Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. The slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while making them wonderfully fluffy. This recipe is designed to be easy and handsoff, allowing you to prep ahead and have delicious mashed potatoes ready without standing over the stove.

I first made these during a busy Thanksgiving and was amazed at how effortlessly they turned out. Now they are a musthave on our holiday table.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold: Three pounds for buttery flavor and smooth texture. Russets yield fluffier results while Yukon Golds offer a creamier richness. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes.
• Water: Four cups to cook the potatoes gently and help create a perfect mash
• Chicken bouillon: One teaspoon to boost the savory depth. Use good quality bouillon for a rich broth
• Garlic powder: Half teaspoon for subtle aromatic warmth
• Cream cheese: Four ounces for luscious creaminess and a slight tang
• Butter: Four tablespoons to enrich and smooth the potatoes
• Apple cider vinegar: Half teaspoon brightens the flavors and balances the richness
• Salt and pepper: To taste because seasoning can never be overlooked

Instructions

Slicing the Potatoes:

Peel and slice three pounds of potatoes thinly rather than chopping into large chunks. This helps them cook evenly and prevents gummy mashed potatoes. Transfer evenly into your crockpot.

Adding Water:

Cover the potatoes with about one to two inches of water, approximately four cups. This ensures even cooking without drying out or boiling off too quickly.

Cooking on High:

Set the crockpot on high for four hours. Check at around the three hour mark if you like. Pierce the potatoes with a fork to see if they are soft and ready for mashing.

Straining and Reserving Water:

Carefully strain the water from the potatoes but reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking liquid. Return the potatoes to the crockpot for the next stage.

Making the Broth:

Dilute one teaspoon of chicken bouillon into the reserved half cup of potato water. This concentrates flavor and adds a savory note.

Adding Creaminess and Seasoning:

Add the garlic powder, cream cheese, butter, and apple cider vinegar directly to the crockpot with the potatoes.

Mashing and Mixing:

Mash everything together, adding a little of the chicken broth mixture at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Seasoning:

Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

Keeping Warm:

Set the crockpot to warm until serving. Stir occasionally if a starchy film forms on the surface to keep the potatoes smooth and creamy.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the apple cider vinegar because it adds a subtle brightness that lifts the rich creaminess without being noticeable. I remember the first time I served these to a big family dinner, and everyone asked what made the potatoes taste so fresh and special. This recipe has become a tradition ever since.

Storage Tips

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to bring back the smooth texture. Avoid microwaving without stirring to prevent dry spots.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap cream cheese for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version. Butter may be replaced with olive oil for a dairy free option but will change the flavor slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats such as turkey or beef and are perfect alongside green beans or glazed carrots. Top with fresh chives, parsley, or extra butter for a simple garnish that elevates the dish.

These crockpot mashed potatoes make holiday cooking easier while tasting like a comforting classic. Serve warm and garnish as desired.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of potatoes work best for slow cooking?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which breaks down well for fluffy mashed potatoes.

→ Why slice potatoes instead of chopping into chunks?

Slicing potatoes helps them cook evenly and prevents gummy or dense mashed potatoes by allowing consistent heat penetration.

→ Can I prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time using this method?

Yes, slow-cooking in the crockpot allows for advance preparation. Keep them warm before serving and stir occasionally to maintain creaminess.

→ What is the role of the reserved potato cooking water?

The reserved starchy cooking water helps adjust the mashed potatoes' consistency and adds natural flavor when combined with broth seasoning.

→ How does apple cider vinegar affect the mashed potatoes?

A small amount of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cream cheese.

→ Can I use other dairy alternatives for cream cheese and butter?

Yes, plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes can be used to adapt for dietary preferences while maintaining creaminess.