Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. This hassle-free recipe uses a slow cooker to create perfectly tender potatoes, infused with rich garlic flavor and topped with fresh chives for a delicious side dish everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Free Cooking: The crockpot does all the work, freeing you up for other meal prep.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Butter, heavy cream, and garlic create a luxurious flavor.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or seasonings for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Great for holiday meals or dinner parties, and stays warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
- Minimal Cleanup: All the cooking happens in the crockpot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in the crockpot.
- Cover with water and cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
- Drain the water from the crockpot and return the potatoes to the crockpot.
- Add butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
- Switch the crockpot to the “keep warm” setting to maintain the perfect serving temperature until ready to eat.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Herbed Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an herby flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat).
- Bacon Topping: Add crumbled cooked bacon and green onions for loaded mashed potatoes.
- Truffle Flavor: Drizzle with truffle oil for an upscale variation.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the crockpot on low, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
FAQs
1. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when mashed.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I add roasted garlic?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
4. How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out?
Ensure they are covered with water while cooking, and don’t overdrain before mashing.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, make it a day in advance and reheat in the crockpot before serving.
6. Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works well for achieving ultra-smooth mashed potatoes. Avoid overmixing to prevent a gluey texture.
7. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of milk and butter.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the additional potatoes.
9. How long can the potatoes stay warm in the crockpot?
They can stay on the “keep warm” setting for up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to maintain consistency.
10. What other garnishes can I use?
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy fried onions for added flavor.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts. Their creamy texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation make them a favorite for busy cooks and potato lovers alike. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Serve warm and enjoy!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make perfectly creamy and flavorful Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes with minimal effort! Cooked to tender perfection in your slow cooker, these mashed potatoes are infused with garlic, butter, and cream for the ultimate comfort food side dish. Great for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Place cubed potatoes in the crockpot and cover with water.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the crockpot.
- Add the butter, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Keep Warm and Serve
- Leave the mashed potatoes on the “warm” setting in the crockpot until ready to serve.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Notes
- Potato Varieties: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Tip: For a milder garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic in butter before adding it to the potatoes.
- Texture Control: Mash for smooth potatoes or leave slightly chunky for a rustic texture.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the potatoes in advance and keep them warm in the crockpot for up to 2 hours.
- Customizations: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *