The Ultimate Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

I used to dread busy weeknights when dinner felt like a race against the clock. Discovering crockpot mashed potatoes changed everything for me. This recipe takes just 4-5 hours to cook and gives you creamy, comforting potatoes without using your stovetop—perfect for freeing up time and space when life gets hectic.

Table of Contents

Why These are the BEST Crockpot Mashed Potatoes (A Foolproof Guide)

• Never Gummy, Never Watery: The slow crockpot cook and careful draining keep the texture just right—fluffy and smooth every time.
• The Creamiest Texture: Extra cream cheese and butter melt in for rich, velvety mashed potatoes.
• Perfect for Making Ahead: Cook these potatoes in advance and keep warm until mealtime without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Frees Up Your Stovetop for Stress-Free Holidays: While these cook slowly, you can focus on other parts of your meal without juggling pots and pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list of ingredients that are pantry-friendly and easy to find. These are exactly what you’ll need for creamy crockpot mashed potatoes:

• 5 pounds russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, cut into cubes (divided)
• 32 ounce carton chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to taste)

Recommended Equipment

For this recipe, a 6-quart crockpot is ideal—it fits 5 pounds of potatoes comfortably without overflow. A sturdy potato masher works great if you prefer a rustic, a little chunky texture. For a silky smooth finish, a potato ricer is your best bet since it creates the lightest mash possible. Keep in mind, a hand mixer is faster but can easily turn your potatoes gummy if overworked, so use with caution.

How to Make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

1. Peel and cut potatoes: Peel 5 pounds of russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
   Aisha’s Tip: Uniform chunks ensure even cooking so all pieces become fork-tender at the same time.
2. Place potatoes in the crockpot: Put the cut potatoes into the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot.
3. Add butter: Dot potatoes with 1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter, cut into cubes.
4. Pour chicken broth: Pour the entire 32-ounce carton of chicken broth over the potatoes.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Drain broth carefully: Once cooked, carefully drain the excess broth from the crockpot, leaving the potatoes inside.
7. Add remaining ingredients: Add the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cubed), and 1/4 cup milk back into the crockpot.
8. Mash potatoes: Mash with a potato masher until smooth or leave a few lumps if you prefer. Add more milk if you want thinner potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Aisha’s Tip: Adding cream cheese gives an extra creamy richness that makes this recipe stand out.
9. Keep warm: Cover and keep potatoes on the warm setting until ready to serve.

Aisha’s Secrets to Perfect, Never-Gummy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

I’ve tested every tip in the book to stop potatoes from turning gummy or bland. Let’s break down the key tricks!

Choosing The Right Potato: Russet vs. Yukon Gold

Russets are starchy and create fluffy, light mashed potatoes—perfect for this recipe. Yukon Golds are waxier, offering a creamier, buttery texture but a denser mash. Either works, depending on your texture preference, but I love russets for classic, cloud-like results.

Mashing Technique Matters!

• Potato masher: Gives a rustic, softly lumpy result that feels homemade.
• Potato ricer: Yields ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality mashed potatoes. Ideal for texture perfection.
• Hand mixer: Quick but risky—overmixing releases starches and makes potatoes gummy. Use only minimally.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Cause	Solution
Gummy Potatoes	Overworking the mash	Use a masher or ricer; avoid hand mixers or overmixing.
Watery Potatoes	Too much liquid, poor draining	Drain excess broth thoroughly after cooking before mashing.
Bland Potatoes	Under-seasoning	Add salt and pepper gradually; taste test as you mash.
Grey Potatoes	Oxidation (cut potatoes exposed to air)	Peel and cut just before cooking; submerge in broth immediately.

Flavor Variations for Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Customizing your potatoes is so easy! Here’s a quick guide:

Variation Name	Add-Ins	Aisha’s Tip
Roasted Garlic & Parmesan	Roasted garlic cloves, grated Parmesan	Mix in roasted garlic before mashing for depth.
Fully Loaded	Bacon bits, shredded cheddar, chopped chives	Sprinkle toppings on just before serving.
Herbed Brown Butter	Browned butter, fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)	Drizzle browned butter over finished potatoes.
Dairy-Free/Vegan	Substitute butter & cream cheese with plant-based alternatives	Use unsweetened plant milk for creamy mouthfeel.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Guide

You can make these mashed potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store them covered in the fridge.

Reheating tips:

• Slow Cooker: Rewarm on warm setting, stirring occasionally; add splash of milk if thickened.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring often; add milk to loosen texture.
• Oven: Cover with foil; bake at 350°F until heated through, stirring midway.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring and adding milk as needed.

These methods keep the potatoes creamy and fresh tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes! You can double or halve it, but be careful with crockpot size. Adjust cooking time slightly—especially if doubling.

What if I have a smaller/larger crockpot?

For smaller sizes, reduce potatoes to fit without overcrowding. Larger crockpot recipes remain similar but start checking for doneness earlier.

How do I make these crockpot mashed potatoes vegan or dairy-free?

Swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives and use unsweetened plant milk. The chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth.

What does “fork-tender” mean?

Fork-tender means the potatoes are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork. This ensures they’ll mash smoothly.

Conclusion

These crockpot mashed potatoes are a game-changer for any meal—rich, creamy, and totally fuss-free. The slow cooker frees up your stove and your time, so you can focus on the rest of your dinner and your family. We shared our favorite flavor variations—what’s your family’s secret ingredient for amazing mashed potatoes? Share it in the comments below, I can’t wait to hear your ideas!

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