Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Creamy Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and cream for a silky-smooth texture. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, delivering the perfect balance of creaminess and savory goodness.
Perfect for any gathering, this mashed potato recipe is a foolproof addition to your dinner table. Whether paired with a holiday feast, a Sunday roast, or a weeknight meal, it’s a simple yet delicious side that will leave everyone wanting more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped chives (for garnish)
Directions:
- Place the cubed potatoes and minced garlic in a slow cooker.
- Pour in the heavy cream and melted butter, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Stir in the sour cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Everything You Need to Know About Crock-Pot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish in many households, but slow-cooking them in a Crock-Pot elevates their flavor and texture. This Creamy Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is rich, buttery, and infused with roasted garlic flavor, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or meal prepping, this recipe guarantees smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes without the hassle of stovetop boiling.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Hands-Off Cooking: Unlike traditional mashed potatoes that require boiling, draining, and mashing separately, this slow-cooker version allows all the flavors to infuse while the potatoes cook to perfection.
- Rich Garlic Flavor: Cooking the potatoes with fresh garlic in the slow cooker enhances their taste, giving them a deep, roasted garlic essence.
- Extra Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, heavy cream, and sour cream makes these mashed potatoes extra smooth, rich, and velvety.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, or any meal that needs a comforting side.
- Easily Customizable: You can add cheese, herbs, or bacon for extra flavor.
Best Potatoes to Use for Mashed Potatoes
For the creamiest mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They have a naturally buttery flavor and a smooth texture when mashed. However, Russet potatoes are another great option if you prefer a fluffier consistency.
Tips for the Best Slow-Cooked Mashed Potatoes
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into even-sized cubes ensures that they cook uniformly in the slow cooker.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but roasted garlic can also add a sweet and mellow taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Using a potato masher instead of an electric mixer helps maintain a creamy yet fluffy consistency.
- Adjust Liquid Gradually: Add extra heavy cream or milk slowly if the potatoes seem too thick.
- Keep Warm for Serving: If serving later, keep the mashed potatoes on the “Warm” setting in the Crock-Pot and stir occasionally.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for an extra indulgent side dish.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant twist.
- Bacon & Cheddar Mash: Mix in crispy bacon bits and cheddar cheese for a loaded mashed potato dish.
- Truffle Mashed Potatoes: A drizzle of truffle oil takes this dish to a gourmet level.
This Slow-Cooked Garlicky Mashed Potatoes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful, and creamy mashed potatoes. With its velvety texture, deep garlic flavor, and simple preparation, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion! 🍽️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work—no need to boil, drain, or babysit a pot on the stove.
✔ Garlic-Infused Flavor: Cooking the potatoes with garlic in the Crock-Pot results in a deep, mellow garlic taste without overpowering the dish.
✔ Rich & Creamy Texture: A combination of butter, heavy cream, and sour cream creates an ultra-smooth consistency.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes fit any meal.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: The recipe can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the slow cooker until serving time.
Best Potatoes for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For the creamiest and most flavorful mashed potatoes, choose Yukon Gold potatoes. Their naturally buttery texture and rich flavor make them perfect for mashing. However, if you prefer lighter and fluffier mashed potatoes, Russet potatoes are a great alternative.
Tip: Avoid waxy potatoes (like red potatoes) as they tend to become gluey when mashed.
How to Make the Best Crock-Pot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yukon Gold potatoes – The best choice for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garlic – Adds a rich, roasted garlic flavor.
- Heavy cream & butter – Essential for an ultra-smooth and velvety texture.
- Sour cream – Provides tanginess and enhances the creaminess.
- Salt, pepper & garlic powder – Balances the flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a touch of umami and cheesiness.
- Chopped chives – For a fresh, herby garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes – Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform chunks.
2️⃣ Load the Crock-Pot – Add the potatoes and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the heavy cream, melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Slow Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4️⃣ Mash & Mix – Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese (if using), and garlic powder until smooth.
5️⃣ Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives and serve warm!
📌 Tip: For extra smooth mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer to whip them lightly.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✅ Keep Warm in the Crock-Pot – If you’re making these ahead for a gathering, set the slow cooker to “WARM” after mashing. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if needed.
✅ Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
✅ Freeze for Later – Mashed potatoes freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
✅ Reheat Like a Pro – Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, adding a little milk or butter to bring back the creamy texture. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these garlicky mashed potatoes with:
🥩 Juicy Steak – The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with grilled or pan-seared steak.
🍗 Roast Chicken or Turkey – A perfect side for a classic holiday feast.
🥦 Sautéed or Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts or caramelized carrots.
🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp – A surprisingly delicious pairing with seafood!
📌 Pro Tip: Want to make them extra indulgent? Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or a drizzle of truffle oil before serving!
Recipe Variations
✨ Cheddar & Chive Mashed Potatoes: Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and top with extra chives for a cheesy twist.
✨ Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in bacon, cheese, and sour cream for a loaded-style mashed potato dish.
✨ Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream, and use vegan butter.
✨ Truffle Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle with white truffle oil and top with fresh parsley.
FAQ: Common Questions About This Recipe
❓Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
❓What if I don’t have a Crock-Pot?
No problem! You can boil the potatoes on the stovetop, then mash them with the same ingredients.
❓Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic adds a sweeter, more mellow flavor. Just mash the roasted cloves and mix them in at the end.
Conclusion
This Crock-Pot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes recipe is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner, these slow-cooked mashed potatoes will become a family favorite.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! 😊