Crockpot Creamy Dreamy Mashed Potatoes
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for creamy mashed potatoes but dread all the work? Honestly, that's me every single time! That's where these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes come in. They're dreamy, easy and delicious.
Brief Overview
Mashed potatoes, a dish with roots stretching back centuries, is a true comfort food recipe . Using the Crock Pot Slow Cooker makes this recipe super simple.
It requires minimal effort. This Easy Crockpot Recipes version takes about 4- 6 hours on low or 2- 3 hours on high and feeds 6-8 people .
Main Benefits
These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a great time saver for busy families and especially a great Holiday Side Dish Recipes .
The best part? They free up your stovetop for other dishes. Plus, using a Crock Pot Cooking method means extra creamy spuds with a hands off approach .
A huge win, right?
Okay, So you probably thinking is it worth it?. The answer is YES!!! Here's your curated list , drawing inspiration from the recipe and keeping SEO best practices in mind
Lazy But Smart: Why Crockpot Mashed Potatoes?
Why make Crockpot Mashed Potatoes ? Think about this. Imagine Thanksgiving dinner with space on the hob being a premium!.
This is where this recipe shines. You can prep everything in the morning, bung it in the Crock Pot Slow Cooker , and forget about it.
Seriously, forget about it!. No boiling, no watching over a pot. It's truly set it and forget it which makes these Side Dishes Easy .
Plus, it keeps the potatoes warm for hours, so no stressed about timing!
The Secret to Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
The secret ingredient here is softened cream cheese, which ensures that the potatoes are incredibly creamy and rich without adding any extra effort.
Also, Yukon Golds are a must!. They’re naturally buttery and hold their shape well during Crock Pot Cooking . Trust me, using these tips take the recipe to the next level, giving you the best Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe .
This is also fantastic way to make-ahead Mashed Potatoes .
Let's dive into what you'll need for this show stopping Comfort Food Recipes .
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy or intimidating. We're aiming for Easy Crockpot Recipes here, remember?
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Let's break it down so you know exactly what to grab.
Main Players
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg). These are the potatoes for Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe . Look for firm potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is best, trust me!
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (about 225g) , softened. Super important that it's soft. Nobody wants lumpy mash.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) , cut into pieces. Real butter makes a difference.
- Heavy cream or half and-half: 1/2 cup (120ml) . For that extra touch of richness.
- Garlic powder: 2 teaspoons .
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
I remember one time, I used red potatoes on a whim. Big mistake! The texture was all wrong, and my Holiday Side Dish Recipes turned into a culinary disaster! make-ahead Mashed Potatoes are only good if they are made with the right potatoes!
Seasoning Notes
These Crock Pot Cooking seasonings are your friends!
- Essential combo: Garlic and onion powder. They add a subtle but essential savory note.
- Flavor enhancers: Salt and pepper are the unsung heroes of Comfort Food Recipes . Season generously!
- Quick swaps: Don't have garlic powder? Mince a clove of garlic. Seriously.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple.
- 6-quart (or larger) Crock Pot Slow Cooker . A must for Crock Pot Slow Cooker magic.
- Potato masher. Or an electric hand mixer for extra smooth Crockpot Mashed Potatoes .
- Measuring cups and spoons. Because eyeballing it can go wrong, believe me.
- Vegetable peeler, knife, cutting board. Basic prep tools!
That's all there is to it! With these ingredients and tools, you're all set to make the most amazing Side Dishes Easy ever. Let's get cooking!
Cooking Method
Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Safety First!
Okay, let's talk Crockpot Mashed Potatoes ! Honestly, prepping is super easy. It’s all about having your ducks in a row before the Crock Pot Slow Cooker starts working its magic.
Peel and cube about 2.5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes into 1 inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Measure out all your ingredients: 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth , 8 oz of softened cream cheese , 1/2 cup of butter , and 1/2 cup of heavy cream .
A quick safety reminder: Always wash your hands and make sure your cutting board is clean before prepping. It's a good habit, yeah?
step-by-step: From Crock Pot to Creamy Dream
Ready? Let's do this!
- Chuck those cubed potatoes into your Crock Pot Slow Cooker .
- Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, butter, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or high for 2- 3 hours . They're done when a fork slides in easy peasy.
- Mash 'em up! Use a potato masher or electric mixer. Aim for that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half and-half.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Want to take your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes to the next level? I've got you!
- Don't overcook! It’s the cardinal sin of Crock Pot Cooking . Check for tenderness after the minimum cook time. Gluey potatoes? No thank you!
