These crock pot mashed potatoes are rich, silky, and practically hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. Roasted garlic and cream cheese add deep flavor and a velvety texture, making this an ideal side for holiday meals or easy weeknight dinners.
Easy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Minimal prep: peel, dice, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Ultra-creamy, restaurant-style texture with roasted garlic and cream cheese.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic: Roasting a head of garlic mellows and sweetens its flavor so it blends into the potatoes. If short on time, substitute six cloves of sautéed minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Naturally creamy and buttery—ideal for mashing. Russets will work but may need more cream.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps potatoes moist in the slow cooker. Substitute vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- Heavy cream: Makes the potatoes silky and rich. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter result.
- Butter: Use salted or unsalted and adjust salt to taste. Diced butter melts into the hot potatoes for extra richness.
- Italian seasoning: A small amount adds subtle herb notes; thyme or oregano may be used instead.
- Cream cheese: Gives extra creaminess and a slight tang. Sour cream can be substituted if you prefer.
- Garnish: Fresh chives, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to finish.
How to Make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from browning while you finish prep. Transfer the drained, diced potatoes to a 7-quart crock pot.
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the potatoes, then add a few large pinches of kosher salt and stir gently so the seasoning is distributed. Scatter the diced butter evenly across the top. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and beginning to break apart.
While the potatoes cook, roast the garlic: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle the cut side with a touch of olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for about an hour. Let it cool, then squeeze the soft cloves from their skins and mash with a fork.
When the potatoes are fully tender, add the mashed roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, diced cream cheese, and a few additional pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Use an electric mixer on low speed to mash and combine everything until smooth and fluffy. Add more heavy cream a few tablespoons at a time until you reach the texture you prefer. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Finish with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives. Serve warm alongside roast beef, ham, or your favorite main dish.
Tips for Making Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- If you’re short on time, skip roasting the garlic and stir in sautéed minced garlic or garlic powder instead.
- Cut potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Season the cooking liquid with salt early so the potatoes absorb flavor as they cook.
- Potatoes are done when they break apart easily with a fork and are very soft.
- Add heavy cream gradually at the end to control the final consistency.
- An electric mixer yields the creamiest result, but a potato masher or ricer will also produce excellent texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- These mashed potatoes are great for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare fully, then cool and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess and stirring frequently.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat until steaming hot before serving.
Freezing Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture; reheat gently and add cream or broth as needed.
Reheating Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Avoid reheating in a slow cooker; it can take too long to reach a safe temperature. Use the stovetop or microwave instead.
- Heat gently with a splash of cream or broth and stir often until smooth and hot all the way through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Honey-glazed ham
- Dutch oven pot roast
- Slow cooker country-style ribs
- Oven-braised chuck roast
- Braised beef short ribs
Try these easy side dishes next
- Marinated white bean pasta salad
- Marinated chickpea salad
- Greek garlic cheese bread
- Winter pasta salad