Discover the ultimate comfort food with these **Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes**! Exceptionally creamy, rich, and bursting with delightful flavors of garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and rich butter, these tender mashed potatoes are a game-changer for busy families seeking a comforting, effortless meal.
This recipe for **slow cooker mashed potatoes** truly delivers a taste of heaven. Not only are these potatoes wonderfully **creamy** and infused with irresistible notes of **butter** and **garlic**, but they are also incredibly **easy to make**. The secret? Simply combine all your ingredients in the Crockpot, set it, and let the magic unfold!
I frequently turn to these **Crockpot mashed potatoes** when I’m pressed for time, but still crave a wholesome, homemade meal. This effortless side dish is ideal for a myriad of occasions, from grand **holiday feasts** like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, to relaxed **weeknight dinners** at home. The best part of all? The next day, any **leftover mashed potatoes** can be transformed into my famous mashed potato cakes – a delicious bonus!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Great American Comfort Classics. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here regarding their products are entirely my own.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes? The Ultimate Convenience
The slow cooker isn’t just for roasts and stews; it’s an absolute game-changer for **mashed potatoes**, especially when you need to free up stove-top space or simply want a hands-off approach to cooking. The consistent, low heat of a slow cooker ensures your potatoes cook evenly and become incredibly tender without the risk of over-boiling or sticking. This method guarantees a fluffy, perfectly cooked potato base, ready for mashing and infusing with rich flavors. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights or large holiday gatherings, providing a comforting side dish with minimal effort.
Why You’re Going to Love This Easy Mashed Potato Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to standing over a steaming pot of boiling water. This **easy slow cooker mashed potato recipe** simplifies the entire process. With just a few basic steps, your Crockpot does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe!
- Simple, Classic Ingredients: We’re talking about timeless mashed potato ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile. From fresh garlic to rich dairy, these elements are carefully selected to provide a creamy, savory experience. While they serve as the perfect foundation for your favorite gravy, they’re so delicious, you’ll want to enjoy them on their own.
- Unmatched Versatility as a Side Dish: These **creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes** are incredibly adaptable, pairing flawlessly with almost any main course. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a grand holiday feast, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Imagine serving them alongside roasted chicken, juicy steaks, or holiday turkey – pure perfection!
- Irresistibly Creamy and Fluffy Texture: Expect nothing less than absolute melt-in-your-mouth goodness. These mashed potatoes achieve that coveted balance of rich creaminess and light fluffiness, a texture that elevates them beyond a mere side dish to a star on its own. Every bite is pure comfort.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Southern Chicken Fillets & Gravy: A Perfect Pair
Just look at that plate! It instantly evokes images of wholesome, comforting food. Perfectly breaded chicken, generously portioned fluffy **slow cooker mashed potatoes**, and a luscious drizzle of country gravy over the top. It looks like a classic Sunday supper that took hours to prepare, doesn’t it? In reality, the entire meal, excluding the Crockpot’s hands-off cooking time for the potatoes, took me a mere 45 minutes.
With a bit of clever planning and the help of convenience items, you and your family can gather around the dinner table enjoying this hearty meal, even on the busiest of days. Forget the drive-thru; homemade comfort is within reach. Let me share my secret to achieving this delightful spread without the fuss.
Introducing Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets from Great American Comfort Classics
Recently, I had the pleasure of trying some new convenience items available at my local Hy-Vee supermarket. Under the Great American brand, Comfort Classics is an exciting new line of fully cooked, protein-rich comfort foods. This diverse collection includes Country Fried Steaks, savory Meatloaf Slices, crispy Steak Strips, delightful Chicken & Waffle Style Bites, and these Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets.
Every item in the Comfort Classics range has been developed with savvy parent consumers in mind. The brand aims to meet the demand for high-quality, delicious, and convenient meal solutions for families. It’s the perfect answer for busy moms and dads juggling work, kids, and daily life, who don’t always have ample time to cook from scratch, yet want to avoid fast food. These products make it easy to bring the family together for a satisfying dinner at the end of a long day.
Comfort Classics offers a fantastic variety of proteins that can be effortlessly prepared in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, delivering a complete meal in minutes. This makes them an invaluable asset in any modern kitchen, ensuring delicious, home-style meals are always an option, no matter how packed your schedule.
