Pin it
This slow cooker fancy mashed potatoes dish turns basic items into the smoothest, most decadent side you'll ever put in your mouth. Your slow cooker handles all the work, giving you incredibly soft potatoes that whip into fluffy, buttery goodness your folks will beg for time and time again.
These spuds have come to the rescue at countless family feasts in my home. During our last Thanksgiving, every burner was taken up with other foods, but these slow cooker potatoes turned out way better than my standard method, earning them a permanent spot as the "fancy" version in our family's food collection.
What You Need
- Russet potatoes: ideal for mashing since they're high in starch and get really fluffy
- Salted butter: split up to build flavor while cooking and boost smoothness at the end
- Chicken broth: gives extra taste as the potatoes cook and soaks right into them
- Cream cheese: the hidden component that makes everything silky smooth
- Milk: add more or less to get the thickness you want
- Salt and pepper: season to match what you like best
How To Make Slow Cooker Fancy Mashed Potatoes
- Get potatoes ready:
- Take the skin off russet potatoes and chop into 1-inch pieces for cooking that's the same all through. Getting them all about the same size really matters for even softness.
- Fill your slow cooker:
- Put the potato chunks in the pot, then scatter half the butter pieces on top. The butter will slowly melt and spread its rich taste throughout as everything cooks.
- Pour in the liquid:
- Empty the whole container of chicken broth over everything. This adds both taste and moisture for perfectly soft results without making them too wet.
- Cook them slowly:
- Put the lid on and cook on high for 4-5 hours until a fork easily goes through the potatoes. This slow method helps potatoes keep their starch better than boiling does.
- Get rid of extra liquid and mash:
- Carefully pour off leftover broth, then put potatoes back in the pot. Mash until you get the texture you like either really smooth or a bit chunky based on what you prefer.
- Mix in the good stuff:
- Stir in the rest of the butter, cream cheese pieces, and milk. The hot potatoes will naturally melt these things as you keep mashing.
- Check the taste:
- Try a bit and add more salt and pepper if needed. The potatoes will soak up flavors as they sit on the warm setting.
- Ready when you are:
- Cover and keep on warm until you're set to eat, which makes this great for holiday meals or busy weeknights.
Pin it
The cream cheese truly works wonders in this dish. I learned this trick from my grandma who always tossed in "a bit of something extra" to her mashed potatoes. Much later, she finally told me her secret was cream cheese, and now our family can't imagine eating mashed potatoes any other way. The slight tang perfectly cuts through the richness.
Prepare Ahead Tips
These fancy mashed potatoes can be fully prepared up to 2 days before you need them, which is great when planning holiday meals. After they cool down, keep them in a sealed container in your fridge. When it's time to warm them up, put them back in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, adding a bit of milk if they seem dry. Give them a stir now and then to make sure they heat up evenly.
Taste Twists
You can change up this basic recipe in so many tasty ways. Try mixing in roasted garlic during the final mashing for subtle sweetness and extra flavor. Mix in fresh herbs like chives, rosemary or thyme just before you serve. For a loaded option, sprinkle bacon bits, shredded cheddar and green onions on top. My favorite way is adding 1/4 cup sour cream and a teaspoon of horseradish for an amazing zingy kick.
Pin it
What To Serve With
These creamy potatoes go great with almost any main dish. Enjoy them with turkey or ham during holidays, or next to meatloaf or roast chicken for family Sunday dinners. Their rich texture works well with thick gravies and sauces. For a fancy look, serve in a warm bowl with butter melting on top, scattered with fresh parsley or chives. These potatoes also work perfectly as the base for a DIY potato topping station where everyone can add what they like best.
Keeping Leftovers
Leftover fancy mashed potatoes stay good much longer than regular ones. Keep them in sealed containers in your fridge for up to 4 days. For storing longer, freeze in meal-sized containers for up to 3 months. When warming them up, add a splash of milk or pat of butter to bring back the creaminess. The cream cheese in the recipe helps stop that gluey texture that often happens with reheated mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I keep my mashed potatoes thick?
After cooking, be sure to completely drain off any extra broth before mashing. This keeps the mix from turning runny and helps make them creamy.
- → What’s a good potato swap for this?
Sure! Yukon Golds work nicely for a silky, rich texture. But stick with russets for that extra fluff factor.
- → Could I make these mashed potatoes early?
Totally. Keep them warm in the crock pot for several hours. If they thicken up, just stir in some extra milk before serving.
- → Got ideas to add more flavor?
Try mixing in roasted garlic, some Parmesan, or sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley or chives to jazz them up.
- → Is unsalted butter okay to use?
Definitely. You can tweak the salt to taste when seasoning after using unsalted butter.
- → What goes well with this dish?
Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled veggies, or a crisp salad for the ultimate meal combo.