Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: crockpot mashed potatoes! They’re the epitome of creamy comfort food, and the best part? You just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they always come out so velvety and delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes are sure to steal the show. Trust me, once you try making them in the crockpot, you’ll never want to go back to the old stovetop method!
Ingredients List
- 5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed – I usually go for Russets or Yukon Golds for that perfect creaminess!
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth – This adds a wonderful depth of flavor; you can even use homemade broth if you have it on hand!
- 1 cup of sour cream – For that rich and tangy kick that makes these mashed potatoes so special!
- 1/2 cup of butter – Because butter makes everything better, right? It adds an irresistible creaminess!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – This is my secret weapon for flavor; it elevates the dish without overpowering it!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season your potatoes; it really brings all the flavors together!
How to Prepare Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these crockpot mashed potatoes is as simple as it gets, and I promise you’ll love the way they turn out. First off, grab your trusty slow cooker and start by placing the cubed potatoes right in there. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so they cook properly. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth—this is where the magic starts! Sprinkle that garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Now, it’s time to let your slow cooker do its thing! Cover it up and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or until those potatoes are nice and tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through. Once they’re all soft and fluffy, add in the butter and sour cream. Now comes the fun part: grab your potato masher and mash everything together until you reach that creamy perfection. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place cubed potatoes in the crockpot.
- Pour in the broth, then add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Add butter and sour cream to the cooked potatoes.
- Use a potato masher to mash until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just dump and go!
- Perfectly creamy texture that rivals any stovetop version.
- Flavors develop beautifully over long, slow cooking.
- Great for meal prep—just set it and forget it!
- Versatile for different diets; swap ingredients as needed!
- Ideal for feeding a crowd; you’ll have plenty to go around!
- Leftovers are delicious—you’ll be dreaming about them!
Tips for Success with Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
To make sure your crockpot mashed potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, try to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces; this helps them cook evenly. If you want an extra creamy texture, swap out the sour cream for cream cheese—it’s a game changer! Also, don’t rush the cooking time; let them simmer low and slow for that ultimate fluffiness. And remember to taste as you go! Adding a pinch more salt can really enhance the flavor. Lastly, if you like a little texture, mash just until combined instead of going for super smooth. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
These crockpot mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also provide some valuable nutrition! Each serving (about 1 cup) has approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that this is an estimate based on typical values, so your totals may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these creamy delights guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes? Absolutely! While I love Russets for their creaminess, you can also use Yukon Gold or even a mix. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may change the texture slightly.
Can I make these crockpot mashed potatoes ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance, just store them in the fridge after cooking. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if they seem dry.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? No worries! You can use fresh minced garlic instead; just add it along with the broth for a lovely flavor boost!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! These mashed potatoes freeze beautifully. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make these vegan? Easy! Just swap the butter for vegan butter and use plant-based sour cream. You’ll still get that delicious creamy texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot mashed potatoes is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend doing it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep them creamy. If they seem a little dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or a dab of butter to bring back that velvety texture. You can also reheat them in the microwave, just remember to cover the bowl to prevent splattering. Enjoy them warm and creamy again!