Southern Chicken & Gravy: A Taste Test
The economically priced package of chicken came with five generous pieces and a convenient packet of peppered gravy mix. I must confess, I consider myself a bit of a gravy connoisseur. Without boasting too much, I pride myself on making some truly exceptional homemade gravy, so I approached a mix with a healthy dose of skepticism.
However, I’m delighted to admit that my initial reservations were completely unfounded. This gravy was genuinely delicious, rich, and perfectly seasoned, complementing the chicken beautifully. It truly surpassed my expectations.
What You Need to Make the Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Crafting the perfect **creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes** requires a handful of essential, yet simple, ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that desirable smooth texture and rich flavor:
- Butter: For this recipe, I recommend using salted butter. The added salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the potatoes, creating a richer taste. If unsalted butter is all you have, simply add a pinch more salt to taste later in the process. Butter is key for both cooking the potatoes initially and for achieving that luxurious creaminess when mashing.
- Potatoes: The classic Russet potato is your go-to for these mashed potatoes. Russets are known for their high starch content, which translates to a light, fluffy, and tender texture when cooked. This makes them ideal for mashing, ensuring your final product is wonderfully airy and smooth.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in any mashed potato recipe, garlic powder adds a foundational savory depth without overwhelming the dish. It’s a convenient way to infuse a rich garlic flavor, and chances are, you already have it in your spice cabinet.
- Broth: I opt for chicken broth in this recipe, which contributes a subtle savory note to the potatoes as they cook. However, vegetable broth is an excellent alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option or simply have it on hand. The broth is essential for cooking the potatoes to tenderness in the slow cooker.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient is a secret weapon for an extra punch of flavor and unparalleled creaminess. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it, as this allows it to whip smoothly into the potatoes, creating a velvety texture without lumps.
- Sour Cream: Another crucial element for achieving fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes. Sour cream adds a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the overall richness and moistness, balancing the savory notes with a hint of acidity.
- Salt & Pepper: These essential seasonings are added to taste at the end, allowing you to perfectly adjust the flavor profile. Don’t underestimate their power in bringing all the delicious elements together.
- Fresh Chives: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh chives as a garnish adds a beautiful pop of color and a subtle oniony freshness that brightens the entire dish. Highly recommended for both taste and presentation.
How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
Making incredibly **creamy mashed potatoes in your slow cooker** is surprisingly simple and requires minimal active cooking time. Follow these steps for a perfect, fuss-free side dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes. Begin by peeling your Russet potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking in the slow cooker. Place the cubed potatoes into a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Butter the Crockpot. Take a portion of one stick of salted butter (about 1-2 tablespoons) and generously butter the inside of your slow cooker. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Cube the remaining butter from that stick and set it aside; you’ll use it in the next step.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients. Place the cubed potatoes into the buttered slow cooker. Distribute the reserved cubed butter (from Step 2) evenly over the top of the potatoes. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder over everything. These initial layers ensure flavor is infused as the potatoes cook.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for four hours, or on low for six hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when they are ready. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess liquid from the potatoes. This step is crucial for preventing watery mashed potatoes.
Step 5: Mash and Enrich. With a sturdy potato masher, begin to mash the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Add the remaining full stick of cubed butter, the softened cream cheese cubes, and the sour cream. Continue mashing, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated, until the potatoes reach your desired level of smoothness and creaminess.
Step 6: Achieve Desired Consistency. Keep mashing until your potatoes are perfectly smooth and creamy. If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, mash less. For an extra velvety consistency, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, being careful not to overmix, which can make potatoes gluey.
Step 7: Season and Serve. Generously season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give them a good stir. For an added touch of freshness and color, stir in fresh chives if desired. Your **creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes** are now ready to be enjoyed!
While the potatoes were cooking to tender perfection in the slow cooker, I prepared the Southern Chicken Fillets. I simply placed them onto a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for effortless clean-up, and baked them in the oven. This timing was perfect, as the chicken cooked while I was adding the final ingredients and mashing my **Crockpot mashed potatoes**. Once mashed, I covered the potatoes and kept them warm directly in the slow cooker.
On the stovetop, mixing the gravy was a breeze. It required only water and the included packet. The gravy thickened beautifully, and I kept it warm until everything else was ready. A side of frozen peas, quickly microwaved, completed our meal.
Within approximately 25 minutes of active prep (after the slow cooker did its part), this entire spread was ready for the table. It’s truly amazing how quickly a delicious and comforting meal can come together when you leverage smart cooking methods and quality convenience products.
