There’s something magical about mashed potatoes that practically melt on your tongue—smooth, buttery, and infused with just the right amount of rich creaminess. But let’s be honest: standing over a stove, boiling, draining, and mashing can be a hassle, especially when you’re juggling a holiday meal or a busy weeknight dinner.
That’s where this Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe comes in—zero babysitting, maximum flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, these mashed potatoes require no boiling and no fuss.
Just toss everything into your slow cooker, let the heat work its magic, and return to a pot of velvety, restaurant-quality mashed potatoes that taste like they’ve been whipped by a pro.
These are not your average mashed potatoes—the russet potatoes cook low and slow, soaking up the buttery richness and creamy goodness of whole milk, heavy cream, and a generous knob of butter. And if you love an extra depth of flavor, adding roasted garlic takes them to the next level.
Serve them up with Crockpot Chicken Thighs for a hearty weeknight dinner or spoon them under a pile of Crockpot Steak Bites for the ultimate comfort meal. Seriously, you’ll never go back to stovetop mashed potatoes again.
My Favorite Things About This Recipe!
- It’s 100% Hands-Off – No more standing over a pot. Just dump, cook, mash, and serve.
- The Creaminess is Unreal – The slow-cooking process enhances the natural starches, making them ultra-luxurious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Holidays – Keep them warm in the crockpot for hours—no last-minute scrambling.
- Easily Customizable – Want cheesy? Add shredded cheddar. Love a hint of garlic? Throw in some roasted cloves.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – No one ever says no to buttery, silky mashed potatoes—they disappear fast!
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Potato peeler
- Knife & cutting board
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- Butter or cooking spray for coating the slow cooker
- 5 pounds russet potatoes
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic optional
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups whole milk half-and-half, or a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream, divided
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Peel and chop the russet potatoes into equal-sized chunks.
- Coat the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add potatoes, garlic (if using), salt, and half of the milk/cream mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until fork-tender.
- Add butter and remaining milk/cream, then mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Keep warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
- Optional: Stir in cheese, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 558kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44.2g |
| Protein | 7.3g |
| Fat | 40.9g |
| Sugar | 3.7g |
| Sodium | 222.7mg |
Variations That Will Help You Customize!
- Brown Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes – Instead of regular butter, melt it in a pan until golden and nutty, then stir it in with fresh sage, rosemary, or thyme for a deep, toasty flavor.
- Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes – Slow-cook thinly sliced onions in butter until golden brown, then fold them into the mashed potatoes for a sweet-savory depth that pairs beautifully with steak or roast chicken.
- Truffle Butter Mashed Potatoes – A drizzle of truffle oil or a small pat of truffle butter transforms this into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy side dish. Perfect for special occasions!
- Horseradish & Dijon Mashed Potatoes – If you love a little kick, add a spoonful of creamy horseradish and a dash of Dijon mustard for a tangy, slightly spicy contrast that’s incredible with beef dishes.
- Parmesan & Black Pepper Mashed Potatoes – Inspired by Cacio e Pepe, mix in freshly grated Parmesan and lots of cracked black pepper for an irresistibly cheesy, peppery bite.
- Smoky Chipotle Mashed Potatoes – Blend in a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that pairs amazingly with grilled meats or BBQ.
- Miso Butter Mashed Potatoes – For an umami-packed twist, stir in white miso paste with the butter. It adds a subtle, salty-sweet depth that makes these potatoes dangerously addictive.
- Loaded French Onion Mashed Potatoes – Stir in a packet of French onion soup mix for a burst of rich, savory flavor, then top with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
