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A bowl of creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh chives and a pat of melting butter.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe

The ultimate hands-off method for achieving the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes. This set-and-forget crockpot recipe frees up your stove and is perfect for holidays and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half warmed
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
  • 1 Potato masher

Instructions
 

  1. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes, smashed garlic cloves, and water or broth into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until potatoes are very tender.
  2. Once cooked, drain any remaining liquid from the slow cooker.
  3. Add the cubed butter and softened cream cheese to the hot potatoes. Allow them to melt for a few minutes. Add the warmed milk, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to overmix.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives if desired. To keep them warm, set the crockpot to the 'WARM' setting for up to 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Room Temperature Dairy: Using softened butter and cream cheese helps create a smoother, creamier texture without cooling down the potatoes.
Don't Overmix: Mash just until creamy. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
Best Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their buttery flavor and naturally creamy texture.
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