Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food, but giving them the slow-cooker treatment makes them even simpler and more foolproof. In this recipe, the steady heat of the crock combines with fragrant garlic and fresh chives to create a side dish worthy of any celebration—or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half (plus extra if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare and Load: Layer the potato chunks in your slow cooker, then sprinkle the garlic, salt, and pepper on top. Dot half the butter around the potatoes and pour in half the milk.
2. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4–5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Give them a very gentle stir once or twice to help the garlic mingle, but don’t worry too much if you can’t get to it.
3. Mash and Combine: When the potatoes are soft, add the remaining butter and milk. Mash them right in the slow cooker using a hand masher or sturdy spoon, stirring in the chopped chives as you go. If your potatoes need a creamier texture, drizzle in a little more milk.
4. Keep Warm and Serve: Switch your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting and cover until you’re ready to serve. Top with a sprinkling of extra chives or even some crispy bacon bits if you want to indulge in added texture.
These slow cooker mashed potatoes make hosting a breeze, saving you precious stovetop space and hands-on time. The final dish is a fluffy, flavorful dream—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or special holiday dinners. Because you can let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, it’s an ideal recipe for novice cooks and kitchen pros alike.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap in low-fat milk or use a combination of vegetable broth and Greek yogurt. For a more decadent take, fold in cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, or a spoonful of sour cream. No matter how you customize it, this fuss-free recipe offers a warm, comforting classic that’s sure to have everyone reaching for seconds.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
