Best for creamy consistency.
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth) Adds flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup milk For creaminess; can adjust to preference.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed Add for richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- to taste garlic powder or cream cheese Optional for additional flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and cut the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks (1-2 inches).
- Place the cut potatoes into your slow cooker.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the potatoes, adding garlic powder if desired. Mix gently.
- Add cubed butter and pour in the milk. Optionally, add cream cheese for richer flavor.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Mashing
- Once tender, mash the potatoes in the slow cooker using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Adjust seasoning and creaminess with butter, milk, salt, or pepper as needed.
Serving
- Spoon generous amounts onto plates, creating a well in the center for gravy if desired.
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