- Softened cream cheese is key. Seriously, it blends so much better. Trust me on this one.
- You can easily make these ahead! Prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just dump it into the crockpot in the morning. This is super helpful for holidays.
Honestly, this recipe is amazing. It's the perfect Holiday Side Dish Recipe . My family raves about it every year. And it’s totally hands off, leaving you time to focus on the main course or maybe just relax with a cup of tea.
Enjoy this Easy Crockpot Recipes !. This truly is an Easy Crockpot Recipes , and a definite winner for any Comfort Food Recipes craving! So get cooking and enjoy these Side Dishes Easy !
Recipe Notes for the Best Crockpot Mashed Potatoes EVER!
Alright, mate! Fancy some Crockpot Mashed Potatoes that are unbelievably good? I’m talking creamy mashed potatoes recipe that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds! Here are a few notes to make sure your Crock Pot Slow Cooker adventure goes smoothly.
Honestly, this is one of the easy Crockpot recipes you'll ever make!
Ace Serving Suggestions
Think about making your plate pretty. A swirl of extra cream, some chopped chives, or even crispy bacon bits. I love serving these Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with a classic roast chicken.
They also make a killer side to some tasty meatloaf. As for drinks? A crisp white wine goes down a treat, or just stick to a classic cup of tea.
It's your call!
Storage Ace Tips
Leftover Crockpot Mashed Potatoes ? No worries, tuck them away. They'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just pop them in an airtight container.
Freezing is also an option. Let them cool completely, then portion them out into freezer bags. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating is simple. Microwave them with a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture. You can also gently reheat them on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
Ace Variations
Feeling a bit adventurous? How about some cheesy Crock Pot Cooking ? Chuck in a handful of cheddar near the end for extra flavour.
Got a vegan mate coming over? No sweat! Use plant based butter and cream cheese substitutes. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and boom, vegan friendly Crockpot Mashed Potatoes .
It's an easy change, and honestly, they're still banging!
Nutrition Ace Basics
Each serving is estimated to have around 320 calories, 7g of protein, 20g of fat and 30g of carbs. Remember this is just an estimate.
Potatoes are actually a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Just go easy on the butter and cream if you’re watching the calories.
This holiday side dish recipes is comfort food recipes made easier and healthier.
So there you have it! My top tips for make-ahead Mashed Potatoes using your trusty crockpot. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.
And remember, the most important ingredient is love or maybe just a little extra butter. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make mashed potatoes in a crockpot? Sounds a bit bonkers!
Absolutely! It might sound like a mad scientist experiment, but making Crockpot Mashed Potatoes is a game changer. The slow cooker gently cooks the potatoes until they're melt-in-your mouth tender, and the best part is it frees up your stovetop for other dishes ideal for when you're juggling a full Sunday roast or a massive Thanksgiving spread.
Just remember to check for doneness and not overcook them.
My mashed potatoes sometimes turn out gluey. How do I avoid that when making Crockpot Mashed Potatoes?
Ah, the dreaded gluey mash! A couple of things can help. First, don't overcook the potatoes. Check for tenderness after the minimum cook time. Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally less starchy, so they're less likely to turn gluey than Russets.
Also, avoid over mashing; whether you use a hand masher or an electric mixer, stop when they reach your desired consistency.
What's the best way to store leftover Crockpot Mashed Potatoes? Will they keep alright?
Leftovers are your friend! Store your leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (stirring occasionally) or gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore their creamy texture.
You can freeze them, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing still tasty though!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any ways to lighten up this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes recipe?
You bet! You can swap out the heavy cream for half and-half or even whole milk to reduce the fat content. Using low-sodium chicken broth will also help control the salt. Consider using Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream cheese for a tangy twist and a boost of protein.
And, as much as we love butter, you can cut back on the amount or use a lighter butter substitute. Every little helps, as they say!
Can I add other flavors to my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!
Absolutely, get your Heston Blumenthal on! Roasted garlic is a fantastic addition; simply roast a head of garlic until soft and squeeze the cloves into the crockpot. Cheese lovers can stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely earthy note. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can also kick things up a notch.
I don't have cream cheese. Can I still make these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes?
No worries, you can absolutely still make them! While cream cheese adds a lovely tang and richness, you can substitute it with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a similar effect. Alternatively, you can simply increase the amount of butter and heavy cream (or half and-half) to compensate for the missing cream cheese.
The key is to still achieve that creamy, dreamy texture we're after!
Crockpot Creamy Dreamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
