Print

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes - featured image
Print Recipe

These creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it side dish, perfect for holidays and potlucks. They free up your stovetop and deliver a velvety, crowd-pleasing texture every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup water (or chicken broth)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra butter pats (for garnish)
  • Paprika or smoked paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Peel all 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place the chunks in a large bowl filled with cold water to rinse off excess starch and prevent browning.
  2. Drain the potatoes in a colander and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. Place the potato chunks in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add 1 cup of water (or chicken broth) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until a fork slides into the potatoes with almost no resistance.
  5. Carefully drain off any remaining liquid from the slow cooker. Return the drained potatoes to the slow cooker.
  6. Add the softened cream cheese, butter pieces, and warm milk. Sprinkle in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
  7. Using a hand mixer on low speed, beat the potatoes until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Do not over-mix. Alternatively, use a potato masher for a chunkier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. The potatoes can stay here for up to 3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes; if they thicken, stir in a splash of warm milk.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl or serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh chives, butter pats, and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip draining the cooking liquid before mashing to avoid watery potatoes. Warm the milk and butter before adding to keep the potatoes from becoming gluey. Yukon Golds are recommended for the best texture; Russets can be used but are more prone to gumminess. The potatoes can be made a day ahead and reheated in the slow cooker on LOW with a splash of warm milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes for a crowd, holiday side dish, Yukon Gold potatoes, make-ahead mashed potatoes

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/creamy-slow-cooker-mashed-potatoes-for-a-crowd/