Indulge in the smooth, creamy, and utterly delightful experience that is Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is perfect for those who love the comforting taste of mashed potatoes but want a hands-off approach. It's cooked slowly to perfection in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The ingredients required for this recipe are generally common in most households. However, one may need to purchase sour cream and parmesan cheese from the supermarket if not readily available at home. Both these ingredients add a rich, tangy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes: These are the main ingredient of this recipe. Choose a variety that is good for mashing, such as Russet or Yukon Gold. Chicken broth: This will add flavor and help the potatoes cook. Garlic cloves: These add a subtle hint of flavor. Butter: This makes the mashed potatoes rich and creamy. Sour cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. Milk: This helps make the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy. Parmesan cheese: This adds a rich, nutty flavor. Salt: This brings out the flavors of the other ingredients. Pepper: This adds a slight heat.
One reader, Gaven Falls says:
These creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes are a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the texture is so smooth. The slow cooker method makes it incredibly convenient. It's a hit every time I make it, and my family can't get enough. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques for Perfect Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
How to prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into chunks.
How to mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher or an electric beater to mash the cooked potatoes until smooth and creamy.
How to season to taste: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to keep warm: If not serving immediately, keep the mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker on the low or warm setting until ready to serve.
How To Make Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Imagine a creamy and buttery mashed potato dish. Now, it’s possible by using a slow cooker to make the potatoes more tender and absorb the flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5lbpotatoes
- 1cupchicken broth,or stock
- 4garlic cloves,crushed
- ⅓cupbutter
- salt,to taste
- ⅔cupsour cream
- ½cuphot milk
- ½cupparmesan cheese,optional
- pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Place the potatoes, broth, garlic, and butter into the slow cooker. Season with salt; mix together and cover with lid.
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Cook on high setting for 4 hours until very tender.
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Mash potatoes with a potato masher or electric beater. Stir the sour cream and milk through until well combined and creamy. Add the Parmesan cheese.
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Keep on low or warm setting until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 384.64kcal
- Fat: 15.01g
- Saturated Fat: 9.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.73g
- Carbohydrates: 53.38g
- Fiber: 6.55g
- Sugar: 4.11g
- Protein: 10.97g
- Cholesterol: 39.05mg
- Sodium: 858.73mg
- Calcium: 193.56mg
- Potassium: 1303.82mg
- Iron: 2.53mg
- Vitamin A: 125.28µg
- Vitamin C: 56.55mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes
When mashing the potatoes, ensure you do so while they are still hot. This will make the mashing process easier and result in a smoother, creamier texture. Additionally, adding the hot milk gradually allows you to control the consistency of your mashed potatoes. If you prefer a looser consistency, simply add a bit more milk. Remember, it's easier to add more liquid than to take it away, so add the milk slowly and stir well after each addition.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker
Prep ahead: Peel and chop the potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to mash the potatoes quickly and evenly, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are cooking in the slow cooker, use the time to prepare other dishes or set the table to save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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potatoes – Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a lower-carb alternative to potatoes, and it can be mashed to a similar consistency when cooked.
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chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and richness to the dish, and it's a suitable substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
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butter – Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes, and it provides a healthier alternative to butter.
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sour cream – Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to sour cream, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
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hot milk – Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to hot milk, and it can still provide a creamy texture to the mashed potatoes.
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parmesan cheese – Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the mashed potatoes, and it's a great option for those looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
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garlic cloves – Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
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Elevate the plating: Present the creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the creamy texture and allow for easy scooping.
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Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with finely chopped chives and a drizzle of truffle oil for an added layer of flavor and sophistication.
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Incorporate texture: Top the mashed potatoes with crispy fried shallots or onions to add a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Utilize elegant serving utensils: Serve the mashed potatoes with a polished silver spoon or a sleek, modern serving utensil to elevate the dining experience.
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Accentuate with color: Add a pop of color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of vibrant paprika or finely chopped parsley for a visually appealing presentation.
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Consider portion control: Serve the creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cocottes for an elegant and personalized touch.
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Emphasize symmetry: Use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls or peaks with the mashed potatoes, ensuring a visually pleasing and professional presentation.
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Pair with complementary sides: Serve the mashed potatoes alongside a perfectly seared filet mignon or a succulent roast chicken to create a harmonious and luxurious dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
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Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which requires maintaining a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods.
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Potato masher: A potato masher is a kitchen tool used to mash cooked potatoes or other soft foods.
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Electric beater: An electric beater, also known as an electric mixer, is a kitchen tool used to mix, beat, and whip ingredients for various recipes.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- To store leftover mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating refrigerated mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore their creamy texture. Heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until they reach the desired temperature.
- For longer storage, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. To do this, portion the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk, cream, or butter to help restore their creamy consistency.
- If you find that the thawed mashed potatoes have a slightly watery texture, you can place them in a saucepan over low heat and stir them constantly until the excess moisture evaporates and they return to their original creamy state.
- To add an extra burst of flavor to reheated mashed potatoes, consider stirring in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs like chives or parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.
How To Reheat Leftover Mashed Potatoes
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The best way to reheat leftover creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes is to use the same trusty appliance that cooked them to perfection in the first place – your slow cooker! Simply transfer the potatoes back into the slow cooker, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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If you're short on time, the microwave is your friend. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until hot and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the potatoes to become gluey.
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For a crispy twist, spread the leftover mashed potatoes in a baking dish, dot with butter, and sprinkle with shredded cheese and/or breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
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If you have a double boiler, this is a gentle way to reheat your mashed potatoes without risking them drying out. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water, bring to a simmer, and place the potatoes in the top section. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
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For a restaurant-style touch, transfer the reheated mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe them onto serving plates. This not only looks impressive but also helps the potatoes retain their heat until serving time.
Interesting Fact About Mashed Potatoes
The creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is a delicious and convenient way to prepare a classic side dish. The slow cooker method allows the potatoes to become tender and flavorful, while the addition of chicken broth and garlic enhances the overall taste. The use of sour cream, hot milk, and parmesan cheese creates a creamy and indulgent texture, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. This recipe is a great option for busy days or when you want to free up space on the stovetop. Plus, the slow cooker keeps the mashed potatoes warm until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!
Is Making Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is quite favorable for a household. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe's simplicity and use of affordable ingredients make it a cost-effective choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-15, making it an economical option for a satisfying side dish. Rating: 9/10.
Are Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Healthy?
This creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The high content of butter, sour cream, and cheese contributes to a significant amount of saturated fat and calories. Additionally, the use of chicken broth adds sodium to the dish. However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as potatoes, which are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and garlic, which has potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter, sour cream, and cheese, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cheese
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- Incorporate more herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika, to enhance flavor without adding calories
- Add some steamed or roasted vegetables, like carrots or cauliflower, to the mash for extra nutrients and fiber
- Use skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content
- Leave the potato skins on for added fiber and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this comforting dish without sacrificing too much on taste and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying this creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe occasionally as part of a balanced diet is perfectly fine.
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on the classic side dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and creamy texture. The addition of garlic, sour cream, and parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a standout at any meal. The use of chicken broth infuses the potatoes with a savory undertone, while the hot milk ensures a lusciously smooth consistency. This recipe is a surefire way to elevate your mashed potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why trust this Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
This creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe guarantees a hassle-free cooking experience, delivering rich, velvety mashed potatoes bursting with flavor. The slow cooker method ensures the potatoes are cooked to perfection, allowing the garlic and butter to infuse their essence throughout. The addition of sour cream and parmesan cheese elevates the creaminess and depth of taste, while the use of chicken broth enhances the overall savory profile. With this recipe, users can trust that they'll achieve outstanding results, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
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