We gathered our family around the table for this simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal. It truly tasted like one of those cherished Sunday suppers, filled with warmth and comfort, that everyone adores. It was pure perfection, proving that delicious, homemade comfort food doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Love It? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to save the instructions for the **BEST Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes** by pinning them to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. This way, you’ll always have this comforting side dish at your fingertips for holidays and everyday meals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in the slow cooker/Crockpot?
Absolutely! One of the greatest advantages of using a slow cooker for **mashed potatoes** is the ability to prepare them in advance. You can easily make these creamy potatoes ahead of time and keep them perfectly warm until you’re ready to serve. Once the potatoes are mashed and fully prepared, simply turn your slow cooker to its lowest “keep warm” setting. Stir occasionally to maintain consistency and prevent a skin from forming. If reheating from the refrigerator, you can warm them in the Crockpot on low or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can you put raw potatoes directly into the slow cooker/Crockpot?
Yes, you certainly can! The slow cooker is designed to cook raw ingredients, and potatoes are no exception. The key is to ensure there is sufficient liquid, such as chicken or vegetable stock (as used in this recipe) or even water, for them to cook in. This liquid helps to tenderize the potatoes evenly and thoroughly over the extended cooking period, transforming them into the perfect base for your mashed potatoes.
Why do my potatoes sometimes turn black in the slow cooker?
If you notice your potatoes developing a grey or blackish hue in the slow cooker, it’s typically due to an oxidation process. This occurs when the potato flesh is exposed to air, reacting with enzymes in the potato. It’s a perfectly normal and harmless reaction, so your potatoes are still safe to eat!
How to Stop That from Happening
Can I add cheese or other flavorings to these mashed potatoes?
What kind of slow cooker is best for mashed potatoes?
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- If you prefer a more **”country style mashed potato”** with a rustic appeal, consider leaving the skins on. When cooking with skins on, I often opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead of Russets, as their thinner skins offer a pleasing texture and visual charm. Be sure to wash them thoroughly if keeping the skins!
- Storing Leftovers: Any remaining **creamy mashed potatoes** can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or back in the slow cooker on a low setting, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore their creamy consistency.
- If you find yourself **without a potato masher**, don’t fret! You can still achieve wonderfully mashed potatoes. A sturdy fork can work for a chunkier texture, or for a smoother result, a handheld blender or mixer on a very low setting can be used. Just be careful not to overmix, which can activate too much starch and lead to a gummy texture.
- Don’t Forget to Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key to perfect mashed potatoes. Always taste your potatoes after mashing and before serving, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Different broths and butters can affect the sodium level, so a final taste test is crucial.
Where You Can Find Great American Comfort Classics
Great American Comfort Classics proudly unveiled its new line of convenience products at select Hy-Vee stores across Omaha and various neighboring Midwest states in April 2021. You’ll easily spot these delicious **comfort food classics** in the frozen aisle of your supermarket. But don’t worry if you don’t reside in the immediate area; your local supermarket might also carry the brand! To find out where you can purchase these time-saving meal solutions, be sure to check Great American Brand’s official website for detailed information and store locators.
If you’re eager to see these fantastic products available in your preferred grocery store, a simple request can go a long way. Consider filling out a comment card or directly asking your store manager if they can stock Great American Comfort Classics for you. Additionally, stay connected and informed about new products, promotions, and inspiring recipes by following Great American Comfort Classics on their Facebook page. It’s a great resource for quick and easy meal ideas for the whole family!
Now, let’s dive into the full recipe for these unbelievably simple and satisfying **Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes**! 
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Print Recipe
The BEST Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 5 pound bag of russet potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 sticks of salted butter 1 cup, divided cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 32 ounces 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- fresh chives optional
Instructions
- Using part of one stick of butter, butter the inside of your crock pot. Cube the remaining and set aside.
- Place cubed potatoes into the slow cooker and top with remaining butter cubes. (from the first stick – reserve the other stick)
- Sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Pour chicken stock over potatoes. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6. Potatoes will be fork tender when they are done.
- Carefully drain the liquid from the slow cooker and place the potatoes back into the cooker.
- With a potato masher, mash your potatoes.
- Add in the remaining stick of cubed butter, the cubed cream cheese and the sour cream. Continue to mash them until they are your desired smoothness.
- Salt and pepper to taste and add in fresh chives if desired.
- Keep warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.