Ultimate Creamy Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes: A No-Boil, Make-Ahead Game Changer

Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with these incredibly creamy Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes featuring the decadent richness of cream cheese and the subtle tang of sour cream! This recipe is an absolute game changer, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd or managing a busy holiday meal. Forget the hassle of boiling potatoes in multiple pots; our innovative no-boil method utilizes the slow cooker for effortless perfection. Plus, this recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it the ideal make-ahead solution for stress-free entertaining.

Having prepared this exact creamy mashed potatoes recipe countless times for make-ahead meal kitchens, I can confidently say it’s tried, tested, and loved by many. It quickly became a staple, celebrated for its consistent creamy texture and rich flavor.

Mashed potatoes are undeniably a culinary cornerstone, gracing tables at beloved holiday feasts such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Beyond special occasions, they also serve as the perfect complement to a wide array of entrees, from hearty gourmet meatloaf to succulent turkey tenderloin. Their versatility and comforting nature make them a year-round favorite.

But let’s be honest, the traditional method of preparing mashed potatoes—involving endless boiling, draining, and then transferring them to another pot for mashing—can be quite a chore. Those days of laborious potato preparation are thankfully behind us! With this revolutionary slow cooker method, you can achieve perfect mashed potatoes with minimal effort and cleanup.

Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Mashed Potatoes?

Embracing the slow cooker for your mashed potatoes isn’t just a convenience; it’s a strategic move that offers multiple benefits, especially when orchestrating a large meal. Here’s why you’ll never look back:

• Effortless Preparation: No more hovering over a boiling pot or risking boil-overs. Simply peel, chop, and set it.
• Frees Up Stove and Oven Space: During holiday cooking or large gatherings, every inch of your kitchen real estate is precious. The slow cooker method liberates your stovetop and oven, allowing you to focus on other components of your meal.
• Consistent Results: Slow cooking gently steams the potatoes, resulting in an evenly cooked, tender texture that’s perfect for mashing, without the risk of waterlogging.
• Keeps Warm Beautifully: Your slow cooker can double as a serving vessel, keeping your mashed potatoes perfectly warm and creamy for hours without drying out, ideal for buffet-style meals.
• Less Cleanup: A single pot from start to finish means significantly less washing up!

This recipe also excels as a make-ahead strategy. Just like we did in our meal kitchens, you can easily freeze any leftovers or intentionally prepare a larger batch in advance. These make-ahead mashed potatoes with cream cheese and sour cream reheat beautifully, maintaining their delightful creamy consistency. It’s the perfect, stress-free approach to ensuring delicious mashed potatoes are always on hand. Win, win, win!

Elevate your slow cooker mashed potatoes even further by topping them with crispy bacon, fresh chives, vibrant parsley, or explore the other delightful ideas we share below. These additions transform a classic side into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes

Crafting the best crock-pot mashed potatoes requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that sought-after creamy texture and rich flavor. Below are the key components you’ll need, with the dairy and seasonings pictured, ready to be mixed in once your potatoes are tender.

• Best Potatoes: Yukon Gold Potatoes

  For truly sublime mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are the undisputed champion. Their naturally creamy texture, thin skin, and medium starch content make them ideal. They mash up beautifully, yielding a fluffy, rich result. Avoid waxy red potatoes, which tend to become gummy when mashed extensively, and Russet potatoes, which are very starchy and can absorb too much water, making them drier and less creamy if not handled correctly. Yukon Golds strike the perfect balance.

• Broth: Vegetable or Chicken Broth

  Instead of plain water, broth infuses your potatoes with an incredible depth of flavor as they slow cook, keeping them moist and preventing them from drying out. You can use either vegetable or chicken broth based on your preference or dietary needs. Be mindful of the sodium content in your chosen broth, as this will significantly influence the overall seasoning of the final dish. You may need to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.

• Cream Cheese: For Unmatched Richness

  This ingredient is a secret weapon for achieving an unbelievably rich, smooth, and creamy texture. Cream cheese melts into the warm potatoes, adding a subtle tang and luxurious mouthfeel that takes your mashed potatoes from good to gourmet. For the very best taste and texture, always opt for full-fat cream cheese.

• Sour Cream: The Perfect Tangy Balance

  Sour cream introduces a delightful tanginess that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and cream cheese. It brightens the flavor profile and contributes to the overall creamy consistency. For a healthier alternative without sacrificing much flavor, plain Greek yogurt can be used.

• Butter: The Heart of Creaminess

  A generous amount of butter is an absolute must for truly creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes. It adds essential moisture, richness, and that classic, comforting taste. Don’t skimp on this one!

• Salt and Pepper: Season to Perfection

  We recommend starting with a minimal amount of salt and pepper, especially since the broth contributes to the sodium content. Taste the mashed potatoes once all ingredients are combined, and then adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful aromatic kick.

• Garlic Powder or Onion Powder (Optional)

  For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider adding a hint of garlic powder or onion powder. Some people adore the pungent warmth of garlic, while others prefer the milder, sweeter notes of onion. Feel free to use one or both, or omit them if you prefer a simpler potato flavor.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Directions to Creamy Perfection

Follow these straightforward steps to create the most incredibly creamy mashed potatoes right in your crock-pot, complete with visual guidance:

Step 1 – Prepare and Cook Potatoes

Begin by peeling about 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Once peeled, chop them into uniform 1-inch pieces. For a charming, rustic aesthetic, you can leave a small amount of skin on some of the potato pieces. Uniformly sized pieces are key for even cooking.

Place all the chopped potatoes evenly in the bottom of your crock-pot. Pour 1-½ cups of vegetable or chicken broth over the potatoes. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-7 hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific model and heat consistency of your slow cooker. The potatoes are perfectly cooked when they are easily pierced with a fork and feel tender throughout.

