Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that will wow your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes without any fuss. This recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd.
The secret to these mashed potatoes is the slow cooker. By cooking the potatoes slowly over several hours, they become tender and infused with flavor. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can focus on preparing other dishes or enjoying time with your guests. The result is a batch of mashed potatoes that are smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are needed to make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes:
- 5 pounds of russet potatoes
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits
To make this recipe, you will need 5 pounds of russet potatoes. These potatoes are starchy and make for fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes. Other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, can also be used, but they will yield a different texture.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
In addition to the potatoes, you will need 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to add flavor and moisture to the mashed potatoes. 1 cup of milk is also needed to make the potatoes creamy. ½ cup of unsalted butter is used to enhance the flavor and richness of the mashed potatoes. Salt and pepper are added to taste, and optional toppings like shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Preparing slow cooker mashed potatoes is an easy and convenient way to make this classic side dish. Follow these simple steps to achieve creamy and delicious mashed potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping around 2 kilograms of potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for this recipe.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and transfer them to a large bowl. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
- Add the remaining ingredients: To enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes, add 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of milk (or heavy cream for an extra indulgent version), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the mashed potatoes to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cover and let the potatoes cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the mashed potatoes are hot and creamy, they are ready to be served. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired, and enjoy as a comforting side dish.
Using a slow cooker for mashed potatoes allows you to prepare them in advance and keep them warm without worrying about them getting cold or overcooking. It’s a great option for busy holidays or dinner parties when you have other dishes to attend to.
Tips from Professional Chefs on Making Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to making slow cooker mashed potatoes, professional chefs have some valuable tips to ensure a creamy and flavorful result. Here are a few expert recommendations:
- Pick the right potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture. These varieties break down easily and result in smoother mashed potatoes.
- Peel and cut the potatoes evenly: Uniformly sized potato chunks will cook evenly, ensuring that all pieces are cooked to the same level of tenderness. This will make mashing easier and prevent lumps in the final dish.
- Use the right amount of liquid: Slow cooking can cause excess moisture, making the potatoes watery. To prevent this, add just enough liquid (such as milk, cream, or broth) to cover the potatoes and avoid overfilling the slow cooker.
Additionally, professional chefs recommend using a slow cooker with an adjustable temperature setting to control the cooking process more effectively. Experimenting with different seasonings, such as garlic, herbs, or cheese, can also elevate the flavor profile of your mashed potatoes.
Reviews
I recently tried the Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe and I have to say, it was a game-changer for me. As a busy working mom, it’s always a challenge to prepare a delicious and comforting side dish like mashed potatoes. But with this recipe, I was able to set it and forget it, allowing me to focus on the main course and spend more quality time with my family.
The potatoes came out incredibly creamy and smooth, just like traditional mashed potatoes. The best part is that I didn’t have to constantly monitor them on the stove or worry about them boiling over. The slow cooker did all the work, and I was left with perfectly cooked potatoes that were ready to be mashed.
I also loved how versatile this recipe is. I was able to customize the flavor by adding garlic and herbs, which elevated the taste and made it even more delicious. I can imagine adding other ingredients like cheese or roasted garlic for even more flavor options. The possibilities are endless!
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe, whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who wants an easy and hassle-free way to make mashed potatoes. It’s a lifesaver in the kitchen and the end result is absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely be making this recipe again and again!
I recently tried the recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and I must say, it was a game changer in my kitchen! As a busy working woman, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that still yield delicious results, and this one definitely delivered. The best part was that I could just throw all the ingredients into my slow cooker in the morning, and by the time I came back home in the evening, the potatoes were perfectly cooked and ready to be mashed.
The taste of these mashed potatoes was incredible. The slow cooking process allowed the flavors to meld together and resulted in creamy, velvety goodness. The addition of garlic and herbs gave them a burst of flavor that took them to a whole new level. I couldn’t resist having a second helping!
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. I added some grated cheese and chopped chives on top of the mashed potatoes, and it added a nice touch of color and extra flavor. I can see myself experimenting with different toppings in the future, like crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe a try. It’s simple, convenient, and delivers on taste. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these mashed potatoes will definitely be a hit!
I recently tried the recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and I must say, it was a game changer! As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious recipes that save me time in the kitchen. This recipe did not disappoint.
The best part about using the slow cooker for mashed potatoes is that it takes all the hassle out of cooking them on the stovetop. I simply peeled and chopped the potatoes, added them to the slow cooker with some butter, garlic, and chicken broth, and let them cook on low for a few hours. When it was time to serve, I used a potato masher to mash them up to the perfect creamy consistency. It was so easy and the results were amazing.
The flavor of these slow cooker mashed potatoes was incredible. The garlic infused into the potatoes as they cooked, giving them a rich and savory taste. The slow cooking process also allowed the potatoes to become incredibly tender, resulting in the smoothest mashed potatoes I have ever made. I topped them off with some melted butter and a sprinkle of chopped chives, and they were absolutely delicious. This recipe will definitely be a staple in my repertoire from now on.
Wow, these slow cooker mashed potatoes are absolutely amazing! I recently tried this recipe and it has become a new favorite in our household. The best part is that they are so easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. No more standing over a hot stove, stirring and mashing potatoes. This recipe makes the process so much simpler and convenient.
The texture of the mashed potatoes is perfect. They are incredibly creamy and smooth, without any lumps. The slow cooker really helps to achieve this consistency. It allows the potatoes to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a velvety texture that is to die for. I also love how the flavors of the garlic and butter infuse into the potatoes as they cook, giving them a rich and indulgent taste.
I also appreciate how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your mashed potatoes more garlicky, you can add extra cloves of garlic. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use less butter and substitute it with low-fat milk or vegetable broth. The possibilities are endless.
All in all, these slow cooker mashed potatoes are a game-changer. They require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want a comforting side dish for dinner, this recipe is definitely a winner. Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
I recently tried out the recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and I must say, it was a game changer in my kitchen! As a busy working mom, finding ways to save time and still have delicious homemade meals is always a priority. This recipe allowed me to do just that.
The process was incredibly simple. I just had to peel and chop the potatoes, throw them into the slow cooker along with some chicken broth, garlic, and butter, and let it cook on low for a few hours. The result was creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes that tasted like they had been cooked on the stovetop all day.
One of the things I loved most about using the slow cooker for mashed potatoes was that I didn’t have to worry about constantly checking on them or stirring. I could go about my day and come home to a side dish that was ready to go. Plus, the slow cooker kept the mashed potatoes warm until I was ready to serve, which was a huge convenience.
I also appreciated how customizable this recipe was. I could easily adjust the seasonings to suit my family’s preferences. Sometimes I would add in some herbs like rosemary or thyme to give the mashed potatoes an extra flavor boost. Other times, I would mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist. The possibilities were endless!
