Alright, let’s have a little chat. If you’ve ever tried to host a big holiday dinner—I’m talking Thanksgiving, Christmas, the works—you know the frantic dance of the stovetop. The turkey’s hogging the oven, the gravy needs constant whisking, and you’re running out of burners. This is where learning How To Make Mashed Potatoes In A Slow Cooker isn’t just a recipe; it’s a sanity-saving revelation. It’s a true “set it and forget it” side dish that delivers creamy, fluffy perfection every single time, freeing you up to actually enjoy your own party.
I was skeptical at first, I’ll admit. Could a Crockpot really achieve that velvety texture without turning the potatoes into a watery mess? The answer is a resounding yes. Welcome to the game-changer your busy weeknights and hectic holidays have been waiting for.
Why This Recipe Works So Well in a Crockpot
Making mashed potatoes in a slow cooker is one of those kitchen hacks that, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Here’s why it’s pure genius:
- Frees Up Precious Stove Space: This is the big one. On days when every burner is occupied, your trusty Crockpot steps in as the perfect potato-making station.
- The Ultimate “Keep Warm” Function: The potatoes can cook and then be held on the ‘Warm’ setting for hours. No more last-minute mashing or sad, cold potatoes. They’ll be hot and ready whenever you are.
- Incredibly Forgiving: The gentle, even heat of a slow cooker makes it nearly impossible to scorch your potatoes. It’s a low-and-slow process that tenderizes them perfectly without you having to stand over a boiling pot.
- One-Pot Wonder: You cook, mash, and serve all from the same pot. Fewer dishes? Sign me up.
The Essential Ingredients and Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of its beauty. We’re talking about classic comfort food, after all.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Potatoes
- Potatoes: About 5 pounds of potatoes. My go-to is a mix of Russets for their fluffy, starchy texture and Yukon Golds for their creamy, buttery flavor. But feel free to use what you have!
- Liquid: 1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Water works in a pinch, but broth adds a fantastic layer of flavor right from the start.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into cubes. This is not the time to be shy with butter.
- Creamy Goodness: 1 cup of whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, warmed. You can also use an 8-ounce block of cream cheese for ultimate richness.
- Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, plus more to taste.
The Best Crockpot for the Job
For a 5-pound batch of potatoes, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. This size gives the potatoes enough room to cook evenly without being too crowded. If you have a smaller 4-quart model, simply halve the recipe.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker
Ready for the easiest mashed potatoes of your life? Here we go.
- Prep Your Spuds: Peel your potatoes and chop them into uniform 1 to 2-inch cubes. The key here is uniformity. This ensures every single piece cooks at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some mushy chunks and some hard ones. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to wash off some of the excess surface starch.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the cubed potatoes into the basin of your slow cooker. Pour the broth over the top and then dot the cubed butter all over the potatoes. Season with your initial salt and pepper.
- Set It and Forget It: Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The potatoes are done when they are completely fork-tender—a fork should slide in with absolutely no resistance.
Crock Potz Pro Tip: Resist the urge to peek! Every time you lift the lid of a slow cooker, you release a significant amount of heat, which can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process.
- Time to Mash: Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time for the magic. You can mash them right in the slow cooker pot. Do not drain any liquid! That starchy, buttery broth is liquid gold and will make your potatoes incredibly flavorful. Use a hand-held potato masher for a slightly rustic texture.
- Add the Creaminess: Gently warm your milk or cream in the microwave or a small saucepan. Slowly pour the warm liquid into the potatoes while continuing to mash until you reach your desired consistency. If you’re using cream cheese, add the softened block now and mash until it’s fully incorporated.
- Taste and Season: Give your potatoes a final taste. Now is the time to adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or even a little extra butter until they taste perfect to you.
Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique for making mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, it’s time to get creative.
How to Avoid Gummy Potatoes
The number one enemy of mashed potatoes is gumminess. This happens when the starches are overworked. To avoid this, never use an electric mixer or food processor to mash your potatoes. A simple hand masher or a potato ricer is your best friend for light and fluffy results.
Fun Flavor Boosters and Variations
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add 4-5 whole, peeled garlic cloves to the Crockpot along with the potatoes. They’ll soften as they cook and mash right in, infusing the entire dish with a mellow garlic flavor.
- Cheesy Perfection: After mashing, stir in 1-2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan. Put the lid back on for 5-10 minutes to let it get all melty and delicious.
- Herbed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme along with the milk and butter.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Stir in crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and top with sour cream and chives before serving.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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| 2 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
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| 3 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
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| 4 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
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| 5 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
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| 6 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 7 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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| 8 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
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| 9 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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| 10 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for the Slow Cooker?
You can technically use any potato, but for the best texture, starchy potatoes like Russets are fantastic for a light, fluffy mash. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit better and result in a denser, creamier, and more buttery-tasting mash. My personal favorite is a 50/50 blend of both!
As our friend Sarah Carter, a food blogger specializing in convenient family meals, says:
“The beauty of the slow cooker is its gentle heat. It coaxes the flavor out of every ingredient. For potatoes, this means you can use a heartier variety like Yukon Gold and it will break down into a beautiful, creamy consistency without becoming gluey.”
Serving, Storing, and Reheating Your Masterpiece
These slow cooker mashed potatoes are the perfect companion to just about any main course.
What Goes Well with Crockpot Mashed Potatoes?
They are a must-have side for a holiday roast turkey or ham, but they also pair beautifully with weeknight favorites like Our Favorite Slow Cooker Pot Roast or a simple meatloaf. Honestly, I could make a meal out of just a big bowl of these potatoes and some gravy.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you have a few options:
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or a pat of butter, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of milk or broth, stirring frequently.
- Slow Cooker: Yes, you can even reheat them in the Crockpot! Just add them back to the pot with a splash of liquid and set to ‘Warm’ or ‘Low’ for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions I get about this recipe.
Can I double this mashed potato recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe, provided you have a large enough slow cooker (8-quart or larger). You may need to add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure all the potatoes become tender.
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best parts. You can make them completely, then just leave the slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting for up to 4 hours before serving. Just give them a good stir before you put them on the table.
Why are my slow cooker potatoes watery?
This can happen if you use a very waxy potato variety that releases a lot of moisture or if you add too much liquid at the beginning. Stick to the 1 cup of broth recommended. If they still seem a bit loose, just let them sit with the lid off on ‘Warm’ for 15-20 minutes; some of the excess moisture will evaporate.
Can I use baby potatoes and leave the skins on?
You bet! For a more rustic, skin-on mashed potato, simply wash baby potatoes or new potatoes well, cut them in half, and proceed with the recipe. No peeling required!
Can I use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes?
I strongly advise against it. An electric mixer, whether hand-held or a stand mixer, is too aggressive and will overwork the starches in the potatoes, leading to a gluey, gummy texture. Stick with a manual masher.
Your New Go-To Side Dish Awaits
And there you have it—a simple, stress-free method for what might just be the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever made. Learning how to make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker is more than just a recipe; it’s a strategy for bringing delicious, comforting food to your table with less work and more joy.
Give this a try for your next family dinner or holiday gathering. I promise, your Crockpot will become your new best friend. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below! Have you ever tried this method? What are your favorite mix-ins?