After cooking, you may notice some excess liquid in the crock. You can ladle out some of this liquid if you prefer a thicker mash, but it’s not strictly necessary to remove it all. Leaving some of the flavorful broth in contributes to the ultimate creaminess of the mashed potatoes.

Step 2 – Mash Potatoes

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, turn the crock-pot off or switch it to the “warm” setting. This prevents overcooking while you work. Using a sturdy potato masher or even a large fork, begin to roughly mash the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This initial mash helps break down the large pieces before adding the other ingredients.

Important Warning: Never use a food processor for mashing potatoes! The high-speed blades will over-process the potatoes, breaking down their starch cells too much, which results in a gummy, glue-like consistency. A traditional potato masher or an electric hand mixer (used sparingly) is always the best choice for fluffy mashed potatoes.

Step 3 – Mix in Other Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate the creamy elements that make these mashed potatoes truly special. Add the sour cream, cubed cream cheese, about ¼ cup of the butter, salt, and pepper to the crock-pot with the mashed potatoes. If you’re using garlic or onion powder, add it at this stage as well.

Using an electric hand mixer set to a low speed, gently combine all the ingredients. Mix just until they reach a smooth, creamy, and uniform consistency. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can also lead to a gummy texture. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often preferred for a more rustic feel.

Step 4 – Serve

Once your creamy mashed potatoes are perfectly combined, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find they benefit from a little more salt or pepper. You can serve them directly from the slow cooker, which is fantastic for keeping them warm. Alternatively, transfer them to an elegant serving dish for a more formal presentation.

If you’re not serving them immediately, simply turn your crock-pot to the “warm” setting. Before serving, top with the remaining butter, allowing it to melt into luxurious pools. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Can You Freeze Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes? Yes, Absolutely!

One of the many incredible advantages of these creamy crock-pot mashed potatoes is their freezer-friendly nature. This makes them perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a delicious side dish on hand, or for efficiently managing holiday leftovers.

If you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, or if you’re intentionally making a large batch to get ahead, simply transfer them to a freezer-safe tin with a tight-fitting lid or an airtight container. For the best quality and texture, we recommend enjoying your frozen mashed potatoes within 2 months of freezing.

How to Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes:

When you’re ready to enjoy your make-ahead mashed potatoes, simply follow these steps for a perfect reheat:

1. Defrost: Transfer the frozen container of mashed potatoes to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost for approximately 24 hours.
2. Prepare for Baking: Once defrosted, give the potatoes a good stir. For added moisture and richness, top them with a few extra pats of butter.
3. Bake: Bake the uncovered potatoes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and lightly golden on top.
4. Serve: Stir again before serving to incorporate the melted butter and restore their creamy texture. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

This freezing and reheating method works exceptionally well, proving that freezing mashed potatoes made in the crock-pot is indeed a perfect make-ahead strategy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potatoes

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While this base recipe for creamy crock-pot mashed potatoes is fantastic on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and customize them with these delightful variations:

• Garlic Lover’s Delight: For an intense garlic flavor, stir in a head of roasted garlic, which offers a sweet and mellow taste. Alternatively, add extra garlic salt or garlic powder to taste.
• Savory Crunch: Top your mashed potatoes with a generous sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon pieces for a smoky, salty crunch.
• Fresh Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like finely chopped chives, green onions, fragrant rosemary, or vibrant parsley for a burst of freshness and aroma.
• Sweet & Savory: Mix in some tender caramelized onions for a wonderfully sweet and savory depth of flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for an extra layer of flavor and gooey texture.
• Sweet Potato Twist: For a different take, use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. The slow cooker method works beautifully for them, creating a naturally sweet and vibrant mash.
• Extra Indulgence: For an even richer and creamier texture, add a splash of warm milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream when mixing in the dairy ingredients.
• Vegan Alternative: This recipe can be made entirely vegan by substituting the dairy products with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt. Use vegetable broth for cooking.

You may also enjoy our Crock-Pot Butternut Squash Purée – it’s another incredibly easy slow cooker side dish where you just plop the WHOLE squash into the pot to make a delicious mashed butternut squash!

More Delicious Holiday Side Dishes to Complete Your Feast

Looking for more fantastic recipes to round out your holiday menu or any special meal? These flavorful and easy-to-make side dishes are perfect companions to your creamy crock-pot mashed potatoes:

📋 Recipe: Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

These Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes, enriched with cream cheese and sour cream, are a true kitchen marvel! This no-boil method simplifies holiday cooking and is entirely freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 20 (½ cup servings)

Author: Marjory Pilley

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Equipment

• Programmable Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 5 Pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (adjust added salt based on broth’s sodium content)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (full-fat recommended)
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the cubed potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the top of the potatoes.
2. Cover and cook the potatoes on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-7 hours. Potatoes should be fork-tender when done.
3. If desired, spoon out some of the excess liquid from the crock, though some liquid contributes to the creaminess.
4. Mash the cooked potatoes with a fork or a potato masher directly in the crock. Then, add the sour cream, cream cheese, ¼ cup of the butter, salt, pepper, and the optional garlic or onion powder to the pot.
5. Use an electric hand mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients just until they reach a creamy consistency. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
6. Taste the mashed potatoes and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, topped with the remaining pats of butter and garnished with chopped chives or parsley, if using.

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Notes

See step-by-step pictures and variations above for more tips.

Refrigerator storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat using a microwave, stovetop, or oven. If they seem dry, stir in a bit of milk or butter to restore creaminess.

Freezer storage: Freeze mashed potatoes in a covered tin or airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Top with a few pats of butter and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir to incorporate butter and garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.

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Nutrition

Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally posted on November 12, 2013, and has been updated to improve the reader experience and provide more comprehensive information.