When you’re craving true comfort food with minimal effort, Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a kitchen game-changer. This dish transforms humble potatoes into fluffy, creamy clouds bursting with rich roasted garlic flavor, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply want fuss-free weeknight sides, these mashed potatoes guarantee plenty of hearty, homemade goodness with little hands-on time—just throw everything in the pot, let the slow cooker do its thing, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each of which plays a crucial role in building the delicious, silky texture and unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These are the foundation for creamy, perfectly textured mashed potatoes since they break down beautifully after slow cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with bold, aromatic flavor that’s mellowed out perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Butter: Rich, salted or unsalted butter adds that classic creaminess and rounds out all the savory notes in the dish.
- Milk (or cream): Choose whole milk for balance or heavy cream for extra indulgence; either way, they bring luscious moisture and a luxurious finish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the best in these potatoes and complement the garlicky goodness.
- Optional: Sour cream or cream cheese: For a tangy twist and even more velvety texture, try stirring in a big spoonful before serving.
- Chopped chives or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates your finished dish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Garlic
Start by peeling (if you prefer!) and chopping your potatoes into even-sized chunks—this helps them cook evenly and makes mashing a breeze later on. Smash your garlic cloves a little to help them melt right into the mix during cooking. Both ingredients get added straight to your slow cooker; no need for fancy prep, just rustic chopping will do.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Toss your chopped potatoes and garlic into the crockpot, then add enough water or broth to just cover the potatoes. Season with salt and a pinch of pepper. This cozy bath lets everything simmer together, infusing the potatoes with garlicky magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. By the time you return, the potatoes should be fork-tender and the garlic softened and mellow. No babysitting required—just let the slow cooker work its wonders!
Step 4: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, carefully drain off any excess liquid. Add in your butter, warmed milk or cream, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything right in the crockpot with a potato masher (or use a hand mixer for ultra-fluffiness). If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some sour cream or cream cheese for an extra boost of richness and zing.
Step 5: Taste, Tweak, and Serve
Now’s the moment to taste your Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes and adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with more butter (because why not?), then garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Keep your mashed potatoes on warm until you’re ready to serve—no stress about timing!
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
You can’t beat the classics: a pat of melty butter, a dusting of fresh chives or parsley, and perhaps a sprinkle of cracked pepper. For extra oomph, add crispy fried onions or a handful of shredded parmesan right before serving. These finishing touches create layers of flavor and visual appeal that truly make Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes with classic mains like roast chicken, juicy pork chops, or a well-marbled steak—anything with savory juices to soak up is a winner. On the veggie front, roasted Brussels sprouts or maple-glazed carrots make ideal companions, bringing in color and contrast to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, pipe the mashed potatoes into swirls for a wow-worthy presentation or spoon them into individual ramekins for dinner parties. Transform leftovers into crispy potato cakes or use them as a base for a shepherd’s pie—there’s a world of possibility beyond the standard serving bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready to be reheated for quick comfort food whenever you need it.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the mashed potatoes in smaller, airtight portions. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. The texture might change a bit after freezing, but a quick stir with a splash of warm milk works wonders to restore their creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, put the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk, cream, or butter as needed. Gently stir now and then until they’re warmed through and smooth again. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave using short bursts, stirring in between, for easy, even heating.
FAQs
Can I use red potatoes instead of russet or Yukon Gold?
Red potatoes work, but they have a waxier texture and won’t get quite as fluffy as russet or Yukon Gold. Expect a creamier, slightly denser mash—still delicious, just a different vibe!
How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for a party?
The beauty of Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes is that you can set your slow cooker to the “warm” setting after mashing, keeping them piping hot for hours until guests are ready to dig in. Give them a stir every so often and add a bit more milk if they start to dry out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil, and use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. The slow cooker still creates perfectly creamy potatoes even without traditional dairy.
What garlic-to-potato ratio is best?
This comes down to taste, but a good rule of thumb is 4-5 cloves for every 3 pounds of potatoes. For a stronger punch, add more garlic or try stirring in roasted garlic at the end for depth and sweetness.
Are Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes good for meal prep?
They’re a meal prep superstar! Mashed potatoes hold up well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, so make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy them with all your favorite main dishes—or as a cozy lunch all on their own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed side to please a crowd or just treat yourself, Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes simply can’t be beat. They’re truly a labor of love—minus the labor! Once you try them, I guarantee they’ll become a regular part of your comfort food rotation. Give this recipe a go and enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!
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Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–7 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: undefined
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a slow‑cooker dream come true—fluffy, creamy, and bursting with tender roasted garlic flavor—all made virtually hands‑off. Perfect for holiday tables or cozy weeknights when you crave soul‑warming comfort without fuss.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled (optional) and chopped
- 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed or lightly chopped
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), diced
- 1 cup whole milk or cream (plus more if needed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chopped potatoes and garlic in the crockpot. Add water or broth to just cover, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours, until potatoes are completely tender.
- Drain liquid, leaving a bit in the pot to mash. Add butter, warmed milk or cream, and optional sour cream/cream cheese.
- Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer for ultra‑fluffiness. Taste and adjust seasoning. If needed, add more milk for creamier texture.
- Transfer to serving bowl or keep in crockpot on “warm.” Garnish with chives or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can leave skins on for a more rustic texture—just scrub well.
- For dairy‑free version, swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil and use plant‑based milk.
- To really enhance garlic flavor, stir in roasted garlic at the end.
- Keep on “warm” setting in the crockpot until serving, stirring occasionally to prevent drying.
- For richer potatoes, add an extra dollop of butter or a splash of sour cream just before serving.
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