Effortless Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes: Your New Go-To Side Dish

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of mashed potatoes. It’s a classic side dish that instantly evokes feelings of warmth, family gatherings, and satisfying meals. For years, our family has cherished my husband’s incredible garlic mashed potatoes, a staple that has become synonymous with special occasions and everyday indulgence.

However, with his busy travel schedule, it’s not always feasible for him to whip up his signature dish whenever the craving strikes. And as much as I try to replicate his recipe, it always seems to lack that certain “something” – his special touch, perhaps, or the love he pours into every batch. That’s why I embarked on a mission to simplify the process without compromising on flavor, leading me to create this foolproof Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Life can be hectic, and finding time for elaborate meal prep isn’t always possible. That’s precisely why I turned to my trusty slow cooker, seeking a way to create equally delicious mashed potatoes with minimal fuss. The result? A recipe that is not only incredibly easy but also incredibly flavorful, quickly becoming a new family favorite.

I cannot express how thrilled I am with how these slow cooker mashed potatoes turned out. Initially, my kids were quite skeptical. They’ve grown up exclusively on their dad’s mashed potato recipe, never knowing any other version. The idea of trying something new, especially with such a beloved comfort food, was met with a fair bit of apprehension.

But the moment they took their first bite, their faces lit up with approval. That sigh of relief, knowing they loved them just as much as I did, was truly rewarding. These potatoes were so incredibly delicious, proving that convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe is designed to generously serve approximately 12 adults. Of course, the exact number of servings can vary depending on portion sizes and the appetites of your guests. For a typical side dish serving, you can comfortably expect around a dozen servings.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Absolutely, and we often do! This recipe is very adaptable. However, due to the space constraints of most standard slow cookers, you will likely need to use two separate crock pots to double the recipe effectively. Simply prepare them side-by-side. This ensures even cooking and allows both batches to reach that perfect fork-tender consistency.

What is the best way to store leftover mashed potatoes?

To keep your leftover mashed potatoes fresh and safe, transfer them to a shallow airtight container as soon as they have cooled slightly. Refrigerate promptly. The shallow container is key because it allows the potatoes to chill down to a safe temperature much faster than a deep, large container. Rapid cooling helps prevent bacterial growth, ensuring your leftovers remain delicious and safe to eat. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or water to restore moisture, loosely cover, and warm in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds or so until heated through.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter for mashed potatoes?

The choice between salted and unsalted butter really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer to control the exact amount of salt in your dish, starting with unsalted butter is a good choice, allowing you to add salt incrementally to taste.

However, when I’m busy, especially during holiday preparations, I often use whatever butter I have on hand. Typically, I keep salted butter in my kitchen, and I find that the slight extra saltiness it provides beautifully complements potatoes. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor without being overpowering, especially when combined with the other seasonings in this recipe.

To make these delightful Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, you will need:

• 9 medium red potatoes
• 4-5 russet potatoes
• 2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp granulated garlic
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp dried dill + more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• A sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish (optional)

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Looking for the easiest mashed potatoes recipe on the planet? This is THE one! These Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are simple, easy & absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 9 medium red potatoes
• 4-5 russet potatoes
• 2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp granulated garlic
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp dried dill + more for garnish
• Salt/pepper to taste
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• Sprinkle of chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Wash the red potatoes & cut into quarters & then chop those into smaller pieces – add them to your crockpot.
3. Peel the russet potatoes & cut the same as the red – add those to your crockpot as well.
4. Add the water/broth, granulated garlic, onion powder, dill, salt & pepper.
5. Cover & cook on high 3-5 hours or 6-8 hours on low – or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Once soft, take a standard potato masher & start working the potatoes until you reach the consistency you desire.
7. Add in your butter & additional salt & pepper – mix well. Serve immediately.
8. *Note – you can also use an emulsion blender for this process if you like them super creamy.

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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