Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Discover the ultimate solution for creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes that require minimal effort! This recipe for Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes allows you to prepare your spuds ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. After experimenting with various methods, I've perfected a slow cooker version that keeps your potatoes warm and ready to serve right when you need them. With the addition of butter, salt, and optional garlic powder, these mashed potatoes deliver a rich and comforting side dish that's sure to please any crowd and free up your time for other meal preparations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sierra Gold or Red Potatoes
5 lbs (diced with peel)
Water
1 cup (none)
Butter
1 cup (cut into chunks)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Additional Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Powder
1 1/4 teaspoons (optional)
Ground Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Milk
1 1/3 cups (warmed)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and dicing the Sierra Gold or red potatoes, leaving the peel on for added texture and nutrients.
2
Place the diced potatoes into the slow cooker and add 1 cup of water along with the chunks of butter.
3
Season the mixture with 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of additional salt, garlic powder (if using), and ground black pepper.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 4 hours. Avoid removing the lid or draining any excess water, as this will help create a creamy consistency.
5
After 4 hours, check the potatoes for doneness. They should be fork-tender. Using a potato masher or an electric beater, mash the potatoes to achieve your desired texture.
6
Gradually add the warmed milk, stirring continuously until you reach the creaminess you desire.
7
Once mashed, keep the potatoes on the low setting of the slow cooker until you are ready to serve. If your slow cooker has a warm function, it will automatically shift to that setting after the cooking time is complete.
8
Serve directly from the slow cooker, keeping the lid on to retain warmth and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.
What type of potatoes are best to use?
Sierra Gold or red potatoes are recommended for this dish.
How many pounds of potatoes do I need?
You will need 5 lbs of potatoes.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
No, leave the peel on for added texture and nutrients.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be washed and diced.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
Add 1 cup of water to the slow cooker.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of butter.
How should the butter be prepared before adding it?
The butter should be cut into chunks.
What is the total amount of salt used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt plus an additional 1/4 teaspoon.
How much garlic powder is included?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of optional garlic powder.
How much ground black pepper should be added?
Use 3/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the required cooking time?
The potatoes should cook for 4 hours.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to cook on High.
Should I drain the water after the potatoes finish cooking?
No, do not drain any excess water as it helps create a creamy consistency.
Can I remove the lid while the potatoes are cooking?
No, you should avoid removing the lid during the cooking process.
How do I know when the potatoes are ready to mash?
The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender.
What tools can be used to mash the potatoes?
You can use a potato masher or an electric beater.
When should I add the milk?
Gradually add the milk after the potatoes have been mashed.
Should the milk be cold when added?
No, the milk should be warmed before being added.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of milk.
How do I keep the potatoes warm after mashing?
Keep the potatoes on the low or warm setting of the slow cooker.
What happens if my slow cooker has an automatic warm function?
It will automatically shift to the warm setting after the cooking time is complete.
How should the potatoes be served?
Serve them directly from the slow cooker with the lid on to retain moisture.
Is this mashed potato recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
Why is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
It allows you to prepare the potatoes ahead of time and frees up your schedule.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the expected texture of these potatoes?
The potatoes are designed to be rich, comforting, and creamy.
Can I use red potatoes instead of Sierra Gold?
Yes, red potatoes are a suitable alternative mentioned in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for festive gatherings as it stays warm and ready to serve.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include mashed potatoes, slow cooker, do-ahead, sides, vegetarian, and comfort food.